Daily 10 AM - 2 PM
Extended Hours Friday and Saturday
Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area
Ocean and River Nursery
The Most Wildlife Rich Habitat
on the Russian River
Adult and Young Wildlife
Seal, Otter, Birds, Whale
Sharing the best ways
to view since 1987
"Know Before You Go" Interpretation
River Mouth Open: Lake Like Tidal Estuary.
Stay Back from Deadly River Mouth Currents
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife by land and water.
Feeding and Disturbing Prohibited
Ask for best start times per our forecasts.
Estuary Forecast: 09/16/23: Mellow Days
Calm condiitons persist. AM overcast turns sunny. Temps hold in the 60s to low 70s daily. Our dry bags and outerwear are free to use for overcast mornings. Our
Thurs & Mon: Start 10AM-2PM Last kayak off the water by 4:30PM.
Fri - Sun: Start 9AM-4PM Last kayak off by 6:30PM.
Ocean Temps: 55-59
Check Back : Forecasts can change.
See our safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 apps as none correctly cover all. We are not responsible for accuracy as forecasts can and do change. Therefore, nobody can interpret with full accuracy.
Family Friendly Rentals
in our
Jenner Kayaks
Learn about River and Marine Wildlife Nurseries
and Biologically Diverse Kelp Sea Forests
Sharing the Best Ways to Explore the Russian River
Marine Protected and Managed Recreation Area
View River and Ocean Wildlife
Within the Protection of the Tidal Estuary.
Wildlife Interpretive Safety Review: Where and How to View.
Mini Kayak Lesson
Free Full Outfitting: Including Drybag and Outerwear use.
Activities throughout the year...
Summer into Fall: Beat the Heat
Rental Start Times:
Monday & Thursday: 10 AM - 3 PM: Last off water 5:30 PM
Friday - Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM: Last off water 6:30 PM
Tues & Wed: Open by 2-3 day advance reservation, if we have available staff.
Hiring: Part-time, Lifeguard / Kayak Safety / Guide
Valid Certifications Required: Great Pay for Great Attitude and Reliable Team Work.
Each kayak is personally prepped
We have scheduled Meet and Safety Review Times
Our most popular times can fill up fast
Reserve Days or Weeks in Advance to Ensure the seats you want
Some midweek days we have school field research.
Reserve Early for Large Groups, School Breaks, Holidays and Heat Waves
Weather Forecasts can affect our hours:
Please see the current forecast in our water box.
Summer into Fall: River and Coast Conditions
Calm mornings, gentle afternoon breezes calm into evening hours with occasional windy afternoons. Fully calm sunny days increase into early Fall.
No Cancellation Fees for Acts of Nature: We call you in advance.
Our Rates are Listed Below
for our "Marine Protected Area"
"Your Tourism Activities Fund
Education, Research and Paid Internships"
Thank you for your support!
Want a Guided Tour?
Private Tours or Join our Group Discount Events
A full list of our seasonal weather and river flow limitations, and what conditions cause periodic closures, can be found here.
Life Opens Up: Breathe Freely On The Water
Heavily Visited Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Area.
Staff Shortages and Staff over the age of 60. Staff may use Masks During Viral Surges.
We want to stay open and to keep having fun with you.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
Wildlife Nursery for...
The Most Biologically Dense and Diverse
Ocean Forest on our Planet.
State, Federal and United Nations
Protected Reserve Status.
(See "Safety Limitations Below". Compliance Mandatory )
All Activities Remain At Your Own Risk
- Applies to all visitors including Ocean Beach and Island Hikes and Paddle or Motorized Watercraft of Any Type
-
“No Go Zone” Rescue & Ticketing Fees: Pay Attention To Safety Reviews: "Protected Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area". Do not enter "or approach" roped off areas.
-
Stay back 50 yards, (150 feet). State or Federal fines for disturbing resting seals and sea birds can be up to $10,000. None of us wants you to be charged extra fees. Private paddlers have also been gravely inured by entering river mouth or ocean currents at this location. Deadly results, or being banned from renting in the park, can happen if you enter this area. Join us in modeling respectful and ecologically sustainable behavior.
-
No Dogs: On beaches with direct wildlife access.
-
Leave No Trace: Benefit rather than harm the areas we visit. This area is a protected wildlife nursery. No littering including toxic items like cigarette butts! Leave only foot prints and take only photos and memories.
-
Boating under the influence (BUI) = fines. Being under the influence of mind altering substance is not allowed. Participants showing up under the influence will be cancelled. Becoming under the influence on the water may be subject to ticketing and being banned from renting in the park. Kayaking is great for working up an appetite, or thirst, for enjoying local cuisines, wine tasting or micro-brews "after your activity".
A State Park "Business Access by Permit Only" Location.
Additional insurance and operational fees.
All operational and lifeguard fees included in one low price.
Client Monitoring For “State Marine Recreation Management Area”
With 'Federal Wildlife Protection"
"We value your safety and enjoyment, as well as
the integrity of our education and research programs".
Please Respect the Recommendations of our Staff,
Local Regulations, our Access Partners, and Our Other Participants..
Failure to do so can result in injury, death, fines, or loss of participation.
Be Nice and Have Fun!
All Boating Is Within The Protected River and Estuary Waters.
Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
No: Excess mud, Trash, or "Potentially infectious waste": Masks, tissues, etc.
-
Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages...
-
Pull by handles only, not by stowage cords.
-
Don't melt our kayaks with lighters or cigarette butts.
-
Avoid breaking paddles by using them as shovels or to shove off.
-
Step on foot areas only, not on hulls or seats.
-
Don't lose and return all kayak parts and gear.
-
-
Cancellation Fees: No Shows: Full Price.
-
To avoid last minute cancellation fees: Call us in time to allow others on a waiting list, to be contacted, to use your seats.
-
Rentals: Call at least 24 hours in advance.
-
Guided Tours and Large Groups: At least 72 hours in advance.
-
Or provide 'proof of illness' or emergency: We won't immediately charge. Instead we allow time for clients to provide a copy of a doctors note or other emergency.
-
No "Act of Nature" Cancel fees: High wind, rain, or public health closures. We call you.
Many of our wildlife photos are contributed by Bob Noble.
See Bob's Eyes...
Suki Waters captures most of the wildlife and scenic video.
See contributions also from
George Scott Zastrow Photography
We welcome contributions from our clients and friends.
Resuming Morning
Sunset
Full Moon
and
Night Bioluminescent
Tours
Friday through Monday
and Special Events
Hiring:
CPR, First Aid, Water Rescue
Renew your certifications
to be part of a fun community education and recreational safety team.
Fees Covered with Seasonal or Annual Employment Agreement.
Competitive Pay
We Reward Your Experience!
Main Rules : Pay Attention, Be Nice and Have Fun!
Wildlife Adventure
Kayak Rentals
Sharing the best ways to view wildlife since 1987
Your activity helps fund education, research and recreational safety.=
No cancellation fees for acts of nature, (weather, viral, etc.)
We call you in advance.
Don't Show Up If You Feel Sick, Have A Cough, Or Have A Temperature
To Avoid Cancellation Fees: Please Call Immediately.
Our Current Hours: Are at the top of this page
and In Our "Water Box" Weather Forecast
Reservations Required
Jenner: Very Limited Internet and Cell Service
Rural Land Line: No Texts: Leave a voice message anytime.
Call: 9 AM - 6 PM Daily
1-707-865-2249
You may need to leave a message during peak hours.
Tourism Rates: No Shuttle Required
Multiple Hour and Midweek Discounts Shown in Prices
Add 30 minutes prior to your "water time" for all rentals:
This is your reserved check-in and safety review time.
All rentals Include: Kayak, Paddle, Life Vest, Drybag and Safety Review Lesson.
Thin Water Resistant Outerwear available during cooler months.
Liability Waivers Required
Children Under 12: Half Price
Dogs: + $10
(Dogs are not allowed on Goat Rock or Driftwood Beaches per vital wildlife habitat and the estuary island, seasonally, per bird nesting.)
Jenner By the Sea: Estuary Loop / Park & Paddle!
No Shuttle Required: 2-6 hours of paddling with wildlife, exploring the island and walking coastal beaches. Wildlife include seals and their pups along with a wealth of bird species including raptors. Sea birds are seen daily especially in their protected resting area. River Otter, are often present with occasional sightings of Fox, Bobcat, Mink and Muskrat. Seasonal trends and fish runs also bring Sea Lions, Whales, dolphins, pelagic birds and both Brown and American White Pelicans.
Adult Rates: Ask about discounts for families with children, seniors,
schools, youth groups, military, emergency service, and hospital staff.
Total Time: 2.5 Hrs
Water Time: 2 Hrs
Midweek:
Single: $50
Double: $100 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Weekends and Holidays:*
Single: $55
Double: $110 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Total Time: 4.5 Hrs
Water Time: 4 Hrs
Midweek:
Single: $70
Double: $140
Weekends and Holidays:*
Single: $75
Double: $150
Total Time: Full Day
(Not recommended without a shuttle. Shuttles must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. We are not shuttling when short staffed.)
Water Time: 5-8 Hrs
Midweek:
Single: $90
Double: $180
Weekends and Holidays*
Single: $95
Double: $190
Useful Items To Bring:
sunscreen
sunglasses
wide brimmed hat or cap
layering and water friendly shoes
small waterproof day pack or use our drybags
water & snacks
binoculars
GPS (Handy for Geocaching)
waterproof camera
Outfitters at
other Locations
Shuttled Routes: Group Shuttle Discount: 4+: Ask!
Not Available: Still Short Staffed Since May of 2020
We will update prices when we can resume shuttles.
Note: 90% of our activities are not shuttled.
48 hour advanced shuttle reservation required.
Shuttles and guided tours can resume once masking mandates are lifted, and we are fully staffed.
Willow Creek: Route Reversible: 2-4 Miles:
Shuttle Times: 9 AM / 11 AM / 1PM
Just Upstream Of Jenner. Gentle paced exploratory route includes the island loop with good swimming near the Willow Creek Campground beach. Major Birding And Wildlife Area.
4.5 Hrs Full Day
On the water: 4 Return by last return time.
Single: $85 $100
Double: $170 $200 Ask for Shuttle Group Discount For Larger Groups In Doubles
Duncan Mills or Monte Rio: Route Reversible June through October: 7-10 Miles
Shuttle Times: 9 AM Only
For Duncan Mills Campers: Paddle through the heart of our main wildlife corridor into Sonoma Coast State Park. Low impact aerobic 4 hour route " with not much time to explore estuary wildlife" or full day adventure. Monte Rio is a full day trip.
Duncan Mills: 5 Hrs to Full Day: Monte Rio: Full Day Only
On the water: 4 Return by last return time for that day. (Ask when reserving)
Single: $ 90 $105
Double: $180 $210 Ask for Shuttle Group Discount For Larger Groups In Doubles
Guerneville to Monte Rio or Duncan Mills: 3-8 Miles
Route does not require lifeguard safety monitoring for the Marine Protected Area.
May require an extra Shuttle Vehicle and extra Guerneville Staff, which may not be available.
Or call Kings Sport in Guerneville. They cover this Summer route.
October through April: Shuttle Times: 9 AM / 11 AM
Includes access fees: Possible afternoon upstream winds. Summer Dams, Occasional River Currents: Route Not Reversible. Reserve for GV Staff: Warmer and less occasional fog in early Summer. Restrooms and good beach food available at Monte Rio beach during Summer months.
Duncan Mills: 4.5 Hrs or Full Day: Monte Rio: Full Day Only
On the water: 4 Return by last return time.
Single: $75 $90
Double: $150 $180 Ask for Shuttle Group Discount For Large Groups In Doubles
Multi Day Rentals: We have discontinued all Multi-Day Rentals due to Short Staffing.
Finishing In Jenner "Marine Protected Area": (Summer: Midweek Only)
Included: Map of Jenner: With wildlife and safety restrictions.
All river accommodations are "for fee" camping or units. All else is private property.
Guerneville to Jenner: Camp overnight at Duncans Mills: Casini Ranch Family Campground or Duncans Mills Camping Club : Requires advanced planning and reservations with your campground.
Start: Forestville or Healdsburg: 2 - 4 Day Custom Trips
Requires advanced planning and reservations with your accommodation providers.
Accommodations:
Forestville: Camping
Guerneville: Camping or accommodations with river and hot tub access.
Duncans Mills: Camping
Jenner: State Park camping at Willow Creek or accommodations with hot tub or sauna access.
Multi Day Guided Instructional Tours: More details on our tour page.
We have discontinued all Multi-Day Guided Tours due to Short Staffing.
Include:
Kayak outfitting and instruction.
Camping: With Breakfast and Dinner Camp Meals And Packed Lunches.
Or
A Combination of Camping And Vacation Rentals: With Packed Lunches.
Breakfast And Dinner:
Can Be A Combination Of Camp Food And Meals At Vacation Rentals Or
Dining At Local Establishments (Within Walking Or Kayaking Distance Or By Group Van Shuttle).