Russian River Tours and Tickets
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What are people saying about Russian River
Shannon_S, Nov 2025
The Best Day in the Wild of Wine Country
This morning kayak tour of the Russian River is a peaceful and beautiful way to spend time with natural beauty and gain an appreciation of more than the grapes of this region. Erik is a warm and engaging guide who takes the stress out of connecting with nature through kayaking whether you’re a deeply experienced paddler or a newbie. His genuine love for this landscape and its wildlife is infectious as he shares insight into the history of the shaping of the surrounding town and how commerce altered the landscape to what is current. He has a wonderful grasp of the local birds, mammals and aquatic species and can easily answer curious questions about fauna encounters. We were lucky enough to see many species of birds- including more than 70 pelicans on their migratory path to Baja. And of course the seals! Their adorable heads pop up as they curiously sneak peeks of visitors paddling by so close you can see their eye lashes. Erik knows all the best spots on the river to maximize viewing. This misty morning is my second trip with Erik as I first booked a trip with my sister visiting from afar in early summer, then a second trip in the fall as a birthday present for a dear friend. Both trips were calming and the most beautiful way to begin a day. Erik snaps lots of photos then send you a link so you don’t have to pull yourself from the moment to fumble with your phone. This tour is a gift and a great alternative or addition to the food and wine experiences abundant in wine country. Do yourself a favor and take a couple hours to connect with nature, those your with, and yourself and book this tour!
Benjamin_N, Jul 2025
This was a great tour,...
This was a great tour, Eric had everything organized and he really gave us a different experience in Sonoma county. He is super knowledgeable about the region, the plants and its animals and is just a fun person to be around. The Russian River is so nice, very user friendly even to non experienced kayakers. Hope to bring the kids there soon to experience it.
AmberDiane_Y, Jul 2025
Great tour for adults and kids alike!
This was an absolutely incredible tour - our guide was friendly, flexible and an expert on the coastal estuary. He had my kids completely captivated and looking at the area in a whole new way. We saw so much wildlife! It was an absolute blast.
Bernadette_W, Jun 2025
Great day on the river!
Erik is super knowledgeable about the river and the community and its history. We greatly enjoyed our time on the river and loved the experience.
We had to go more inland because of high winds on the coast but going inland let us see more wildlife.
My daughter, who is 4, even got to get on the action with her own paddle.
Would highly recommend this tour to anyone- especially families with kids.
Michelle_A, Jun 2025
Paddling under the redwoods
Easy paddle along majestic forest. Friendly and informative guide who has a love for the region, its history, and it’s unique natural beauty
rhondamckeever, Jul 2024
Excellent way to experience Russian River
Great way to experience a bit of the Russian River and learn about the area. Eric was an awesome guide! Saw lots of wildlife, including some seals and a bald eagle.
Deepak_D, Jun 2025
The best kayaking
This was the BEST experience we could hope for on a kayaking trip. Easy parking and launch site. Our guide Eric was fun and knowledgeable. We saw so much wildlife and the fog lifted just as we started out-the perfect day!
Aohan_L, Apr 2024
High recommended
Highly recommend! Our guide Erik is amicable and experienced! Sharing a lot of funny life stories and knowledge about Russian river. The experience is very fun and chill! We also see seals!
mel_w, Sep 2024
Awesome River Kayak Tour w Erik!
What an amazing day kayaking with such an awesome guide Erik. This was the highlight of our trip to the coast. I cannot say enough great things about the experience. Erik is very knowledgeable and a great guide. And the scenery was amazing. I never write reviews but this one warranted one. I highly recommend!
Daniela_V, Sep 2024
A wonderful Kayaking experience
We had fantastic time. We really appreciated all information about clothings and tips we received by email prior to our to be prepared to have a good experience despite the weather and it was also very helpful to locate the meeting point.
The day of the tour the weather “collaborated” as it was a beautiful sunny morning and not very windy day.
Eric is very knowledgeable and we learn a lot about the area! We loved kayaking and we are looking to do it again with more friends!
Carolyn_P, Sep 2023
Highly Recommended
Our kayak trip with Erik and Tim was fun and informative. They took great care of our group of 10 (5 kayaks.) They wove the area’s history and ecology into the trip. We saw merganser ducks, cormorants, great blue herons, an osprey , a kingfisher, pelicans, and numerous harbor seals. I recommend this activity for anyone who wants to learn more about the area where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Thank you, Erik and Tim!
joyce_w, Aug 2024
Experience nature up close.
We enjoyed every minute of our kayaking tour with Erik. A great way to see nature, even for the inexperienced kayaker.. The beautiful calm waters and the brisk temperatures were a welcome change of pace after a few days in Napa. Loved seeing the variety of birds and of course the seals! Erik is knowledgeable about this beautiful area and we were happy recipients of all that he shared.
Russian River
5.0
(136)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

The Russian River is a must-see for nature, wine, and food lovers.
Travelers embarking on kayak or canoe trips should come prepared with sun protection, swimsuits, towels, and water shoes.
Most kayaking, canoeing, and wine tours are not suitable for small children.
People Also Ask
Is the Russian River in Napa or Sonoma?
The Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is in the heart of Sonoma County, but the river itself flows through both the Sonoma and Mendocino counties of Northern California. Top Napa wineries source their cool-climate grapes from the Russian River Valley AVA, which produces excellent pinot noir, chardonnay, and zinfandel.
What makes the Russian River Valley special?
The Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is especially renowned for its award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay wines. There’s enormous soil variety in the valley and the particular composition of the soils (containing volcanic ash, sand, silt, and clay) is ideal for pinot noir grapes in particular, a grape that’s notoriously difficult to grow.
Can you swim in the Russian River?
Yes, you can swim in the Russian River and there are many great swimming beaches. Some are only open seasonally, while others can be used at any time—although lifeguards won’t always be present. It’s a good idea to wear a life jacket because the river can be unpredictable.
Are motorboats allowed on the Russian River?
Yes, motorboats are allowed on the Russian River. However, non-motorized means of travel along the river are more common, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boating. Motorized boats must limit their noise, and a 5-mile (8-kilometer) per hour speed restriction applies when passing swimming beaches, diving platforms, or other places with people moving around.
How many wineries are there in the Russian River Valley?
The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is home to 70 wineries, which produce 30 different types of wine. The Russian River Valley has some of the oldest grape vines in California and wine has been made there since the 1870s. It now produces gold-standard California pinot noir and chardonnay.
What wine is the Russian River Valley known for?
Northern California’s Russian River Valley is best known for its cool-climate wines, particularly pinot noir and chardonnay. Its particular combination of climate and terrain means the conditions are especially good for hard-to-grow pinot-noir grapes. The Russian River Valley also produces good zinfandel, syrah, and sauvignon blanc, among other varieties.
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