Kayaking out of Newport Dunes

I recently enjoyed a two-hour kayak tour of the Upper Newport Bay with Jim Brancucci, manager of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.  

Brancucci and I paddled out from the dock of  the resort into the gently rippling waters of the Upper Newport Bay.  Brancucci and his co-workers offer ecological kayaking tours of the 750-acre wildlife reserve.  The reserve is home to hundreds of species of migrating birds that use the wetland for a source of food and shelter.

On the tour, paddlers can see dozens of species of birds and fish. Mammals such as coyotes, bobcats and raccoons can be seen onshore early in the morning.  Many species have made a comeback here because hunting and fishing are prohibited on the reserve.   

Several different habitats can be seen from the kayaks. The estuary is lined with sage-covered hills and white cliffs.  Below, there are islands covered in cord grass and freshwater streams that flow into the saltwater marsh.

Indigenous tribes lived here for thousands of years.  Many archaeological sites were found when the area was being developed for housing.

Kayaks are rented at a cost of $29 per hour or $65 for all day.  Tours cost an additional $25 per person.

The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is at 1131 Back Bay Dr. For information, call  949-729-3863 or visit newportdunes.com.