Book an Adventure

Gary GoldingTarzan of Los Angeles

Get Outside.
Go Wild.

Kayak, snorkel and explore Southern California with Gary Golding.

Explore Adventures Meet Gary
Gary Golding in a straw hat and sunglasses above a wide Southern California beach
A monarch butterfly resting on Gary Golding's nose

Meet the Man Behind the Adventure.

Gary Golding is the Tarzan of Los Angeles — a native Angeleno who's happiest outdoors and lives to share the wild side of Southern California with anyone curious enough to come along.

He guides visitors and locals through hidden coves, calm harbors and the Los Angeles River, and teaches kids about nature and self-reliance at schools across the city. Survival fans know him from Naked and Afraid. Everyone who meets him knows his mission: he's here for the children and animals of the world.

Survivalist
Five challenges on Discovery's Naked and Afraid
Lifesaver
Carnegie Hero Medal and Red Cross Hometown Hero Medal
Teacher
Nature, self-reliance and stewardship for the planet
Adventure with Gary

Your Next Adventure Starts Here.

Paddle a calm harbor, float through the kelp, or let Gary build a day around you. Every outing is led by Gary himself.

A paddler in a green kayak looking toward sea lions on a harbor dock at sunset

Kayaking

Calm harbors, beautiful coves and a side of LA most people never see.

Gary Golding snorkeling with a young guest among kelp in a sunny cove

Snorkeling

Slip into the kelp and see what lives just below the surface.

A lone figure stands on a van above the Pacific Ocean at sunset

Custom Adventures

Your interests, your pace, planned by a Los Angeles native.

Adventure

Kayaking

Paddle the Southern California coast with a Los Angeles native who knows these waters. Glide through calm harbors, explore rocky shorelines, or float the Los Angeles River right through the city. Whether it's your first paddle or your fiftieth, Gary makes it unforgettable.

  • Calm harbors and beautiful coves
  • The Los Angeles River
  • Snorkeling can be added
Adventure

Snorkeling

Put your face in the water and a whole new world opens up. Gary leads snorkelers through beautiful coves along the coast, sharing his love for the plants and creatures that make these waters special. Pair it with a kayak trip for the full day on the water.

  • Beautiful coves along the coast
  • Kelp and marine life up close
  • Can be paired with kayaking
Adventure

Custom Adventures

There's no one who can plan your trip better than a native. Tell Gary what lights you up — paddling, snorkeling, beaches, wild places hiding inside the city — and he'll shape an outing around you. Perfect for visitors and locals alike.

  • Planned around your interests
  • Built by a Los Angeles native
  • For visitors and locals

More Ways to Connect with Gary.

Gary brings his love of nature to classrooms, gardens, beehives — and even the wedding aisle.

Gary Golding leading an outdoor school assembly with students raising their hands

Speaking & School Visits

School assemblies, resource fairs, conferences and private events. Gary educates and motivates kids and adults alike.

Gary Golding kneeling in a lush raised vegetable garden

Gardens & Nature

A custom-built garden at your school or home — and the know-how to plant, maintain and harvest it while meeting the native species around us.

Gary Golding in a beekeeping suit holding two honeycomb frames

Bee Services

Beehive removal and new hive installation, with maintenance and education included with every install.

Gary Golding celebrating with a couple at their wedding

Wedding Officiating

Gary is an ordained minister. Make your day one of a kind and let him officiate.

Gary Golding standing on a branch above the Los Angeles skyline

Beyond the Adventure.

Star of Discovery's “Naked and Afraid,” Gary is known by fans, survival enthusiasts and conservationists all over the world. Take a look at his media appearances, or book him for an interview.

Press & Appearance Inquiries

  1. Discovery

    Naked and Afraid

    Five survival challenges

  2. Spectrum News

    Featured on Spectrum News

    News feature on Gary

  3. Hometown Hero

    Gary Saves a Life

    Carnegie Hero Medal and Red Cross Hometown Hero Medal for a rescue in rough water off the California coast

    Watch the story (opens in a new tab)

Let’s Plan Something Wild.

Curious about kayaking, snorkeling, a custom adventure or booking Gary for an appearance? Tell him what you have in mind and he'll get back to you.

Text or call 310-488-2842 Texting works best — Gary may be out on the water. Email tarzan@tarzanoflosangeles.com

Gary usually replies within a day or two.