Humboldt Kayak Tours
We are the leading paddling tour guides, highlighting the stunning bays, lagoons, and coastline of Humboldt County.
Humboldt Bay Kayak Tour
Discover Humboldt Bay's fascinating history as you navigate the shoreline and interior channels of Indian Island, along with the scenic points of Woodley Island marina. While paddling through the bay, you may encounter playful seals, graceful shorebirds, and various local wildlife. Since Humboldt Bay offers excellent protection, this tour is perfect for beginners!
Mad River Wildlife Birding Tour
Humboldt acts as a haven for many migratory birds, including thousands of shorebirds, ducks, and geese. Situated just west of Arcata, on the eastern side of Humboldt Bay, lies the Mad River Slough. This area was initially formed by loggers who built a channel to link the river with the bay for transporting logs to nearby mill yards. Today, it has evolved into a wildlife refuge, attracting a diverse array of species that pass through. This tour is designed for bird enthusiasts. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to get a closer look at these shorebirds!
Trinidad Bay Kayak Tour
Paddle on the ocean in this pristine environment, partially protected from ocean swell, with a mellow beach launch. Trinidad Bay is the traditional fishing ground of the Yurok tribe and an important commercial fishing port today. As we paddle, we will watch for migrating whales, the ever-present seals, sea lions, and otters. In this unforgettable stretch of beach, rock gardens, towering sea stacks, and prolific wildlife abound. It’s a spectacular kayaking adventure you won’t want to miss.
Big Lagoon Kayak Tour
Big Lagoon is the largest of the three lagoons situated within Humboldt Lagoons State Park. This stunning lagoon stretches 3.5 miles and is separated from the powerful Pacific Ocean by a slender 2,100-foot sand spit, making it a paradise for kayakers. While the sound of crashing waves echoes nearby, this sheltered body of water remains calm and ideal for water exploration. The lagoon's wetland habitat serves as a vital resting point for migratory birds along the Pacific flyway. Occasionally, a herd of Roosevelt elk gathers in the marshy areas surrounding Maple Creek, and playful river otters can be spotted along the eastern shore. Additionally, seals and various marine mammals may be seen on the beach side of the lagoon.
Humboldt Kayaking Gallery
Justin Legge
Kayaking/Hiking Guide
Justin has served as an Interpretive Naturalist in the Humboldt region since 2011, striving to foster positive and meaningful connections between people and nature. Initially trained as an Interpretive Naturalist Ranger with the Forest Service in Lake Tahoe, he now leads both Kayaking Tours and Hiking Tours. Justin's preferred program is the Wonder of the Redwoods Hike, where he shares the wonders of the ancient Redwood forest and educates visitors on the deep ecology of Sequoia sempervirens. When not guiding tours, Justin can be found kayaking on Big Lagoon, exploring the diverse beaches with his canine companion, or wandering through the unique Coastal Dunes near Eureka.
Kayaking Guides
Sandy Haux
Kayaking/Hiking Guide
Sandy started her paddling career in 2004. She has taken extensive training and has been certified as an ACA (American Canoe Association) kayak instructor. With a background in Natural Science and over 40 years residency in Humboldt County, she is able to share much knowledge about the area and the natural world. Sandy spent 2 years as a Ranger with Redwood National and Sate Parks in the fish and wildlife branch. Sandy guides because she loves being outdoors and meeting new people. Some of my favorite Humboldt activities are paddling, mountain biking, playing pickleball, swimming in the rivers, backpacking, and seeing live theater and music.
Georgianna Wood
Kayaking Guide
I came to Humboldt County in 1991 to attend HSU, and fell in love with the Redwood Coast. There are so many adventures to be had! Hiking, biking, paddling, foraging, birding, and more. Paddling is my passion, and the ocean is my happy place. I especially love traditional kayaking, and crafted my own Inuit-style skin on frame kayak and many kayak paddles. I have trained and been trained up and down the west coast, teaching beginning kayaking, rescue skills, kayak rolling, open ocean skills, and ocean wild-harvesting. Kelp pickles, anyone? I’m looking forward to sharing an adventure with you!
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.