Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding During your Visit to Napa Valley
Napa Valley has a beautifully warm climate, making it an excellent place for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. It does get a little too chilly in the winter for water sports, so if you are not interested in a chilly adventure, you need to plan the time of year you are heading to Napa accordingly.
The Napa River runs for 55 miles. It goes straight through the heart of the valley. Flowing from Mount Saint Helena to the San Pablo Bay. The Napa River offers gorgeous views. You can start your d=journey in downtown Napa and paddle your way out of the city to find mother nature at its best.
You can also kayak, canoe, and paddleboard at Lake Hennessey. You will find this lake is teeming with wildlife and has breathtaking scenery. Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa and is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. You will find lots of small islands to explore in Lake Berryessa, including Eagle Island, famous for its bald eagle nesting sites.
Wildlife you may see while kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding in Napa
New wildlife enthusiasts and seasoned ones alike will be delighted with the wildlife found in Napa. This is one of the most diverse areas in California for wildlife. Whether you come to see birds, mammals, or even an otter or two, you will not be disappointed. Some of the wildlife found in Napa Valley are:
- Otters and beavers
- Birds like swans, ducks, hummingbirds, great blue herons.
- Raptors like bald eagles, golden eagles, prairie falcons.
- Bobcats
- Coyote
- Foxes
- Bears
Depending on where you are exploring will vary with the wildlife you encounter, but you are sure to find something to marvel at no matter where you visit.
Be prepared
When you are going to spend the day kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding in Napa, it’s best to come prepared so you can get the most out of your day. Somethings to bring are:
- The proper clothing – Wearing something comfortable that will wick away sweat and water from your skin is ideal. Bathing suits, workout wear, and biking outfits are good choices, and you will also want to wear water shoes to keep your feet comfortable.
- Waterproof phone case – It is best not to take your phone at all, but that’s not realistic. A waterproof case will help to keep your phone from water damage. It would be helpful if you have somewhere safe to hold your phone, like a zip-up pocket. It is not likely to float if it should fall in the water.
- Water bottle – While enjoyable, water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding can be tiring and have you breaking a sweat. Ensuring you have enough water to stay hydrated is a must.
- Sunscreen- You will be out on the river for a while; you don’t want to take home a nasty burn. It would be best to reapply during your venture on the river.
- Hat and sunglasses – Additional protection from the sun is a good idea, and the sunglasses will also help reduce the glare and shimmer from the water.
Rental places in Napa for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
Take a tour of Napa Valley’s history and an up-close look at all the beauty nature has to offer on the Napa River. Your fully guided tour will begin in downtown Napa and will take up to 2 hours to complete. Your guide will indulge you in local history and lore during that time. You will learn about Napa’s first settlers, local businesses, and the wineries found around Napa. The wilderness will be out in all its splendour for you to enjoy. You may see a variety of birds, minks, otters, beavers, and so much more while you glide down the Napa River.
The kayaks provided have beginners in mind and are sturdy. You will also be provided with a life jacket. The Napa River is a very calm river, so it is beginner-friendly.
You can rent a kayak or a paddleboat from this company to explore the Napa River yourself. Plan an escape for the day right in the heart of wine country. The Napa River is crowd-free, calm, and has stunning scenery. You can find peace and fun while you kayak or paddleboard the day away.
Taking a kayak down Napa Valley is a great way to break away from the city’s noise and get in touch with nature. You can take in the breathtaking views and stop along your way if you want at shops, cafes, and wineries.
If you were hoping to get some fishing in a while on vacation, you could rent a kayak for that to fish in the legendary Napa River. Your kayak will feature storage areas for your keys, phone, and lunch. There is a tie-down system to hold your fishing gear, a deluxe upright seat, and a two-piece paddle. You can spend the whole day on the lake taking in the beauty and the peacefulness only the Napa River has to offer.