CARNEROS WINE REGION

Self Guided Trips

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Carneros Estuary: Napa’s Most Intimate Waterway

Discover a Private, Front-Row Seat to the Carneros Wine Region

Slip into the quiet backwaters of the Carneros Estuary, where a narrow, winding channel carries you along the eastern edge of the vast 15,000-acre Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. Stretching across the north shore of San Pablo Bay, this landscape is one of the most vital wetland ecosystems on the West Coast—and a key stop along the Pacific Flyway, where millions of migratory birds pass through each year.

Here, the world slows down. The water narrows to just 10 feet wide in places, enclosed by towering stands of tule and bulrush that rise overhead, creating an intimate, almost hidden passage through the marsh.

A Self Guided Experience, Without Distraction

A light-touch, geolocated audio guide is available to quietly enhance your journey—offering gentle navigation and sharing insights into the surrounding ecology and history. Thoughtfully written with input from local voices, it’s there when you want it, and silent when you don’t.

Connect with Nature & History

This experience is designed first and foremost for connection—to the stillness of the water, the movement of birds overhead, and the layered history of the Carneros Wine region.

Choose Your Adventure

Self-guided audio navigation (optional)—essential for winding wetland routes, with quick 20–30 sec stories and wildlife observations along the way. $137/tandem kayak
Guided Tours: For a personalized experience, join our expert local guide for $125 per person (2-person minimum) Click Here

The Ultimate Après-Paddle
Complete your journey where the wild wetlands meet the vines at Saintsbury or MacKenzie-Mueller. Unwind with a private tasting ($35–$65) of site-driven, marine-influenced wines—shaped by the same cool breezes you experienced on the water.

The Estuary Loop: (3.25–4 miles) | 1.5–2 hours. A tide-assisted, meandering loop.
The Napa River: (6 miles) | 2 hours. One-way riding the river to the Napa Yacht Club.

🌿 The Estuary Loop

Self-Guided • Round Trip • 3.2 Miles • 1.5–2 Hours

A calm, tide-assisted paddle through winding wetlands. Start and finish at the same location and enjoy a relaxed, “lazy river” feel.

📍 Launch & Return
6 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA
(12 minutes from Downtown Napa)

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Choose Your Vessel

Single Kayak or SUP — $89
Tandem Kayak (2 seats) — $137
Family Package — $247
Kiddos under 18 required

🌊 Ride the River

Self-Guided • One-Way • 6 Miles • ~2 hrs

A longer paddle down the main Napa River channel with open views, vineyards, and wildlife. More Info

📍 Launch
6 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA

📍 Finish
Napa Valley Yacht Club
100 Riverside Drive, Napa, CA

CALL TO BOOK A ONE WAY TRIP

707.200.5511

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, tandem kayak or paddle board, life vest, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, and river overview

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Guests will paddle calm, tidal water on a tour that has been timed with the tides for a leisurely experience.

PARKING
Parking is limited when launching from the private dock. 4 car maximum. Larger groups or those desiring a longer paddle will launch from Cuttings Wharf with plenty of parking for cars or full-size bus.

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 and boxes are available on-site and are highly recommended to protect cell phones, cameras and other valuables. Bring sporting binoculars for birding and iconic mountains in the distance.

LOGISTICS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
For one-way paddlers we advise leaving one car at the Napa Valley Yacht Club before your trip and Uber/Lyft to Carneros. Schedule 15 min commute time to Los Carneros. Text before embarking for "game day" launch location 707.200.5511.

NVP will handle all rental equipment on both ends.

CANCELLATION POLICY
This tour involves staging equipment and loading trailers before the paddle event. Cancellations must be made one week in advance for groups of 4 or more to receive a full refund and three days in advance for groups of less than 3 to receive a full refund. A $35 cancellation fee applies. Napa Valley Paddle may cancel the event due to weather-related issues, in which case a full refund will be issued.

REFUND POLICY
A full refund will be issued for cancellations up to 3 days before the event date for groups of 3 or less. Groups of 4 or more must cancel 1-week prior to the event to receive a full refund; cancellations between 3- 7 days will receive a 50% refund for groups of 4 or more. Refunds will only be issued for cancellations made three days before the event. ALL REFUND TRANSACTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO A $35 TRANSACTION FEE.

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