Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary "Marine Protected Area"
and "Managed Recreation Area"
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Welcome to the Wildlife Nursery!
The River Mouth Area and it's hazardous currents are easy to avoid.
We share the best ways, and best times, to enjoy the estuary and to view the wildlife.
Park Rules: "Know Before You Go"
Wildlife Nursery for One of the Most Biologically Dense and Diverse Coastal Habitats on our Planet.
" State, Federal, and United Nations Protections "
Notice Sea Birds, Harbor Seals and their pups in the background
Wildlife are easy to view without disturbing their vital biological needs.
Sea Birds and Harbor Seals are particularly sensitive to human disturbance.
Most abandonment by mothers are caused by human or dog disturbance.
Many wildlife mothers need to leave their young each day to eat.
Most young wildlife that are alone, "are not abandoned".
This includes most sea birds and marine mammals.
Please do not disturb and help us report sick, dead, or abandoned wildlife.
Sharing photos of them and their location is the best way to help us report.
The "Park Rules" are "Mandatory" for all visitors to the nursery
We interpret during guided tours
and prior to rental launches.
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
Deadly River Mouth Currents and Ocean Waves
Stay Back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth
Do not enter currents!
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
Marine Mammal and Sea Bird illnesses
easily transmissible to pets.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Zoom in to photo wildlife: Report ill sea lions.
Main marine mammals are Harbor Seals.
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
Nature's limits are easy to avoid.
"Know before you go"
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, Sea Birds, River Otter, Brown and White Pelicans, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Estuary Forecast: 09/16/25
Updated: 7:30 AM
Next 10 days: La Nina Conditions Build
Potentially last seasonal Glowing Plankton
Call: Join our contact list for the best moon phase and bloom dates.
Tuesday into Wednesday Coastal overcast clears to full sun and warms from the 60s into the 70s, and occasionally low 80s, while remaining mostly calm. Forecasters are still debating rain Thursday into Friday and leaning towards the system moving south. Sonoma coast will likely be warm overcast with a slight chance of sprinkles between 5 and 11AM Friday. Friday afternoon begins to clear for a sunny weekend with Sunday being exceptionally sunny and warm. Seasonal Notes: Fully overcast cool days are rare in early Fall. "Variable Sun Days", though warm, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. Wildlife love a dynamic environment. Our last Bioluminescence (Glowing Plankton) Tours are likely September 19 - 22. We provide free use our dry bags and some water resistant outer layers, if needed.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale are migrating off shore again and Harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle sightings amongst other "birds of prey", and many "sea birds". Spotting the larger American White Pelican starts early. They move upstream to the 4 hour route as people increase in the main estuary. River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large groups or loud humans.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays become by prior reservation starting in October. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year. See our forecasts for weekly weather and schedule updates.
Fall School Field Research: On these midweek dates our safety staff rotate to educational tours which can limit rental start times to prior and just after each tour. Look for our published " large private tour dates" and reserve early to ensure rental staff. Sept 25th, October 1, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16. More dates may be added. "Reserve Early to Ensure Rental Staff before or after each tour.
Fully Outfitted
Free dry bag use
Beginner Friendly Kayak Rental Start Times and Our Hours This Week
This Weeks Temp Highs: Mid to High 60s
Call to Reserve Early: We individually prep each kayak.
Interpretive Safety Reviews with Kayak Lesson prior to launch.
Walk up reservations may have wait times.
Tue-Wed: Beat the heat! Highs to mid 70s: Rental Starts 11AM-3PM: Last back 5:30PM
Thur: Calm overcast, highs to mid 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-2PM: Last back 4:30PM
Fri: SC of sprinkles 5-11AM. Clearing. Low 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-4PM: Last back 6:30PM
Sat-Sun: Calm sun, high 60s: Start 10AM-4PM: Last back 6:30PM
Glowing Plankton Tours: September 13-22: 6:45 -10:30 PM Limited Seats: Reserve Early,
Next Mon-Thur: Variable mostly calm Sun. Mid 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-2PM
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Private and Discount Dates and Rates
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later:
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay: Estuary proper: Much warmer, except around high tide.
Ocean temps are at seasonal highs.
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts are more variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate your dog for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Warmer ocean temps can contribute to bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch marine mammal and bird viruses. Do not approach wildlife. Near Jenner: To avoid overwhelming our already overwhelmed Marine Mammal Center, report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's for sightings at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location with us are the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Text photos and location to Watertrek's field cell phone at 707-955-9565. We will call you back and update them. Sick Sea Lions may head upstream: Please report them and stay back: Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL). Volunteer to help us or any parks programs with their projects: Volunteer Deep Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Russian River Estuary
"Protected Marine Sanctuary"
Fishing and Feeding or Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited
See Park Rules: Know before you go.
Deadly River Mouth Currents and Ocean Waves
Stay Back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth
Do not enter currents!
Goat Rock and Driftwood Beaches: No Dogs!
Marine Mammal and Sea Bird illnesses
easily transmissible to pets.
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from wildlife
Zoom in to photo wildlife: Report ill sea lions.
Main marine mammals are Harbor Seals.
Red Flag Limit : See Maps of Restricted Areas
Nature's limits are easy to avoid.
"Know before you go"
We share the best ways to explore.
Migrating Whale, Curious Seal Pups and Adults, Sea Birds, River Otter, Brown and White Pelicans, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Hawks, Osprey, and much more.
Estuary Forecast: 09/16/25
Updated: 7:30 AM
Next 10 days: La Nina Conditions Build
Potentially last seasonal Glowing Plankton
Call: Join our contact list for the best moon phase and bloom dates.
Tuesday into Wednesday Coastal overcast clears to full sun and warms from the 60s into the 70s, and occasionally low 80s, while remaining mostly calm. Forecasters are still debating rain Thursday into Friday and leaning towards the system moving south. Sonoma coast will likely be warm overcast with a slight chance of sprinkles between 5 and 11AM Friday. Friday afternoon begins to clear for a sunny weekend with Sunday being exceptionally sunny and warm. Seasonal Notes: Fully overcast cool days are rare in early Fall. "Variable Sun Days", though warm, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. Wildlife love a dynamic environment. Our last Bioluminescence (Glowing Plankton) Tours are likely September 19 - 22. We provide free use our dry bags and some water resistant outer layers, if needed.
Wildlife love a dynamic environment: Whale are migrating off shore again and Harbor seals and pups entertain. Bald eagle sightings amongst other "birds of prey", and many "sea birds". Spotting the larger American White Pelican starts early. They move upstream to the 4 hour route as people increase in the main estuary. River otter, bobcat, fox, mink, and other species also appear on occasion and will avoid dogs and large groups or loud humans.
Jenner Kayaks: (Our rentals help fund reduced prices for our Watertreks community education tours.) Rentals remain open daily through September and Fridays through Sundays throughout the year, weather and water permitting. Mondays through Thursdays become by prior reservation starting in October. Some winter and spring periods are guided only. We reopen rentals daily during school breaks throughout the year. See our forecasts for weekly weather and schedule updates.
Fall School Field Research: On these midweek dates our safety staff rotate to educational tours which can limit rental start times to prior and just after each tour. Look for our published " large private tour dates" and reserve early to ensure rental staff. Sept 25th, October 1, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16. More dates may be added. "Reserve Early to Ensure Rental Staff before or after each tour.
Fully Outfitted
Free dry bag use
Beginner Friendly Kayak Rental Start Times and Our Hours This Week
This Weeks Temp Highs: Mid to High 60s
Call to Reserve Early: We individually prep each kayak.
Interpretive Safety Reviews with Kayak Lesson prior to launch.
Walk up reservations may have wait times.
Tue-Wed: Beat the heat! Highs to mid 70s: Rental Starts 11AM-3PM: Last back 5:30PM
Thur: Calm overcast, highs to mid 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-2PM: Last back 4:30PM
Fri: SC of sprinkles 5-11AM. Clearing. Low 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-4PM: Last back 6:30PM
Sat-Sun: Calm sun, high 60s: Start 10AM-4PM: Last back 6:30PM
Glowing Plankton Tours: September 13-22: 6:45 -10:30 PM Limited Seats: Reserve Early,
Next Mon-Thur: Variable mostly calm Sun. Mid 60s: Rental Starts 10AM-2PM
Remember to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, a brimmed hat, and water or snacks.
Private and Discount Dates and Rates
Check back for updates: Forecast can and do change.
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay: Estuary offset is later:
(Add these hours and minutes) High Tide + 1:26, Low Tide + 0:46
Ocean Temps: Bodega Bay: Estuary proper: Much warmer, except around high tide.
Ocean temps are at seasonal highs.
See our "Recreational Safety" page for apps to track local conditions.
We can be geeks.
We use 4 apps and local observations as no app is fully correct.
NOAA (National Weather Service): Short staffed. Updating less often. Long-range forecasts are more variable.
We are not responsible for forecast accuracy, but we do pretty good.
Outbreak: Vaccinate your dog for Leptospirosis if you enjoy bringing them to the coast.
Warmer ocean temps can contribute to bacterial and viral surges. Humans and "especially their pets" can catch marine mammal and bird viruses. Do not approach wildlife. Near Jenner: To avoid overwhelming our already overwhelmed Marine Mammal Center, report to our State Park Visitor Center or Watertrek's for sightings at the estuary. Sharing photos of the animal and the location with us are the best way to help the Marine Mammal center to respond to the correct spot. Text photos and location to Watertrek's field cell phone at 707-955-9565. We will call you back and update them. Sick Sea Lions may head upstream: Please report them and stay back: Rescue hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL). Volunteer to help us or any parks programs with their projects: Volunteer Deep Discount Passes available for our activities. We are community education based.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Russian River Estuary Marine Protected Area
"Know Before You Go"
A State Park "Business Access by Permit Only" Location.
Our Lifeguard wages, insurance, and operational fees are included in our low rates.
"Fines or Rescue Fees" for violating park rules are not.
Client Monitoring For “State Marine Recreation Management Area”
"We value your safety and enjoyment, as well as the integrity of our education and research programs".
Please Respect the Recommendations of our Staff, Local Regulations, our Access Partners, and each other.
Failure to do so can result in injury, death, fines, or loss of participation.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not play nice.
Play Nice and Have Fun!
"Park Wildlife and Safety Limitations"
We have fun sharing the basics in our safety reviews.
All Activities Remain At Your Own Risk
Applies to all visitors including Ocean Beach and Island Hikes and Paddle or Motorized Watercraft of Any Type
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“No Go Zone” Rescue & Ticketing Fees: Pay Attention To Safety Reviews: Do Not Enter River Mouth Currents. Stay back at least 300 feet from the River Mouth. Private paddlers have been inured by entering the river mouth or ocean currents. Deadly results or being banned from rentals can happen if you enter this area. Most of the Estuary is Beginner Friendly "during good weather". See our Maps.
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"Protected Harbor Seal and Sea Bird Resting Area". State or Federal fines for disturbing Wildlife. Do Not Approach Wildlife: Stay back 50 yards, (150 feet). Do not enter or proceed beyond roped off areas. Join us in modeling respectful and sustainable behavior here at the protected wildlife nursery. See our Maps
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No Dogs: In areas with direct wildlife access. Fines for harassing or harming resting seals and sea birds can be up to $10,000. None of us wants you to be charged extra fees.There are dog beaches near by. Ask Us.
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Leave No Trace: Benefit rather than harm the areas we visit. This area is a protected wildlife nursery. No littering including toxic items like cigarette butts! Leave only foot prints and take only photos and memories.
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Boating under the influence (BUI) = fines. Being under the influence of mind altering substances is not allowed when operating any vehicle, which includes by paddling. Participants showing up under the influence will be cancelled. Becoming under the influence on the water may be subject to ticketing and being banned from renting in the park. Kayaking is great for working up an appetite, or thirst, for enjoying local cuisines, wine tasting or micro-brews "after your activity".
All Boating Is Within The Protected River and Estuary Waters
Knowing our "Micro-Climate Weather Forecast" can be vital
Help us Keep our Rates Reasonable
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Cost Of Damages or Replacement Fees: To avoid damages...See Rental Page.
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Excess Cleaning: + $20: Return as received: A little wet and sandy is fine.
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Cancellation Policy: Very genours.Details on our Rental Page
September into October: Mostly Calm and Warm.
Mostly fully calm warm days with an occasional breezy afternoon or overcast morning.
Fully overcast and cool days are rare in early Fall. Clear calm coastal days can be in the 70s to 80s during inland heat waves as we move into Early Fall which is our Indian Summer. "Variable Sun Days", though warm, can have tendrils of refreshing mist appearing and disappearing on a sunny day. Wildlife love a dynamic environment.
Fog: Jenner is much less affected by true fog, that drops to ground level, than Bodega Bay or Fort Ross. Fog banks often just hang offshore here. Overcast: Is higher and reduces sunlight. Variable overcast is common, early Summer, with sun heating temps up mid-day to mid to high 60s. As ocean temps warm, overcast clears to mainly full sun days.
NW Wind Afternoons: Most days now are calm. When windy: Beginners and Families start early. Finish before winds pick up between 1 and 3 PM. Athletic folks: Enjoy a breezy afternoon.
Track NW winds which blow out the estuary! Strong Spring Winds back down as wind directions shift. The estuary proper is protected from most wind directions except for NW. A short period of PM breeze is more common Summer months along with fully calm days. However, strong wind can still happen. It's important to check "our" wind forecasts. Private Paddlers: Know before you go!
Note: We try to help with recreational safety by updating changing wind forecasts daily if needed.
Upstream of the estuary: Can be windy even if calm in Jenner. This river twists and turns. Any wind effects some sections as wind blows upstream. Don't get stuck trying to make it downstream. Reverse your route: " Start Early" or plan to finish going upstream with the wind at your back.
