Ride The River: One-Way Kayak & SUP Adventures
Let the tide carry you through the heart of Napa Valley.
Experience the full transition from salt marsh to freshwater forest on an unforgettable, self-guided journey. Timed perfectly with the tides and wind, Ride The River makes exploring the Napa River effortless, beautiful, and memorable. We handle all the equipment from start to finish!
Call to Book: 707.200.5511
🛶 Choose Your Adventure
All trips embark from the Carneros Wine Region (6 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA) and travel north with the flood tide.
| Adventure | Description | Disembark Location |
| 2-Hour Paddle | A scenic cruise through vineyard-lined shores and lush wetlands. |
Napa Yacht Club 100 Riverside Drive, Napa, CA |
| Half-Day Tour | Explore the renaissance of Downtown Napa and its vibrant waterfront charm. | 100 Riverside Drive, Napa, CA |
| Full-Day Expedition | Travel deep into Napa’s northern reach, beyond the Oxbow and into a serene urban forest. | Trancas Crossing Park (600 Trancas St.) |
🚗 Convenient Logistics: Plenty of parking is available at all launch and landing points. Once you finish your one-way paddle, transportation back to your vehicle is readily available via UBER, 15 min - aprox $25
👥 Book Your Journey Today
Spaces are limited due to tidal windows. Call us to secure your launch time and equipment!
📞 707.200.5511
We utilize the Napa River's natural currents for a smooth, relaxing paddle.
Trips are scheduled around full and new moon cycles for the largest incoming flood tides, offering one or two launch times per day during our summer windows.
📅 2026 Launch Dates
| June | July | August |
|
• June 13 – 21 • June 27 – July 5 |
• July 11 – 18 • July 30 – August 3 |
• August 10 – 17 |
💰 Watercraft & Pricing
- Tandem Kayak ($147): Best for couples, friends, or paddling with kids.
- Single Kayak ($95): Best for solo paddlers wanting agility and speed.
- Stand-Up Paddleboard ($85): Best for active explorers looking for a great viewpoint.
- All options include paddles, safety gear, and access to our immersive audio guide.
✨ Why Choose Ride The River?
🌊 Effortless Exploration: No fighting the current. We time your launch with local tides and winds for a smooth, downwind glide.🛶 Premium Kayak Fleet: Choose between sleek Wilderness Systems touring kayaks or spacious Crescent tandems with elevated framed seats.
🏄 Epic Paddleboard Collection: Over 20+ premium boards optimized for downwind SUP, including high-performance 14’ Naish boards.
🎧 Immersive Audio Guide: Explore at your own pace with a geolocated audio guide sharing local history and ecology.
🍽️ Scenic Stops & Dining: Dock at Main Street for a downtown meal, or picnic under the redwoods at Kennedy Park.
Free Corporate & Group Planning Guide
Your team deserves a one-of-a-kind outing they'll never forget. And you deserve an easy way to plan it. All the info you need to get started is right here.
Launch just 12 min. via Uber from downtown
WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster from paddle splashes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and dress in layers. Always consult weather prior to departure. Very little wind in the Fall & Winter, Spring & Summer enjoy a breeze/wind between 2-6pm which can be great for one-way trips. We recommend flip flops, water shoes or strap sandals. Running shoes or hiking boots OK. No high heels.
What to Carry?
Drinking water, birding/sport binoculars, lanyard & dry bag. We provide dry bags and cellphone lanyard upon request. Bring a red head lamp for trips finishing after sunset or request from NVP. Doggy life jackets available on request in all sizes.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 2-days prior to your tour date; 10% cancellation fee may apply. For groups over 4 people we have a 7-day cancellation policy and $35/cancellation fee or 10%. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will issue a rain check and reschedule the tour for a later date. Although we've always refunded customers do to weather-related cancellations upon request, refunds are not guaranteed.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Tandem kayak or SUP, paddle, life jacket, pre-paddle orientation, guide, dry bag
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Prior kayaking experience isn't mandatory, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. For families with kids (the adults) must have prior kayaking experience.
TOUR DURATION
RIDE THE RIVER! ONE WAY TRIP: 6 miles, 2 hour paddle time w/ flood tide
CAR PARKING
Plenty of parking at both the launch location and finish. We advise leaving your car at the Napa Yacht Club and taking Uber/Lyft to Carneros. For safety, tide & kids we may embark from our private dock which does have limited parking.
UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE
PRIVATE KANAKA BOAT
Let your guide do the work! Relax aboard a hand-crafted wooden kanaka boat modeled after those carrying early settlers to Napa Valley from arriving ships in the San Francisco Bay. Perfect for couples, friends, and families.
CATERING & TRANSPORT
Treat your group to a wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie, or a fully-catered spread. Complete the experience with transportation to and from your hotel or meeting facility. You provide the wish list and we'll do the rest!
PRIVATE EVENT SPACE
• Private riverfront cottage & grounds
• Charcuterie & wine tasting on-site
• Guided tour of Fagan Preserve
• Central to hiking, biking & wineries
• Local oysters! (Nov - April)
• Custom catering options
