Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary "Marine Protected Area"
and "Managed Recreation Area"
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Welcome to the Wildlife Nursery!
The River Mouth Area and it's hazardous currents are easy to avoid.
We share the best ways, and best times, to enjoy the estuary and to view wildlife.
10-Day Micro-Climate Forecast / Our Hours
Park Rules: "Know Before You Go"
Wildlife Nursery for One of the Most Biologically Dense and Diverse Coastal Habitats on our Planet.
" State, Federal, and United Nations Protections "
Notice Sea Birds, Harbor Seals and their pups in the background
Wildlife are easy to view without disturbing their vital biological needs.
Sea Birds and Harbor Seals are particularly sensitive to human disturbance.
Most abandonment by mothers are caused by human or dog disturbance.
Many wildlife mothers need to leave their young each day to eat.
Most young wildlife that are alone, "are not abandoned".
This includes most sea birds and marine mammals.
Please do not disturb and help us report sick, dead, or abandoned wildlife.
Sharing photos of them and their location is the best way to help us report.
The "Park Rules" are "Mandatory" for all visitors to the nursery
We interpret during guided tours
and prior to rental launches.
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
Nature's limits are easy to avoid
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
River Mouth Perched and Closing
Deadly River Mouth Currents: Stay Back 300 feet
Deadly Ocean Waves : No Beach Wading
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, River Otter, Sea Birds, Brown and White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Reserve Early for School Breaks:
Estuary Forecast: 11/26/25
Updated: 8 AM
Next 10 days: Coastal Temp highs in high 50s to low 60s. Start layered. Shed midday.
Thanksgiving school break looks great for enjoying estuary and coastal wildlife. Although temps are cooler this time of year, starting between 10 AM and 1 PM keeps you in the warmer window of 11AM - 4PM for outdoor activities. Planning ahead with early start layering to shed mid day pairs great with a dry bag. Rain clears and may not return until early December. Winds calm, except for possibly this Friday, and calm again through December 1st when a few days of rain along with drops in temps likely close our activities for a few days. We reopen anytime weather conditions are paddle friendly. Check back for weather and schedule updates.
Seasonal Notes: Tule fog is an inland phenomena which usually does not effect the coast.Often when mornings are foggy inland it is sunny and warmer on the coast with ocean temps preventing drops to inland overnight lows. Jenner is also affected less by true fog than Bodega Bay to the south. On the few days we do have fog it is often more a high overcast. "Variable Sun Days" though warm, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. We provide free use of thin water resistant outerwear to stay comfy for early morning starts or misty days.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale are migrating off shore again and Harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle sightings amongst other "birds of prey", and many "sea birds". Spotting the larger American White Pelican starts early. They move upstream to the 4 hour route as people increase in the main estuary. River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large groups or loud humans.
Fully Outfitted:
Free dry bag and thin water resistant outerwear use.
Interpretive Safety Review with Kayak Lesson
No "Act of Nature" Cancellation Fees
We call you to cancel.
Our Rentals: Jenner Kayaks
Reserve to staff a day prior
We individually prep each kayak
Day of reservation cancellations: Full Price
Fall into Winter
Rental Start Times: 10 AM-1 PM
(Warmest hours are 11AM-4 PM)
Last off the water by 3:30 to 4PM
Community Education Discount Tours: November 26 & 28: Limited Seats: Reserve Early
11/26-30 Wed-Sun: Variable sun to low 60s. Start layered. Shed midday. Dry bags and drip shedding outerwear free to use: Reserve early to ensure safety review space and timely launch.
11/27 Thur: Reserve for early starts: Start 9AM -Noon: Closing early for dinner.
Long Range Forecasts Subject to Change: Check back for updates
12/02-03 Tue-Wed: Temps may drop slightly.
12/04-06 Thur-Sat: Likely sunny.
12/07-11 Sun-Thur: Rain followed by low temps may temporarily close water activities.
December: Variable forecasts may clear for Holiday School Breaks.
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Weather and Water Conditions that limit our activities
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later:
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay Buoy: Estuary proper: Warmer, except around high tide.
Ocean temps are at seasonal highs. (Government shutdown: May not be updating.)
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate dogs for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Marine mammals and sea birds are subject bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch their illnesses. Do not approach wildlife or enter their feces prone resting areas. Sick Wildlife Near Jenner: Report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location is the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Or Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL).
Volunteer Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours, and Living Classrooms project youth and school activities.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays should be reserved early starting in October to ensure staff. We want to be open midweek. Please reserve to schedule our staff. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year.
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
Nature's limits are easy to avoid
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
River Mouth Perched and Closing
Deadly River Mouth Currents: Stay Back 300 feet
Deadly Ocean Waves : No Beach Wading
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, River Otter, Sea Birds, Brown and White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Reserve Early for School Breaks:
Estuary Forecast: 11/26/25
Updated: 8 AM
Next 10 days: Coastal Temp highs in high 50s to low 60s. Start layered. Shed midday.
Thanksgiving school break looks great for enjoying estuary and coastal wildlife. Although temps are cooler this time of year, starting between 10 AM and 1 PM keeps you in the warmer window of 11AM - 4PM for outdoor activities. Planning ahead with early start layering to shed mid day pairs great with a dry bag. Rain clears and may not return until early December. Winds calm, except for possibly this Friday, and calm again through December 1st when a few days of rain along with drops in temps likely close our activities for a few days. We reopen anytime weather conditions are paddle friendly. Check back for weather and schedule updates.
Seasonal Notes: Tule fog is an inland phenomena which usually does not effect the coast.Often when mornings are foggy inland it is sunny and warmer on the coast with ocean temps preventing drops to inland overnight lows. Jenner is also affected less by true fog than Bodega Bay to the south. On the few days we do have fog it is often more a high overcast. "Variable Sun Days" though warm, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. We provide free use of thin water resistant outerwear to stay comfy for early morning starts or misty days.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale are migrating off shore again and Harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle sightings amongst other "birds of prey", and many "sea birds". Spotting the larger American White Pelican starts early. They move upstream to the 4 hour route as people increase in the main estuary. River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large groups or loud humans.
Fully Outfitted:
Free dry bag and thin water resistant outerwear use.
Interpretive Safety Review with Kayak Lesson
No "Act of Nature" Cancellation Fees
We call you to cancel.
Our Rentals: Jenner Kayaks
Reserve to staff a day prior
We individually prep each kayak
Day of reservation cancellations: Full Price
Fall into Winter
Rental Start Times: 10 AM-1 PM
(Warmest hours are 11AM-4 PM)
Last off the water by 3:30 to 4PM
Community Education Discount Tours: November 26 & 28: Limited Seats: Reserve Early
11/26-30 Wed-Sun: Variable sun to low 60s. Start layered. Shed midday. Dry bags and drip shedding outerwear free to use: Reserve early to ensure safety review space and timely launch.
11/27 Thur: Reserve for early starts: Start 9AM -Noon: Closing early for dinner.
Long Range Forecasts Subject to Change: Check back for updates
12/02-03 Tue-Wed: Temps may drop slightly.
12/04-06 Thur-Sat: Likely sunny.
12/07-11 Sun-Thur: Rain followed by low temps may temporarily close water activities.
December: Variable forecasts may clear for Holiday School Breaks.
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Weather and Water Conditions that limit our activities
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later:
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay Buoy: Estuary proper: Warmer, except around high tide.
Ocean temps are at seasonal highs. (Government shutdown: May not be updating.)
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate dogs for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Marine mammals and sea birds are subject bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch their illnesses. Do not approach wildlife or enter their feces prone resting areas. Sick Wildlife Near Jenner: Report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location is the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Or Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL).
Volunteer Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours, and Living Classrooms project youth and school activities.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays should be reserved early starting in October to ensure staff. We want to be open midweek. Please reserve to schedule our staff. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
A State Park "Business Access by Permit Only" Location.
Our Lifeguard wages, insurance, and operational fees are included in our low rates.
"Fines or Rescue Fees" for violating park rules are not.
Client Monitoring For “State Marine Recreation Management Area”
"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 each other.
Failure to do so can result in injury, death, fines, or loss of participation.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not play nice.
Play Nice and Have Fun!
"Park Wildlife and Safety Limitations"
We have fun sharing the basics in our safety reviews.
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
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“No Go Zone” Rescue & Ticketing Fees: Pay Attention To Safety Reviews: Do Not Enter River Mouth Currents. Stay back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth. Private paddlers have been inured by entering the river mouth or ocean currents. Deadly results or being banned from rentals can happen if you enter this area. Most of the Estuary is Beginner Friendly "during good weather". See our Maps.
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"Protected Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area". State or Federal fines for disturbing Wildlife. Do Not Approach Wildlife: Stay back 50 yards, (150 feet). Do not enter or proceed beyond roped off areas. Join us in modeling respectful and sustainable behavior here at the protected wildlife nursery. See our Maps
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No Dogs: In areas with direct wildlife access. Fines for harassing or harming resting seals and sea birds can be up to $10,000. None of us wants you to be charged extra fees.There are dog beaches near by. Ask Us.
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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.
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Boating under the influence (BUI) = fines. Being under the influence of mind altering substances is not allowed when operating any vehicle, which includes by paddling. 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".
All Boating Is Within The Protected River and Estuary Waters
Knowing our "Micro-Climate Weather Forecast" can be vital
Help us Keep our Rates Reasonable
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Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages...See Rental Page.
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Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
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Cancellation Policy: Very genours.Details on our Rental Page
November into December: Nice in between rain.
Mostly calm days with occasional overcast or breezy afternoons in between sprinkles and occasional rain. Midday temps are often nice with cooler mornings and evenings that remain warmer than inland.
(Historically: This year, 2025, has been very interesting)
Coastal days can remain in high 50s to 60s and stays warm on calm overcast days as we begin moving into winter. "Variable Sun Days" can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. Full sun days are also common. Wildlife love a dynamic environment.
Fog: Jenner is much less affected by true fog, that drops to ground level, than Bodega Bay or Fort Ross. Fog banks often just hang offshore here. Overcast: Is higher and reduces sunlight. Variable overcast is common, with sun heating temps up mid-day. Ocean temps prevent mornings and evenings from dropping to cooler inland temps. Mornings and evenings can be lovely on the coast.
NW Wind Afternoons: Most days now are calm. When windy: Beginners and Families start early. Finish before winds pick up between 12 and 1 PM. Athletic folks: Enjoy a breezy afternoon.
Track NW winds which blow out the estuary! Strong winds can happen, yet the estuary is protected from most wind directions except for winds coming from the NW. A short period of PM breeze is common along with fully calm days. However, strong wind can still happen. It's important to check "our" wind forecasts. Private Paddlers: Know before you go!
Note: We try to help with recreational safety by updating changing wind forecasts daily if needed.
Upstream of the estuary: Can be windy even if calm in Jenner. This river twists and turns. Any wind effects some sections as wind blows upstream. Don't get stuck trying to make it downstream. Reverse your route when river flows are low, (Mid-Summer into Mid Fall): " Start Early" or plan to finish going upstream with the wind at your back. Reversing long routes to go upstream is often not possible during rainy months.
