Guided Tours
Since 1999
Private: Or Discount Dates
Thur: April 4: 10AM-1PM
Gift Certificates : Call!
Recreation Blog
Ecology, Wildlife, Education
by Suki Waters
Sonoma Coast
State Park
Rental and Tour
Permits Required
Family Interpretive
Volunteers Since 1985
Safety Training
Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Protected Wildlife Habitat
River Otter, Harbor Seals and Pups, Many Birds
River Mouth Perched: Stay 300 ft back from Deadly River Mouth Currents. Currents upstream of "estuary tidal influence" remain hazardous into May.
Returning to shore safely may not be possible.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding birds and wildlife by land and water.
Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
Estuary Forecast: 03/26/27: Soft Opening
Free dry bag use and thin outerwear if needed.
Guided Tours or Rentals with Lessons.
Layer up with a day pack for trail and beach walks.
Rental Starts: Friendlier with incoming high tides.
Wed-Fri: Wind and Rain followed by Cold: Closed
Sat-Sun: Overcast some sprinkles: Guided Tour may be possible. No Rentals per increased currents. 10AM-2PM.
Mon: Temps begin to increase. Call to reserve.
Popular weekends and school breaks.
Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.
Winter: A mix: Nice in between rain or freeze events.
Ocean Moderates Coastal Temps. AMs start clearer and warmer than inland. Tule fog starts inland. Estuary currents need days to return to tidal calm after each heavy rain.
We re-open for temps above 55, during dry weather, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.
(See river levels below 9' at Guerneville)
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
See our safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 apps. No Forecast correctly covers all aspects. Forecasts can and do change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Russian River
Chamber of Commerce
Become Part of a Fun Community Education
and Outdoor Recreation Safety Team.
Competitive Pay, Client Surge Bonuses!
Extra Hours Available During Education Breaks.
We Reward Your Experience and Efforts!
Call Us! Paid Training / Paid Internships
College Credit / Veterans Encouraged
A Lifeguard Cert: Fastest way to work on the water
Professional Kayak Guide Cert: Fastest best pay
CPR, First Aid, Water Rescue and Lead Guides
Plus a part-time outfitting and communications position.
Share your experience.
Water Recreation
And Nature Updates
Paddle Partners
Buy / Sell / Trade