Learn The Story

A Place First Reached by Water

In the 1830s, George C. Yount traveled north from Monterey with skilled Hawaiian watermen — known as Kanakas — navigating the maze of tidal channels flowing through the northern reaches of San Pablo Bay.

In George Yount’s Chronicles, he described the journey:

“From Monterey, Yount sent boats and equipment on a Russian ship and traveled overland to meet them. When he and his Kanakas arrived at San Pablo Bay — waters which had probably never before been visited by white men — they found themselves in a wilderness of tule swamps and islands. Boats made of bundled tule and propelled by long, double-bladed paddles.”¹

They entered a vast tidal world of shifting channels, wetlands, and rising wildlife.

These Hawaiian seafarers were master paddlers and navigators whose Pacific knowledge made inland exploration possible. Long before their arrival, Coast Miwok communities had lived in deep relationship with these waterways, shaping boats from tule and understanding the rhythms of the estuary.

At Petaluma, Yount recorded abundant sea otter beds — a thriving estuary that helped finance what would become one of California’s earliest vineyards in present-day Yountville.

The river, quite literally, seeded wine country.

Today, we honor that journey — and the watermen who made it possible.

📜 From Yount’s Own Words

“Nothing could be more delightful than a residence in this enchanting valley—”

“… he landed and pitched his camp at Petaluma — here he found a numerous and rich bed of sea otter — it proved to him an abundant harvest—”

This early river voyage helped finance what would become one of the first vineyards in Napa Valley.

¹ George C. Yount, Chronicles of the West (as published in later compilations of his memoirs), describing his journey through San Pablo Bay and into the northern estuarine waterways, c. 1830s.

Nearly two centuries later, the Petaluma River still winds through tule marsh and open sky.

When you step aboard the Kanaka River Voyage, you are not simply taking a tour — you are traveling a historic waterway shaped by Indigenous knowledge, Pacific navigation, and the enduring rhythm of the tides.

Experience the river as it was first reached — by water.

➡️ Reserve Your Voyage

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 - Dec)
• Custom catering options

MORE DETAILS

RENTAL INCLUDES
Kayak or paddle board, life vest, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, and river overview

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Guests will paddle calm, relatively fast moving water on a tour that has been timed with the breeze and tides for a leisurely experience.

PARKING
Lakeville Landing is a dirt/gravel parking lot that may be muddy during rainy season.

If you choose to leave your car at Lakeville prior to launch, enter at the south entrance off Lakeville Highway. Park immediately on the left or against the fence closer to the ramp.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN DEPARTING LAKEVILLE LANDING. When leaving Lakeville Landing, regardless of south or northbound destination, enter the highway with a RIGHT turn. This is a dangerous entry/exit from the highway. If you need to head northbound simply merge into the left turning lane once back on the highway, about one hundred yards or so, exit the highway, and do U-Turn on the side road. Then head back northbound.

LOGISTICS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
15-minute commute from Petaluma Marina to Lakeville Landing.

WHAT TO WEAR
Water shoes are not essential but are preferred by many of our guests. Others prefer flip-flops or paddling barefoot. Dress in layers and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton).

WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water, sunscreen, light towel. Dry bags or zip-lock bags are highly recommended to protect cell phones, cameras, and other valuables.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations cancelled up to 48-hours before your scheduled launch will be refunded.

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