5 Best Places to Paddle Board on Balboa Island, CA

Discover a coastal paradise perfect for watersports!

Get ready to explore the best places to paddle board in Balboa Island, California.

An enchanting destination with stunning views and calm waters, it’s a paddle boarder’s paradise.

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Where to Paddle Board in Balboa Island

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Newport Beach Harbor

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Marina Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, mild ocean swell
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea lions, pelicans
• Landmarks & Views: Balboa Island, Lido Isle, iconic piers
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones

Newport Beach Harbor, located just across the Balboa Island Ferry, provides a relaxed yet vibrant paddleboarding scene. Gliding past yachts and under bridges, you get to experience Southern California’s coastal luxury.

The iconic Balboa Island serves as a perfect backdrop, promising a mix of natural beauty and seaside charm.

#2 Balboa Island Channel

• Location Type: Channel
• Access Point: Balboa Island Ferry (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, seabirds
• Landmarks & Views: Balboa Pavilion, Balboa Fun Zone, boats and yachts
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, given the narrow channels

The Balboa Island Channel offers an exciting paddleboarding experience as you weave between boats, marinas, and waterside homes.

The calm waters, scenic views, and bustling marine activity make it an enjoyable paddleboarding adventure.

#3 Little Balboa Island

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: North Bayfront Park (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, protected from wind
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, seabirds
• Landmarks & Views: Waterfront homes, picture-perfect docks
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of private docks, respect residential areas

Little Balboa Island offers a paddleboarding experience right in the heart of a charming community.

Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the waterways while admiring the stunning waterfront homes and natural scenery. Just be sure to respect private property and minimize noise.

#4 Corona del Mar State Beach

• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Corona del Mar Main Beach (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, seagulls
• Landmarks & Views: Beautiful cliffs, tide pools, beachgoers
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be careful of ocean conditions, respect other beach users

Only a short drive away from Balboa Island, Corona del Mar State Beach offers a picturesque paddleboarding experience.

The ocean waves and stunning coastline provide the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating session. Be prepared to share the water with surfers and swimmers, but don’t forget to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.

#5 Back Bay in Newport

• Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Newport Aquatic Center (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, bay currents
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Egrets, herons, ducks, fish
• Landmarks & Views: Nature reserve, serene landscapes
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife and plants, stay on designated trails

Back Bay is an idyllic spot, just a short drive away from Balboa Island.

The calm waters and surrounding nature reserve provide a serene and tranquil environment to explore while paddleboarding. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing session to connect with nature.

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