Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Our Sonoma Coast Kayak Tour takes you to the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean where we explore the Russian River as it meets the sea. Birds, seals, the occasional passing whale, and relaxing on the river are the highlights of this great day on the water. Expect to spend approximately 2.5 hours on this tour which includes paddling the river and walking on the beach while gazing out on the Pacific Ocean.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Please bring water shoes or sandals.
We will get wet. Bring clothes you won't mind getting wet and consider bringing a change of clothes.
The weather at the coast can change quickly. Please bring an extra layer in case it is a bit chilly. It's better to have more clothes than you need rather than wish you had an extra layer.
Due to Covid-19 we are unable to supply food or beverages. If you would like lunch during or after your tour please feel free to bring something to enjoy or your guide can recommend some of our fantastic local cafes or restaurants.
What To Expect
Times have been tough! As Sonoma County reopens we believe it is more important than ever to get outside and get moving! So... Let us show you the gorgeous and rugged Sonoma Coast! We meet and begin kayaking in the small seaside town of Jenner. After a brief safety talk and paddling instruction, we hit the water and explore the beautiful Russian River where it joins the Pacific Ocean. Your guide will enthusiastically discuss the area's history, wildlife, landscape, seasons, and whatever else you can possibly think of. Questions are highly appreciated and looked forward to by our staff. The paddling is gentle and we keep our eyes open for a variety of wildlife including river otters, pelicans, osprey, and curious harbor seals. We will land on the beach and check out the ocean before getting back in the boats and heading back to Jenner. Your guide can offer great recommendations for other beaches and options in the area for you to continue your day of adventure. All gear used by guests is sanitized by our staff after every tour.
Options
Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast
What‘s Included
Paddles
Kayaks
Local guide
Life Jackets
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Snacks
Lunch
Bottled water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
137 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Seals and Eagles!!!
Culture84792,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Erik was a great guide. We had a great time paddling with him and would definitely go again. He knew a lot of history of the area and answered all our (many) questions. He spotted and identified a lot of birds that we would have missed on our own (including an eagle perched high in a tree). The seals were great and it was fun watching them swim up in front of us. We loved that he respected them and kept a safe distance. We love the pics he took and didn’t charge for them like so many do!! It was definitely a highlight of a 2 week trip around NorCal.
Kayak experience
elizabethaH2118PR,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Russian River Kayak tour was amazing! We decided to put the wine tasting aside and enjoy more of the nature Sonoma has to offer. We got to see two bald eagles which is very rare… We learned so much of the Russian River from our kayak instructor, Erik! I will highly recommend you to do this tour with Erik if you’re in town.
Great Vibes & Easy Logistics
R5283MYerinb,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great option for our team offsite, the paddle was beautiful, relaxing, and fun; we even got to hang out with some seals and hear some local history and animal info. Erik was an amazing guide, our whole group appreciated his great vibes, knowledge, and kindness and I appreciated that he blocked off the tour time to our group only and was extremely communicative and flexible as our group size fluctuated! Highly recommend :)
Incredible experience!
Philip D,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Local guide that had a deep knowledge of the russian river and surrounding area! Great explanations
So good, we did it again
ExpatExplorerUK,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Another great morning on the Russian River with Erik! I had taken my father on this tour previously and it was so much fun that I rebooked with friends who were visiting. It's a fantastic way to learn more about the area, get some exercise, and see wildlife. Highly recommend!
The best way to see this part of California
jonor2026,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rarely in life do you happen across an experience as great as getting out on the water with Erik. What a thoughtful, knowledgeable and great person to spend time with, seeing this part of California. Following heavy rains in the region, Erik was able to suggest that we went kayaking on Bodega Bay instead of Russian River and led us on a guided tour of harbor seals, numerous bird species, sea lions, and many, many more. His knowledge and passion for the local area and wildlife was infectious, as was hearing about his adventures around the world. I cannot recommend this enough. 10/10.
Great day on the bay
garywitt,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Due to heavy rains, the Russian River was unsafe, so Erik kindly offered to take us on a kayak tour of Bodega Bay. We saw tons of wildlife and Erik was very knowledgable of the area, even providing us with recommendations for the rest of our trip. We had a great time and it was awesome that we could still experience the tour despite a change in weather. Highly recommended!
The Best Day in the Wild of Wine Country
Shannon S,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This morning kayak tour of the Russian River is a peaceful and beautiful way to spend time with natural beauty and gain an appreciation of more than the grapes of this region. Erik is a warm and engaging guide who takes the stress out of connecting with nature through kayaking whether you’re a deeply experienced paddler or a newbie. His genuine love for this landscape and its wildlife is infectious as he shares insight into the history of the shaping of the surrounding town and how commerce altered the landscape to what is current. He has a wonderful grasp of the local birds, mammals and aquatic species and can easily answer curious questions about fauna encounters. We were lucky enough to see many species of birds- including more than 70 pelicans on their migratory path to Baja. And of course the seals! Their adorable heads pop up as they curiously sneak peeks of visitors paddling by so close you can see their eye lashes. Erik knows all the best spots on the river to maximize viewing. This misty morning is my second trip with Erik as I first booked a trip with my sister visiting from afar in early summer, then a second trip in the fall as a birthday present for a dear friend. Both trips were calming and the most beautiful way to begin a day. Erik snaps lots of photos then send you a link so you don’t have to pull yourself from the moment to fumble with your phone. This tour is a gift and a great alternative or addition to the food and wine experiences abundant in wine country. Do yourself a favor and take a couple hours to connect with nature, those your with, and yourself and book this tour!
Great day on the RR
haroldcX6972PJ,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great Trip with Erik at the mouth of the Russian River. Learned a lot about the area and its history, and enjoyed a leisurely paddle while checking out the local critters- Erik also gave us some tips for lunch and exploring the coast
Do not miss this experience!
536leannap,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are in the Russian River area, this is the kayak tour to take. Eric was a great guide and highlighted lots of birds, trees, and other wildlife along the way. He also had other recommendations of things to do while in the area. Would highly recommend.
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Operated by Smart Tours