Feeling adventurous? Want to try something brave? Try our one way, self-guided trip and ride the tide to town or beyond! Choose from three distinct environments at the headwaters of the Napa River where fresh & saltwater meet including wetlands, Downtown renaissance or forested Northern Reach above Oxbow Preserve. Have a full day to explore? Experience all three regions in just 3-4 hours of paddle time, stopping for lunch along the way above the Main Street dock or picnic at Kennedy Park.
*Now enhanced by Yak Audio! Our GPS-based audio feed will elevate your connection to nature, history and the environment that surrounds you. Enjoy the Napa River at your own pace - mute the yakking anytime!
Duration: 1-3 hours | Distance: 2.5 – 8 miles | Difficulty Level: Easy, beginners
Starting Point: Kennedy Park or Cuttings Wharf
Your tour begins in South Napa wetlands with expansive views and a panoramic skyline stretching from Mt. Veeder to Atlas Peak and Coombsville. Your flotilla will experience the full transition from wetlands to forest, gliding along a path of least resistance. As the river narrows a mild current ushers you through Downtown into the forest canopy of the Oxbow Preserve where shorebirds make way for kingfishers, turtles, and the occasional otter or beaver. As one of the most biologically diverse regions in the San Francisco Bay Area, Yak Audio will elevate your connection to nature, history and the environment that surrounds you. Enjoy ecological history of the Napa River past and present and learn about its rich habitat and native American fishing village.
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours | Distance: 3.5 – 5.4 miles | Difficulty Level: Medium
Starting Point: Trancas Park
Discover the most northerly reach of San Pablo Bay, nearby vineyard, marsh, mountain views and wildlife in this truly diverse experience. Get a chance to paddle the morning ebb tide on the Napa River into the riparian forest, the Oxbow Preserve, downtown, and beyond. Observe a complete transition from forest to wetland and the renaissance of downtown Napa.
Note: Paddleboarders must be pre-screened for this tour. Requires a morning high tide, riding the outgoing tide
NOTE: Napa Valley Paddle also offers customized Premium Packages for self-guided tours that include picnic lunches & snacks, wine tasting, oyster tasting, and more
Napa River Awaits You!! What Are You Waiting For??