FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
We will need an ID and Debit/Credit card to hold on to from one person in your group while you are out on the water - regardless of walk-up or reservation.
Suggested Items to bring include:
Water Bottle
Snacks (optional)
Sunscreen (available for purchase here)
Sunglasses
Hat
Towel (for after)
Do you charge anything on the card held for deposit?
No, we just physically hold the ID and credit card while you are out on the water. You can pay cash, or card when you return.
What should I wear?
Dress for the water temp, not the air temp— avoid cotton, which will chill you; quick-drying clothing is a must.
-Bathing suit or board shorts
-Quick-drying shorts/yoga pants etc.
-Thermal, quick-drying top (rash guards, fleece, polypropylene, or other synthetics are best. Cotton makes you cold)
-Windbreaker or paddling jacket (optional)
-Footwear: water shoes, booties, sport sandals, or old tennis shoes are best. Barefoot is ok too.
-Change of Clothes for afterwards
-No loose clothing - especially on the hydo bikes. Not only is loose/baggy clothing hard to work out in but loose pants can get caught in the bike chains.
Please note, we do not encourage wearing a wetsuit for our kayak or SUP rentals. While the water temperature in Mission Bay can get a little chilly in San Diego, the average air temperatue is 72 degrees and sunny. Not only are wetsuits restrictive but can easily cause over heating.
Will I get wet?
You will be on the water so plan accordingly. Kayak rentals will likely get a little splash here or there from your paddle dripping. SUP rentals will likely get a little wet on your feet or knees - depending on how you balance on the board. Hydro bike rentals may get a little wet on their feet if they come across some choppy water.
Do you have lockers?
No, we do not have lockers. However, the dock where our rentals launch from is behind a locked get where we do have open storage cubbies to leave behind shoes, clothes, car keys, etc. We recommend leaving valuables in your car or taking them with you in a water tight storage compartment.
SUPs rentals have bungee cord on the front of the board, kayak rentals have and/or bungee storage or close lid storage, and hydro bike rentals have a storage container on the front of the handle bars. Please note, these are not water tight.
We have cases and dry bags available for purchase from $10-$30 in our shop when your arrive. Our phone cases allow you to take photos and make calls while still keeping your phone dry and dry bags range from small to x-large.
Due to COVID-19 we no longer hold on to any personal belongings in the shop. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, pets are welcome! There is no extra charge to bring your pet and we provide flotation devices at no additional cost.
We have numerous pet flotation devices ranging in size from XXS to XXL. From the smallest Tea Cup Chihuahua to a Bernese Mountain Dog - we've got it all! No additional reservations are needed.
For more information about our pet policy please see our Pet's FAQ
Do you have parking?
Yes! Unlike many of our competitors here in Mission Bay, we have FREE parking directly across the street in a HUGE lot. There is also plenty of street parking.
There is also a free 15-minute loading/unloading zone in the lot directly in front of the shop if you or a friend is brining their own kayak or SUP.
Can I launch my own kayak or SUP from your location?
Yes, we do allow customers to launch their own kayaks or SUP from our dock during regular business hours as long as they complete a waiver for release of liability and pay a small launch fee.
There is a free 15-minute loading/unloading zone in the lot directly in front of the shop along the waters edge with turf if you or a friend is brining their own kayak or SUP.
Do I have to know how to swim?
You do not need to know how to swim but should be comfortable floating in the water while wearing a PFD. It is required you wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
What are you hours of Operation?
Our hours of operation are seasonal and weather dependent with closing times based on the sunset! Please call us for updated hours of operation.
Is there a minimum amount of time I must keep the equipment?
All our rentals are a minimum of one and a half hours then we prorate to the closest 30 minutes. If you return the equipment earlier than the initial 90 minutes, the base cost will not be prorated.
How old do I have to be to rent equipment?
We require someone 18 or over to rent the equipment after that it is up to their discretion.
On average, children age 8 to 10 can usually start using equipment on their own. This varies from child to child.
What is the minimum age requirement?
-Age 18 and over need to sign a liability waiver.
-Age 15 and over with a buddy may paddle without direct adult supervision(in protected area) - still need a waiver completed by an adult.
-Age 8 and over may rent a single kayak(weather-permitting) when paddling with a guardian.
-Age 7 and under will paddle with an adult on a double kayak.
-Small child and infant might be able to fit on a large single or double kayak(life jacket rental fee applies).
-The minimum age for any passengar on our equipment is 5 years old.
The requirements to bring a toddler include:
-They must be able to sit still
-They should be able to float comfortably by themselves on the water while wearing a life jacket
-The should weigh at least 30lbs
Do you provide life jackets?
As required by the United States Coast Guard we provide approved Personal Flotation Devices for all Renters including children. We do provide life vests for dogs, however they are not required to wear one. For more information, please see the Code of Federal Regulation on Life Jackets.
Is there a Veterans/Military Discount?
Yes, to receive a 10% Military discount a Valid Military ID Must be presented at the time you check in to the rental. The ID must be present and can not be a photo or copy. Once presented a refund equaling the 10% amount will be refunded back to the payment method on file.
*PLEASE NOTE: A valid Military ID (or VA card), and ID holder, must be presented at the time of check-in otherwise we will charge the full price of the rental. There are no exceptions to this. Discounts cannot be combined.
Are you ADA accessible?
At Aqua Adventures, we take pride in being fully ADA accessible and friendly. We have had the privilege of collaborating with organizations like the Veterans Administration (VA) and the SDSU Adaptive Athletics Program, enabling individuals with disabilities to enjoy the water without the usual challenges.
Our unique location, featuring dockside rentals, offers an unparalleled advantage. Unlike traditional beach locations, where maneuvering through sand and accessing boats can be cumbersome for those with disabilities, our setup simplifies the process. You won't find yourself hauling your wheelchair through the sand or worrying about how to get into or out of the boat.
However, it's important to note that while we are ADA accessible, we do not have a lift assist system in place. Nonetheless, our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and accommodating environment to ensure that everyone can experience the joy of being out on the water.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance related to accessibility, please feel free to reach out. We are committed to making your experience at Aqua Adventures as enjoyable and accessible as possible.
