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CARNEROS WINE REGION

Self Guided Trips

 

 

Carneros Estuary: Napa’s Most Intimate Waterway

 
Discover a private, front-row seat to the Carneros Wine Region. This journey navigates the narrow, winding Carneros Estuary placing you at the easternmost boundary of the massive 15,000-acre Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. Spanning the north shore of San Pablo Bay, these wetlands are a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway, attracting millions of migratory birds annually
 
Your Personal Guide: Robo (Burt) Reynold
Our geolocated audio guide—narrated by Robo Reynolds and written by local winemakers—acts as your storyteller and navigator
Connect with Nature & History: The guide illuminates subtle nuances of the ecosystem you might otherwise miss.
 
Choose Your Adventure
 
  • Self-guided audio navigation—essential for winding wetland routes, with quick 20–30 sec stories and wildlife observations along the way. $147/tandem kayak
  • Guided Tours: For a personalized experience, join our expert local guide for $125 per person (2-person minimum) Click Here 
  • Nature Walks & Birding: Explore the area with optional nature walks through vibrant wildflowers and seasonal birding locations.
The Ultimate Après-Paddle
Complete your journey at Saintsbury, where the wild wetlands meet the vines. For $65, enjoy a private tasting of site-specific, marine influenced wines.

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 downstream to the Napa Yacht Club.


Ready for a private seat in the wetlands?
Click Here to Book Now or text us 707.200.5511

 
 

 

🌿 The Estuary Loop

Self-Guided • Round Trip • 3.2 Miles

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)

Choose Your Vessel

  • Single Kayak$95

  • Tandem Kayak (2 seats)$137

  • Family Package$247
    Kiddos under 18 required

    Book Now


🌊 Ride the River

Self-Guided • One-Way • 6 Miles

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

📍 Launch
6 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA

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

Call to book your one way trip 707.200.5511


 

 

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UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE

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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.

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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!

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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 in Downtown Napa before the launch and carpooling. 15 min commute Cuttings Wharf.  Must schedule shuttle in advance, 1 driver per car preferred and not more than 2.

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.