Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area
Ocean and River Nursery
The Most Wildlife Rich Habitat
on the Russian River
Seal, Otter, Birds, Whale
Sharing the best ways
to view since 1987
Protected Wildlife Habitat
River Mouth Open: Stay 300 ft back from Deadly River Mouth Currents.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding birds and wildlife by land and water.
Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
They can be curious
and fun to view.
We show you how
prior to your launch.
Estuary Forecast: 05/22/24: Nice Trend
Calm with occasional Windy afternoons and days.
Forecasts can and do change:
Revisit for updates.
Easing into Memorial Weekend
Rentals with Lesson, dry bag and thin outerwear use.
Wed: Becomes Very Windy.Short Staffed: Closed
Thur:Calm AM. Wind after 2PM. Start 8:30-11:30 AM.
Fri : Becomes Very Windy Early:Likely Closed
Sat: Calm AM. Wind after 1PM. Start 8:30-10:30 AM.
Sun-Mon: Mostly Calm and Sunny. Start 9 AM-4PM
Tue: Calm AM. Wind after 1PM. School Tour.
Next Wed-Fri: Becomes Very Windy: Possibly Closed
Popular weekends and school breaks.
Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.
We reopen for temps above 55, during dry calmer days, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.
(Upstream: See river levels below 5' at Guerneville)
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay 49F
Know which days to avoid windy afternoons
Use the links on this page to track weather and water conditions.
We use 4 apps. No single Forecast can correctly cover all aspects. Forecasts change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Sonoma Coast
State Park
Rental and Tour
Permits Required
Family Interpretive
Volunteers Since 1985
Guided Tours
Since 1999
Private or Join our Discount
Community Education
Gift Certificates : Call!
Recreation Blog
Ecology, Wildlife, Education
by Suki Waters
Safety Training
Russian River Estuary
Marine Protected Area: Ocean and River Nursery
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Protected Wildlife Habitat
Otter, Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Whale, Many Birds
River Mouth Perched/Swift: Stay 300 ft back from Deadly River Mouth Currents.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding birds and wildlife by land and water.
Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited.
But they can be curious and fun to view.
We show you how prior to your launch.
Estuary Forecast: 05/22/24: Nice Trend
Calm with occasional Windy afternoons and days.
Forecasts can and do change: Revisit for updates.
Easing into Memorial Weekend
Rentals with Lesson, dry bag and thin outerwear use.
Wed: Becomes Very Windy.Short Staffed: Closed
Thur:Calm AM. Wind after 2PM. Start 8:30-11:30 AM.
Fri : Becomes Very Windy Early:Likely Closed
Sat: Calm AM. Wind after 1PM. Start 8:30-10:30 AM.
Sun-Mon: Mostly Calm and Sunny. Start 9 AM-4PM
Tue: Calm AM. Wind after 1PM. School Tour.
Next Wed-Fri: Becomes Very Windy: Possibly Closed
Popular weekends and school breaks.
Reservations Required: No act of nature cancellation fees.
We reopen for temps above 55, during dry calmer days, and without noticeable currents in the main estuary.
(Upstream: See river levels below 5' at Guerneville)
Ocean Tides: Goat Rock Beach
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay 49F
See our safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 apps. No Forecast correctly covers all aspects. Forecasts can and do change. Therefore, nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Russian River
Chamber of Commerce
Become Part of a Fun Community Education
and Outdoor Recreation Safety Team.
Competitive Pay, Client Surge Bonuses!
Extra Hours Available During Education Breaks.
We Reward Your Experience and Efforts!
Call Us! Paid Training / Paid Internships
College Credit / Veterans Encouraged
A Lifeguard Cert: Fastest way to work on the water
Professional Kayak Guide Cert: Fastest best pay
CPR, First Aid, Water Rescue and Lead Guides
Plus a part-time outfitting and communications position.
Share your experience.
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