Guided SUP Tour to The Arch: 2025 Review & Tips
So you’ve seen the pictures of that giant stone archway out in the ocean, and frankly, you’re wondering what the best way to see it up close really is. I mean, there are lots of boat tours, which are fine, but something about them just feels a little bit detached. As I was saying, gliding across the water on your own stand-up paddleboard, or SUP, is an entirely different experience altogether. Honestly, it connects you to the whole scene in a way a motorboat just can’t. We just went on the 2025 version of the guided tour to The Arch, and it’s pretty much an activity I think everyone should consider. It’s just a bit more personal, you know? At the end of the day, you’re creating your own power to get there, and that’s a feeling that is actually hard to beat. This is, you know, my full rundown of what the day was really like from beginning to end.
What to Really Expect on Your Morning Paddle
Okay, so our morning started very early, like before the sun was fully up, which I actually loved. The meeting spot was right on the beach, and you could just feel a kind of quiet energy as the guides got everything ready. Frankly, there’s something special about a beach before all the crowds show up. The guides were, for example, super friendly from the very first moment, checking everyone in and assigning us boards that seemed pretty new and well-cared for. They gave a safety talk that was, in fact, both quick and to the point. Honestly, they covered everything you would need to know, like how to hold the paddle correctly and, of course, the classic ‘how to get back on your board if you fall off.’ They made it all feel very low-pressure, which is arguably what you want when you’re about to paddle out into the ocean.
As a matter of fact, the gear was all laid out for us: a board, a paddle, and a life vest that was, in a way, surprisingly comfortable. I mean, they made sure everyone’s paddle was the right height, which is something you might not think about but it really does make a difference. Pushing off from the shore was just a little wobbly at first, I’m not going to lie. Still, the water was almost like glass at that hour, and you know, the first few rays of sun were just starting to hit the cliffs. The air was a little cool but completely refreshing. The guide, a fellow named Marco, stayed really close to the group, offering tips in a very quiet voice, like he didn’t want to disturb the morning calm. For instance, he told us to keep our eyes on the horizon for balance, and that little tip alone was honestly a big help.
The Paddle Out – More Than Just a Workout
Now, the actual paddle towards The Arch took more or less forty-five minutes, but frankly, it didn’t feel that long at all. That is that, once you find your rhythm, you kind of just get into a zone. It’s basically a mild workout, sure, but the view is so distracting that you almost don’t notice your arms are working. Along the way, you are just gliding past these huge, dramatic rock formations that jut out of the sea. It’s almost like they have their own personality, you know? The water itself is this incredibly clear shade of blue-green, and you can see a lot of fish just darting around below your board, which is a really neat thing to see. It’s pretty much an aquarium but you’re floating on top of it.
Actually, the best part of the paddle out was Marco, our guide. He clearly had a deep affection for this place. In fact, he kept pointing out all this cool stuff we would have totally missed on our own. For example, he showed us a colony of sea lions that were just sunbathing on a flat rock, barking and flopping around. They seemed completely unfazed by us as we floated by at a respectful distance, which was obviously great. Marco also shared some stories about the pirates who supposedly used these coves hundreds of years ago, which just added a whole other layer to the trip. Honestly, you’re not just looking at rocks; you’re sort of picturing this whole history playing out around you. It’s a bit like a floating history lesson, and that was something I wasn’t expecting at all.
Reaching The Arch – The Big Payoff
Well, seeing The Arch grow bigger and bigger as you get closer is a really cool experience. By the time you get right up to it, you actually have to crane your neck back to see the top. It is seriously massive in person, and photos just don’t capture that scale. The feeling of paddling right through the opening is, frankly, amazing. The water inside the arch seems to have a slightly different color, and the sound of your paddle just echoes a little bit against the stone walls. Honestly, for a few moments, our entire group was just quiet, taking it all in. We literally just drifted there, soaking up the view of Lover’s Beach on one side and the open Pacific on the other.
The guides are, obviously, really good at turning into photographers right at this moment. Marco offered to take pictures of everyone on their own phones, so you get these incredible shots with The Arch perfectly framed behind you. Seriously, he knew all the right angles. At the end of the day, you get a memory you can actually keep, not just a mental picture. He told us a little about the geology of the formation, too. I remember him saying something that stuck with me.
He said, you know, “This Arch is literally a doorway between the calm sea and the wild ocean. When you paddle through it, you are, for just a moment, in between two different worlds. Just feel that.”
And you know, he was right. It did feel like that. It was definitely the high point of the entire paddle, and you really felt like you’d earned that view after paddling all the way out there yourself. It’s a very satisfying moment.
Is This SUP Tour Right for You?
So, a big question you might have is about fitness level, right? To be honest, you don’t need to be some kind of super athlete to do this. I mean, if you have a moderate level of fitness and decent balance, you will probably be just fine. We saw people of all ages and body types in our group, and almost everyone managed it without any real trouble. The guides are always there to help, and they set a pace that is, in a way, very manageable for the whole group. Still, if you’ve never been on a paddleboard before, you might find it just a little wobbly initially. Just remember that falling in the water is more or less part of the fun, and the water is actually quite warm.
As a matter of fact, this tour seems really good for couples or small groups of friends. It could be good for families with older teenagers, too, who are sort of looking for an actual activity instead of just sitting around. In terms of what you should bring with you, it’s pretty simple. The tour company provides all the gear, but you definitely need to take care of yourself. I would really recommend a few key things.
- Sunscreen: You know, the sun reflects off the water, so it’s incredibly strong. I mean, apply it generously before you go.
- A Hat and Sunglasses: These are pretty much non-negotiable for protecting your face and eyes, seriously.
- Waterproof Camera or Phone Case: You are absolutely going to want pictures, so you just need a way to protect your electronics.
- A Small Towel and Change of Clothes: For after the tour, obviously, because there’s a good chance you’ll be at least a little wet.
- A Positive Attitude: Okay, this sounds cheesy, but honestly, just go with the flow and be ready to laugh if you lose your balance. It just makes the whole day better.
My Final Thoughts and Little Tips
At the end of the day, I would do this tour again in a heartbeat. The feeling of gliding over the water under your own power is just something special. Frankly, seeing The Arch from that low-on-the-water perspective makes you appreciate its size and beauty in a completely different way. It’s a peaceful yet somehow very active way to experience one of nature’s most incredible sculptures. One little tip is to just ask your guide questions. Our guide, Marco, was a wealth of information not just about the sea life but about the local area, restaurants, and other things to do. Basically, they are your local connection, so you should make the most of it.
Another tip is to just relax your body. Sometimes, people are a bit stiff on the board because they are afraid of falling, but being loose actually helps your balance a lot more. You know, just bend your knees and try to feel the rhythm of the water underneath you. Honestly, it makes a big difference. The paddle back feels quicker, as you are going with the slight current, and the feeling of your board touching the sand back at the beach is pretty satisfying. It’s a full-circle experience that leaves you feeling a little tired but incredibly accomplished. Definitely two thumbs up from me for the 2025 season.
- Go early: The morning tours, in fact, have the calmest water and the fewest boats around.
- Listen to the briefing: It really has some good, simple tips that honestly make a difference.
- Don’t fear falling: Seriously, the water is great and getting back on is easier than you think.
- Engage your core: Your arms will get tired, so remember that a lot of your paddling power actually comes from your core.
- Savor the quiet: At some point, just stop paddling for a minute and float. Just listen and look around. It’s a pretty special place.
Read our full review: 2025 Guided SUP tour to The Arch Full Review and Details
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