WaterTreks EcoTours provides Kayak and SUP Rentals, Guided Tours and Hike Shuttles Year Around On The Russian River.
Certified American Canoe Association ( U.S. Coast Guard partner for over 100 years in setting boating safety standards for paddle sports.) Instruction may be available at seasonal outreach locations as well as the Russian River year around.
Our goal at WaterTreks is to provide and promote outdoor education, recreational safety and responsible ecotourism as well as volunteerism activities that benefit the areas you visit. We specialize in activities that start or finish in the “Managed Marine Recreation Area” at the Russian River Estuary, which is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park and Greater Farallones Sanctuary, in Jenner (by the sea), CA. And because we help train outdoor guides and rescue providers, we also are the only outfitter to operate year around and to provide more adventurous guided activities and certified skills courses on many reaches of the Russian River during the fall, winter and spring.
The lowest reaches of the Russian River are abundant with both river and marine wildlife and our tidal influence offsets river currents allowing us to provide both rentals and tours every month of most years, weather and water permitting.
The year around harbor seal colony, river otter and abundant mammals including various marine species, as well as a seasonal flux in many species, including various birds including osprey, blue heron and bald eagle, bufflehead, grebes and pelicans , and marine mammals including gray and humpback whales, pods of dolphins and orca, provide a unique experience and perspective of the lower portion of the Russian River and Sonoma Coast.
Owner, Suki Waters, is a local Native American descendant, guide and kayak instructor who has been working with the public in outdoor recreation since 1979 and in local wildlife and historical interpretation, and recreational safety since 1987.
Our team includes and affiliates who are outdoor enthusiasts and professionals including lifeguards, guides, instructors and interns who share their own unique enthusiasm, expertise and experience. Most of us have been or are still active in volunteer or professional positions, or are completing education involving outdoor safety, recreation, education and research.
Our tourism activities help fund our ability to provide ecological education tours through “The living classroms project” for schools and non-profits at greatly reduced rates and to assist county, state and federal agencies in tracking and collecting ecological and wildlife information and statistics through “Sonoma Coast Watch”.
Customized activities include multi day trips, organizing fund-raisers and educational tours for youth groups, schools, volunteer, veteran, ecological and non-profit organizations, and outdoor activities, seminars or team building for businesses.
From All At WaterTreks,
Note: At the “Managed Marine Recreation Area” on the Russian River, there are fishing and collecting restrictions as well as a no go zone for protection of wildlife and to avoid river mouth currents. State and Federal entities as well as ourselves want you to enjoy the area and what is most often beginner friendly conditions. Please see our website for information provided to help the general public track wind and water conditions that may be more challenging or very unfavorable at times, or give us a call as we track conditions daily and are happy to share.
Thank you in advance for helping to fund our programs through your outdoor activities. We look forward to sharing with you our appreciation of our local ecosystems and all that is natural and wild.
