Dinosaur Caves Paddling
Dinosaur Caves Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) - Dinosaur Caves Park and Dinosaur Caves Kayaking - Paddling around rock to enter cave., Shell Beach, Pismo Beach California:
Kayaking by the Dinosaur Caves Arch in islet by Margo Dodd Park (Elephant Arch):
Very near to the access stairs at the end of Pier Avenue are some caves and arches you can sometimes paddle through. An arch and a cave are in the islet (small island) that is just off shore from Margo Dodd Park. There are also some caves in the cliff that you can sometimes enter, land in, and explore just east of the islet. Some additional caves are further east right below the Dinosaur Caves Park. All these caves and arches are often referred to as Dinosaur Caves. They are near the Dinosaur Caves Park and Margo Dodd Park.
The surf size and tide will determine what cave/arch you can paddle through. The arch in the islet can be paddled through more often. The cave in the islet sometimes has waves breaking in it and a surge that could crush you against the ceiling – be careful! For the cave in the islet, you can paddle from the backside so you can see the waves coming (depending on the surf size and tide).
To scout the islet cave before you paddle, you can see the small entrance from the cliffs by Margo Dodd Park. The arch is harder to see from shore, however, from some of the overlooks in Dinosaur Caves Park you can see it if you know where it is.
NEW VIDEO of area - paddling with seals and through sea cave and arch.
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For more information about paddling the Shell Beach and Pismo Beach area and for additional launch spots, please visit my page about the Shell Beach area.
Many commercial paddling tours of the Dinosaur Caves begin their paddle at Avila Beach or Port San Luis. However, it is much closer to begin your Dinosaur Caves paddle from the access stairs at the end of Pier Avenue.
It is a longer paddle to reach Dinosaur Caves from Port San Luis or Avila Beach, but it is a beautiful paddle. In Port San Luis you can can launch without a surf entry. See my Port San Luis and Avila Beach page for more information.
I have a web page about Avila Beach and Port San Luis launch spots - click here to view the page.
Here is a picture of the Dinosaur Caves just before entering from the back side in our kayak:
Here are some pictures of the Dinosaur Caves Arch - click on the picture to enlarge:
Dinosaur Caves Kayaking - Paddling around rock to enter cave - picture taken on cliffs looking down from Margo Dodd Park.
Dinosaur Caves Kayaking - Paddling kayak into cave.
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