Daily 10 AM - 2 PM
Extended Hours Friday and Saturday
We are upgrading!
thank you for your patience.
Russian River Estuary
Reserve Early For Easter!
River Mouth Open: Strong River Currents!
Activities Are Closed Until Rain Reduces:
Hazardous Currents Flush Into Deadly Ocean Waves
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from "any" resting or feeding wildlife. Feeding Prohibited.
Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery.
Coming Soon: Wildlife Birthing and Rearing
Birds, Seal Pups, Otter, Whale, Wildlife In Plenty.
"Wildlife Habitat" and "Wildlife Access to Ocean".
Reserve Early for quick launch and safety review.
Late & Walk ups may have wait times due to minimal staffing.
Thin Water resistant outerwear over warmer layers help to stay comfy. We have some and drybags free to use.
Families with children or first time paddlers.
Ask for best times per our forecasts.
Estuary Forecast: 03/25/23: Closed: Repeated Rain brings minor local flooding Tue into Wed that could become major with repeated bouts of heavy rain. Time for river levels to drop may keep us closed through March.
We hope to be "periodically" open by April.
Russian River Flow Forecast: Guerneville
Ocean Temps: Sonoma Coast Sea Temp 49 °F
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
Winter: Live Conditions Common: Moderate Winter temps.
Cold / Wet Winter: Open for warmer / dryer periods.
Rentals available with strong incoming tides, when river level drops below 7 feet at Guerneville, and with temps above 54.
Reserve "Guided" Estuary Tours for warmer midweek days.
Check Back : Forecasts can change.
See our safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 as none correctly cover all conditions.
We are not responsible for accuracy as forecasts can and do change. Therefore nobody can interpret with full accuracy.
A full list of our seasonal weather and river flow limitations, and what conditions cause periodic closures, can be found here.
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 Evening
Sunset
Full Moon
and
Night Bioluminescent
Tours
As soon as we are again
fully staffed.
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!
Watertrek's
Jenner Kayaks
Wildlife Adventures By Kayak
Rentals Since 2005
Interpreting for State Parks Since 1987
Partnering with the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
At the Russian River Estuary
Where the River meets the Sea.
We share the best ways to view the wildife!
Marine Protected Area
State Park Waivers / Federal Regulations
Activities throughout the year...
(Weather and water permitting)
Fall through Spring
As temps rise, above 54 degrees on our coast line...
We Re-Open Any Time Of The Year
Please see our micro-climate forecast
on the side bar of this page.
We can fully book for any
Weekend, School Break or Holiday!
Reserve Early for Easter and Memorial Day Holidays!
Waiting Lists Available: Call Us
Closed for temp highs below 54 degrees, moderate to heavy rain or high winds.
Estuary Forecast: 03/25/23: Closed: Repeated Rain keeps currents hazardous.
We plan to reopen prior to Easter in April.
Our Ideal Schedule:
Open Most Thursdays -Mondays: Rentals Closed Most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Open Tues and Wed: For Summer, Holiday Weeks and Heat Waves.
Join our team and help us "Fully" reopen.
Fully Outfitted: Kayak, Paddle, Safety Vest, Dry bags and a "limited" amount of thin Water Resistant Outerwear (Tops and Pants) are free to use. Your own will fit better. Childs 6/7 to Adult XXXL. Please reserve your size if not bringing your own.
Our Rates and Current Hours are Listed Below
"for the "Marine Protected Area"
"Our Tourism Activities Fund
Education, Research and Paid Internships"
Thank you for your support!
Sonoma Safe: Breathe Freely On The Water
Our Staff Use Masks During Viral Surges
Heavily Visited Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Area.
Crowded Conditions Can Happen At Any Time In Jenner.
Client limits: On number of households and total clients per check in and safety review, allows every household space to meet their comfort level and to have a great time.
This helps prevent viral spread, that could also cancel all activities while we recuperate.
We have staff who are over the age of 60 or who have family members who are at risk.
We want to keep working and having fun with you.
Reserve Early
Outfitting and Safety Review Time Slots
Weekends and Holidays: Every Half Hour
Weekdays: Every Hour
"On Time Mandatory To Not Overlap"
If you're late, you may have to wait.
("Walk Up" / And "Late Reservation" Wait Times: Can vary from 15 to 120 minutes for available seating and safety review openings.)
Local rates of Covid, Flu and RSV viruses. National Waste Water Monitoring Page,
Local Covid Positive Test Rate: Covid and Norovirus: Rising rates per relaxed protocols.
Don't Show Up If You Feel Sick, Have A Cough, Or Have A Temperature
To Avoid Cancellation Fees: Please Call Immediately.
We'll give you a cell number to text a photo of your positive test to.
Our landline reservation phone cannot accept texts.
Russian River Estuary And Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
Ocean Beach and Island Hikes / Wildlife and Birding
An "business by permit only" location.
(See "Safety Limitations Below". Compliance Mandatory )
All Activities Remain At Your Own Risk
Client Monitoring For “State Marine Recreation Management Area”
With 'Federal Wildlife Protection"
Not Respecting the Recommendations of our Staff, or
Local Regulations, our Access Partners, and our Other Participants
Can result in injury, death, fines, or loss of participation.
All Boating Is Within The Protected River and Estuary Waters.
Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
No: Trash, excess mud, food scraps, etc.
"Potentially infectious waste" Litter and Trash: Masks, tissues, etc. + $50
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Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages...
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Pull by handles only, not by stowage cords.
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Don't melt our kayaks with lighters or cigarette butts.
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Don't break paddles by using them as shovels or to shove off.
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Step on foot areas only, not on hulls or seats.
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Don't lose and return all kayak parts and gear.
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“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 behavior.
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Leave No Trace: Please, benefit rather than harm the areas we visit. This area is protected. No littering! Leave only foot prints and take only photos and memories.
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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".
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Cancellation Fees: No Shows: Full Price.
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To avoid last minute cancellation fees: Call us in time to allow others on a waiting list, to be contacted, to use your seats.
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Rentals: Call at least 24 hours in advance.
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Guided Tours and Large Groups: At least 72 hours in advance.
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Or provide 'proof of illness': We won't immediately charge. Instead we allow time for clients to provide a copy of a doctors note or positive covid test.
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No "Act of Nature" Cancel fees: High wind, rain, fire, pandemic closures. We call you.
Main Rules : Pay Attention, Be Nice and Have Fun!
Kayak Rentals
Fall into Winter:
Rental Start Times
Popular and Short Staffed: Reserve Early.
You may need to leave a message during peak hours.
Thursday - Monday: 10AM - 1PM
Closed Most Tuesdays and Wednesdays until fully staffed.
Holiday School Breaks: Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays by Reservation.
Winter into Spring
Calm comfortable days in between periods of cold and rain. Coastal low temps often remain warmer than inland. We can warm up earlier and don't experience inland Tule Fog.
(Hours and Days May Change per Forecasts, Seasonal Daylight and Temperature.)
See our micro-climate forecast updates
On the left side bar.
Reservations Required
Jenner: Very Limited Internet and Cell Service
Rural Land Line: No texts
Call: 9 AM - 6 PM Daily
1-707-865-2249
Reserve Early and Be Timely:
Safety Review: Exactly 15 minutes after your reservation time.
Arrive Early To Find Parking
If you're too late to participate in your scheduled check-in and safety review, you may have to wait between 30 to 120 minutes for another opening.
Schools and Large Groups: Reservations available months in advance.
Rates: Non-Shuttled
Full Price List Below: Multiple Hour and Midweek Discounts.
*Holiday Rates on Holiday Mondays and Fridays
Non-Shuttled Rates
Rates are per each adult or child seating.
(See Single Prices For Adult Rates)
Full Outfitting Included
Children Under 12: Half Price
Dogs: + $10 (No Dogs Near Protected Wildlife Habitat)
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 may be available during cooler months.
WaterTreks' Jenner Kayaks and State Park Liability Waivers Required
Jenner By the Sea: Estuary Loop / Park & Paddle!
No Shuttle Required: 2-4 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 (Adult. Ask for child discount.)
Double: $100 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Weekends and Holidays*
Single: $55 (Adult. Ask for child discount.)
Double: $110 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Total Time: 4.5 Hrs
Water Time: 4
Midweek:
Single: $70
Double: $140 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Weekends and Holidays*
Single: $75 (Adult. Ask for child discount.)
Double: $150 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Total Time: Full Day (Not recommended without a shuttle)
Water Time: 5-8 Hrs (We are short staffed and not shuttling)
Midweek:
Single: $90
Double: $180 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
Weekends and Holidays*
Single: $95 (Adult. Ask for child discount.)
Double: $190 (2 Adults. Ask for child discount.)
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
Shuttled Routes: Group Shuttle Discount: 4+: Ask!
Not Available: Still Short Staffed Since Covid-19.
We will update prices when we can resume shuttles.
Hiring Since May of 2020
Note: 90% of our activities are not shuttled.
48 hour advanced shuttle reservation required.
Shuttles and guided tours can resume once mask and social distancing recommendations are lifted. Please help reach herd immunity and to reduce virus variants. Wear you mask, social distance, and get vaccinated as soon as possible. We look forward to resuming full activities and your efforts in your daily lives can help us all to get there. Stay safe and thank you for your participation.
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. Birding And Wildlife Area.
4.5 Hrs Full Day
On the water: 4 Return by last return time.
Single: $80 $100
Double: $160 $200
Duncan Mills or Monte Rio: Reversible: 7-10 Miles
Shuttle Times: 9 AM
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 or Full Day: Monte Rio: Full Day Only
On the water: 4 Return by last return time.
Single: $ 90 $110
Double: $180 $220
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 starting in mid May to June.
Duncan Mills: 4.5 Hrs or Full Day: Monte Rio: Full Day Only
On the water: 4 Return by last return time.
Single: $75 $95
Double: $150 $190
Multi Day Rentals: Finishing In Jenner "Marine Protected Area"
Included: Map of Jenner with wildlife and safety restrictions.
Guerneville to Jenner: Camp overnight at Duncans Mills: Casini Ranch Family Campground or Duncans Mills Camping Club : Requires advanced planning and reservations with us and your campground.
2 Day: Single: $180 Double: $350
Start: Forestville or Healdsburg: 2 - 4 Day Custom Trips
Requires advanced planning and reservations with us and your accommodations.
Accommodations:
Forestville: Camping
Guerneville: Camping or accommodations with river and hot tub access.
Duncans Mills: Camping
Jenner: State Park camping or accommodations with hot tub or sauna access.
Multi Day Guided Instructional Tours: More details on our tour page.
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).
See Rental Routes For Rentals With Shuttle Included
Additional Personal Kayaks: Join Family Or Friends Renting Our Equipment:
Personal Kayaks Cannot Exceed Equal Number of Rentals: + $15 per person.
Not Available: Still Short Staffed Since Covid-19.
We will update prices when we can resume shuttles.
Hiring Since May of 2020
Shuttle Only With Your Own Equipment
Full List
Must Reserve: At least 72 hours in advance. Meet time is 8 AM.
Full group cannot exceed van seating. Current Seating: 7 people.
Reserve a month in advance for larger options.
Logistics & Transport: Includes:
Route Map, Weather Forecast, Ecological Interpretation, & Route Safety Suggestions. (Shuttle fee included in our rental rates.)
Be ready to load your equipment on our arrival.
Our staff have other clients waiting for their service on most days. Shuttle fees include our vehicle costs plus staff hours. (Delays may include extra staff time fees.)
Average Water Time Driving Time Route Fees Groups
Hours: Low Flow / High Flow Minutes Per Kayak Per Van Trip
Healdsburg 5.5 / 3 80 (Multi-day Route) $180
Forestville 5 / 2.5 40 $50 $100
Guerneville 3 / 1.5 30 $45 $ 90
Vacation Beach 4 / 2 25 $40 $ 80
Monte Rio 6.5 / 3 20 $30 $ 60
Duncans Mills 4-6 / 2 25 $30 $ 60
Willow Creek 2-4 / NA 10 $20 $ 40
Joining your friends or family renting from us for 1/2 or Full Day shuttled routes?
Shuttle your own kayaks or paddle boards and gear for an extra $15 per person.
Full group cannot exceed van seating of 7 persons.