Russian River Estuary
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Marine Protected Area: Wildlife Nursery
Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Otter, Whale, Many Birds
"Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited"
Deadly River Mouth
and Ocean Waves
Stay Back!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife. Red Flag Limit
June: Calm Periods Increase
Spring winds back down as wind directions shift. Cold sea temps rise slightly as hot inland temps pull in early morning overcast. Track NW Spring winds! Some windy PMs still happen and some days can still blow out early. Upstream of the estuary: Reverse routes to finish going upstream.
Estuary Forecast: 06/02/25
Call at least a day prior
Free dry bag
and outerwear use.
Next 10 days:
An Early Summer Calm Period
Sun-Wed: CALM, AM overcast clears to High 50s to Low 60s Possible AM mist Wed : Start 10AM-2PM
Thur-Sat: CALM, AM overcast clears to high 60s between 11AM and 6PM: (Summer Weekend Hours) Start 9AM-5PM.
Check back for updates
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay Goat Rock Beach Time Offset:
(Hours and minutes) High tide + 1:26, Low tide + :46
Ocean Temps: Jenner: Cold
See our Safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 apps as "No Forecast" correctly covers all aspects. We try.
Forecasts can and do change. Nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Russian River Estuary
Sharing the best ways to view since 1987
Marine Protected Area: Wildlife Nursery
Bald Eagle, Seal Pups, Otter, Whale, Many Birds
"Feeding and Disturbing Wildlife Prohibited"
Deadly River Mouth
and Ocean Waves
Stay Back!
"Stay back at least 150 feet" from resting or feeding wildlife. Red Flag Limit
June: Calm Periods Increase
Spring winds back down as wind directions shift. Cold sea temps rise slightly as hot inland temps pull in early morning overcast. Track NW Spring winds! Some windy PMs still happen and some days can still blow out early. Upstream of the estuary: Reverse routes to finish going upstream.
Estuary Forecast: 06/02/25
Call at least a day prior
Free dry bag
and outerwear use.
Next 10 days:
An Early Summer Calm Period
Sun-Wed: CALM, AM overcast clears to High 50s to Low 60s Possible AM mist Wed : Start 10AM-2PM
Thur-Sat: CALM, AM overcast clears to high 60s between 11AM and 6PM: (Summer Weekend Hours) Start 9AM-5PM.
Check back for updates
Ocean Tides: Bodega Bay Goat Rock Beach Time Offset:
(Hours and minutes) High tide + 1:26, Low tide + :46
Ocean Temps: Jenner: Cold
See our Safety page for apps to track local conditions.
We use 4 apps as "No Forecast" correctly covers all aspects. We try.
Forecasts can and do change. Nobody can be held responsible for full forecast accuracy.
Periodic weather and water limitations.
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.
"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
Protected Status
The wildlife are easy to view without disturbing their vital biological needs. We show you where and how to view them.
Sea Birds and Harbor Seals are particularly sensitive to human disturbance. Please do not disturb and help us report sick or dying wildlife. Sharing photos of them and their location is the best way to help us report.
The Following information is "Mandatory" for all visitors to the nursery.
We interpret during guided tours
and prior to rental launches.
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 please respect other visitors..
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.
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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.
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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.
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: Details on our Rental Page
Seasonal Weather: Spring into Early Summer
Rain Reduces and Wind Increases: Plenty of calm days exist however "Early Extremely Windy Days" happen, more so Spring into Early Summer. Don't become stranded by ignoring wind forecasts. Plan to be off the water prior to winds picking up. Wind below 9 MPH is ideal. Rescue is "not" easy, especially on truly unsafe days when we are closed.
Most wind stations are located at higher elevations where winds are stronger. This makes interpreting local forecasts tricky. The estuary is protected from most wind directions except NW. Mishaps on the estuary are common for private paddlers, who do not check wind forecasts or believe warning signs at the boat launch prior to launching. As first responders, We care. If bringing your own paddle craft, "check our forecasts". "We track forecasts daily and post when we are closed do to unsafe conditions".
Tule Fog: A Winter into Spring "inland phenomena" that rarely affects the coast. Mornings, and often days, are warmer on the coast when true inland tule fog exists.
Morning Mist: Occasional and most common in early Summer. True fog often skips right past us, or burns off quickly to sun, and comes ashore closer to Bodega Bay and Point Reyes on its way up the San Francisco Bay. We have outerwear free to use for misty mornings.
