Newport Aquatic Center is located at the Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve entrance, which spans over one thousand acres of marshlands. The aquatic center is an 18,000-foot facility with meeting rooms, weight training facilities, locker rooms, and storage areas for kayaks and canoes.
Visitors to the Newport Aquatic Center can rent one or two-person kayaks by the hour. Children must be at least eight years old and be accompanied by an adult. No reservations are required to rent a kayak. It’s first-come, first-serve. Aquatic center members can use kayaks, canoes, and all facilities, including the lockers. When you rent a kayak, you become a member per hour.
Kayak Tours
Guided Kayak tours are available every Saturday and Sunday. A naturalist leads the tour through the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. The Back Bay is a salt marsh estuary home to many birds and several endangered species. The guide will discuss the history of the bay and talk about native plants, birds, animals, and marine life.
Kayak Rentals
Renting a kayak is quick and easy with affordable hourly pricing. Be sure to bring sunscreen because you will be out on the water with the sun shining directly on you with no shade other than a hat. Always remember that you have to paddle back. If you have the wind behind you on the way out, you will have a headwind on your return trip.
Single kayaks are much easier to maneuver, but double kayaks are harder to capsize—something to keep in mind if you’re taking children. The Newport Aquatic Center offers private introductory and advanced lessons for SUP (stand-up paddle) and kayaks if you need instruction before heading out alone.
At the Newport Aquatic Center, you are kindly requested to carry your kayak to and from the water and clean it off upon your return. If no one is waiting to use it, you may be asked to return the kayak to its designated rack.
Newport Back Bay
Newport Back Bay is the home of nearly 200 species and serves as a sanctuary for migrating flocks. The back bay is also a critical fishery habitat. The bay is usually a quiet place; however, during certain times of the day, the calm is interrupted by the sound of planes taking off from nearby John Wayne Airport.
Although residential areas mostly enclose the back bay, one can quickly lose track of their surroundings when on the water. The Newport Aquatic Center offers a thrilling and accessible means to appreciate the stunning scenery of the back bay while also providing a fantastic exercise opportunity.
About the Aquatic Center
The Newport Aquatic Center is a non-profit corporation that was established in 1982. The facility was built in 1987 and offers public access to recreational human-powered boating. Additionally, the NAC provides unique opportunities for the public to participate in Olympic water sports such as rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe competition.
Getting to the Newport Aquatic Center
Newport Aquatic Center is at 1 Whitecliffs Drive, Newport Beach, California. Visit the Aquatic Center website for information on rentals and events. Newport Aquatic Center Hours are Monday – Friday: 7 am to Sunset and Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 5 pm.
Are dogs allowed in the kayak?
From their website “WE ARE KAYAK DOG-FRIENDLY ~ Due to safety, dogs are NOT allowed on our SUP’s. All dogs must be on a leash. Thank you and Happy Paddling.”
How much is it to rent the kayak per hour?
Single kayak: $15/hour Min. AGE: 7 Yrs
Double kayak: $20/hour Min. AGE: 7 Yrs
Stand Up Paddle Board: $20/hour Min. AGE: 14Yrs (1 person per Board)