Ecological Kayak Tours Launch At Newport Dunes

March 15, 2010 - PRLog -- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is launching its own ecological tours of the surrounding federally protected, 750-acre natural wildlife reserve that adjoins it. The kayak tours will still be guided by trained naturalists and the Dunes will donate a portion of sales from the tours to Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends (NBNF). Also new at the Dunes are surrey bikes that can accommodate up to 8 persons and may be used for recreational purposes on the grounds of the resort or to tour the perimeter of the wildlife preserve with a guide. Starting in April, tour reservations may be made by calling the Newport Dunes Marketplace at (949) 279-4507.
“This amazing wildlife sanctuary truly is one of Southern California’s ‘hidden jewels’ and we are delighted to assume the reins of this recreational and educational resource,” said the Dunes’ Vice President and General Manager Andrew Theodorou.
The Back Bay is home to nearly 200 species of birds and numerous forms of rare plant life that are found throughout six distinctive habitats covering open water; mudflats; salt marshes; freshwater marshes and ponds; water-saturated riparian shoreline; and upland bluffs, cliffs and mesas. Each location features a unique combination of food, water and shelter that enables its endemic plants and animals to grow and thrive. Adventurers of all physical capabilities may begin touring the refuge on an introductory quarter-mile path to view wildlife such as sandpipers and ducks in their natural habitat.
Archeologists estimate that Upper Newport Bay has been inhabited by California’s native populations for nearly 10,000 years and is one of the oldest such sites in North America. Since the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the early 1700’s, the land’s ownership has transferred numerous times. The State of California purchased the 750-acre refuge, which was dedicated with the following words, “In the name of the people of the State of California, so that this and future generations may continue to have, use and enjoy the priceless heritage of wildlife resources, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve is hereby dedicated.”
Newport Dunes Resort is a 100-acre waterfront resort featuring a 386-site state-of-the-art RV park, 450-slip marina and a private waveless beach and playground that has been enjoyed by families since 1958. The Dunes also is home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. The 400-square-foot self-contained units feature soaring ceilings, spacious bedrooms, full-service kitchens and private baths. In addition to such planned activities as water aerobics, ecological kayaking tours and sailing lessons, the Dunes offers rentals of pedal boats, surrey bikes, 18-foot electric boats and, during the summer, an aquatic park filled with giant inflatable recreation equipment.
Operated by the Newport Dunes Resort and Marina partnership, Newport Dunes Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, in Newport Beach. For more information, call (949) 729-DUNE or visit www.newportdunes.com.

# # #

The public relations company has been in business for over 20 years with a wide array of clients ranging from the hottest restaurants to break-through health and medicine.