Tomales Bay Bioluminesence

Experience a magical guided nature adventure after dark!

 In the summertime during new moons, enjoy bioluminescent phytoplankton called Dinoflagellates as they sparkle and illuminate from the wake of your kayak or splash of your paddle.  It is an experience like no other!  Choose tandem kayaks or reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale boat that seats 4-5 comfortably and includes a personal guide.    

Choose from Crescent Crew tandem kayaks with elevated, framed seats or grab a seat in our boat built from red cedar and synthetic walrus skin allowing light to reflect through a translucent hull!

Wooden Whale Boat Tour

Great for families looking to paddle together in one boat, or let your guide do the paddling

We offer guided tours of the Napa River aboard traditional wooden whale boats modeled after those that carried early settlers to the Napa Valley from arriving ships in the San Francisco Bay. You'll ride the tide through protected wetlands in the famed Los Carneros wine region showcasing a rare perspective of several wine appellations and ecological zones visible in the nearby hills. Perfect for small groups, including families with children.

No white caps in your wine glass, just paddling and smooth sailing.

"Harpooning a whale may cost extra!" - Mike Smith, kanaka boat builder

*Kayak & SUP available upon request.

Full Moon Paddle

Listen to the sounds of birds settling down and watch fish feed at twilight as we paddle into the night.

Join Napa Valley Paddle for summer, moon-lit tours of the Napa River.  August celebrates the Sturgeon Super Moon.  Glide down river into the south Napa estuary as the moon-rises over the Eastern Vaca Range followed closely by the sun setting on Mt. Veeder to the West.