Great experience. Love the one way down river part of the trip. Nice to be taken to the starting point rather than waiting at the end point to be bused back. Staff was cordial and helpful. Nice location half way down river to have a picnic lunch. No parking on site but available at park across the street ($12) or free parking across the bridge. Of the 4 kayaks we used only 1 had the connections for tie downs and a single rope to tie down our cooler. Take plenty of sunscreen since there is no way to avoid the sun for about 3 hours. The suggestion to take dry clothes for after the trip was appreciated. No way you can get away from getting wet. read more

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A great day! Sun was shining, crystal clear water, small beaches for lunch, wildlife, adventure, and super friendly hosts - everyone was so nice. They provide some necessities and small coolers. From the shuttle to the finish line it was a great time. I'll be back. read more

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My family has done the Rio tour 3 times over the past several years and it never gets old. Beautiful and peaceful, with fun swimming and rock jumping along the way. The staff are friendly and helpful. Yesterday my teenage son left his wallet at the check in area and Kim made an effort to contact me, even offering to mail it back to us. We are so appreciative of this extra effort. We will be back and highly recommend this place! read more

Came here with my boyfriend and it was a really smooth experience - we even missed the shuttle and the next one came 10 minutes later! Good: - Very good logistics - we got picked up by the shuttle by very nice staff who also gave us sunglass straps and wet bags - The route was super easy to follow - the fast sections were the most fun on our SUPs - The river is beautiful! Super pretty to paddle down and very zen-like Bad: - Our SUPs didn't have rudders so we basically were furiously paddling, which is the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars! Overall this was a memorable experience, despite needing to work pretty hard to get to the destination. read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

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Kim was amazing. My husband called early in the morning to see if there was any chance we could get a tour last minute and she was able to make it happen. Our daughter graduated from high school the day before so my husband wanted to take her on the water especially since it was such a beautiful day! We had a blast! They provide great transportation for sure to their secret spot which was so perfect! I really liked how friendly everyone was! We checked in and they gave us water proof bags to clip onto our kayaks! They also provide small ice filled ice chest that I wish I would have known about to pack our snacks in! When hubby makes reservations I don't always know how to prepare, but that's ok! They also gave us sunglass straps that I took off right before we flipped over...so I'm sure you guessed! I lost my sunglasses! My favorite gifted Ray-Bans too so use the strays! I also lost my flip flops...because we couldn't find out water shoes! So yes don't forget those! Also make sure to lather up on the sun screen! It's the perfect amount of time on the water...jump off/on and enjoy your time on the many little rock beaches! Enjoy! read more

My family and I have kayaked on rivers all over the U.S. This kayak trip stood out as our favorite, by far. The staff was friendly and helpful, the river absolutely beautiful (and uncrowded when you start up in Healdsburg as they do), and so relaxing and fun. We already want to come back. read more

This rental shop made the whole experience feel smooth, thoughtful, and just the right amount of fun. We rented both a canoe and a kayak. From the moment we arrived, the staff set the tone--friendly, relaxed, and clearly used to getting families (and their dogs) out on the water without a hitch. They handed us dry bags, coolers, and a dog life jacket like they'd done it a hundred times--which they probably had. Our six-year-old was buzzing with excitement, and our dog--suited up and riding in the canoe like he owned the place--looked pretty pleased too. The Russian River was calm and beautiful, with just enough current to make us feel like we knew what we were doing. We drifted past quiet stretches shaded by trees, then through livelier areas near Rio Nido with the hum of music and voices carrying over the water. We also saw some wildlife like fish, ducks, some majestic herons. We stopped on a little island for a picnic, skipped rocks, and let the kid and the dog roam like it was their own private world. Coming back, sun-tired and sandy, the staff greeted us with icees. Nothing fancy--but exactly what you want at the end of a good day. We really enjoyed this fun adventure and we'd rent from River's Edge Kayak and Canoe again in a heartbeat. read more

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Had a great time kayaking! Staff is all super friendly and it was the perfect way to spend half of the day. Looking forward to going back with my dog! Really nice that dry bags are included and there are lots of places to stop along the way to enjoy the river. read more

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My fiancé and I recently rented a canoe here for a day on the Russian River. The staff were very nice and helpful -- they provided dry bags and even gave out sunglass lanyards, which was thoughtful and appreciated. That said, the value for the price was disappointing. We paid $160 for a canoe, and that was essentially it. For such a high price, we expected something more maybe lunch included, more hands-on service, or even a guided option. The vintage canoe, 40-50 years old, not very well maintained and was extremely difficult to maneuver. It would have been better suited as a flower planter in someone's garden. The river itself was the highlight serene, absolutely gorgeous, and full of spots to pull over, fish, rest, or enjoy a picnic. But that beauty was provided by the Almighty, not the rental company. Overall, while we truly enjoyed the river, we wouldn't rent from here again. The price feels far too steep for what you get, especially when you can drop in on your own at certain points along the river for a fraction of the cost and enjoy the same wonderful experience. read more

River's Edge was an awesome time! It starts with the staff -- they are super friendly and helpful. No attitude as I've gotten from some other places. It's easy to get in and out -- shuttle bus is at the start, not at the end when you just want to change clothes and get in your car. And the river is very tame so our kids could make it through with no complaints. There are tons of "beaches" along the way to stop, or just jump into the shallow water! Altogether, you won't be disappointed in this company. read more

I have now been here twice. Both times had excellent customer service. Making a reservation on line is super easy. Once you arrive in Healdsburg park across the street at the Veterans Memorial park. ($7 all day or free with Sonoma County Regional park pass) Easy to check in, clean Porto potty, they provide waterproof bags and have day lockers. Bring your lunch and plan to enjoy the whole day. It seems expensive at first, but 75$ for 6 plus hours on the water with all the work done for you. I'll take it any day. My friend and I had a wonderful time. Saw turtles, lots of birds, baby ducks and even a deer crossing the river. Lots of rock beaches to pull over and hang out on. We even went swimming! Highly recommend. See you soon! read more

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Second time with Rivers Edge - such a convenient way to do a paddle day on the Russian river!

Every year these folks are great. They provide lanyards and water proof bags and coolers. Equipment is all good. Staff are accommodating and engaged. Highly recommend this trip. read more

Cons: Price is too high for what you get - $500 for a family of 6. I could see maybe paying that much if lunch was included. Trip felt a little rushed (we had the 11:30am departure). The confirmation email said to be back by 3:30pm - onsite staff told us we needed to be back by 3:00pm. Some residents along the river claimed the beaches were "private" and we weren't allowed to use them. The employees have some room for improvement customer-service wise. The email confirmation states - What We Provide: Included in your paddling package, you will receive at no extra charge: a dry bag, sunglass straps, gallon size zip lock bags, net garbage bags, bags for wet clothes, and tie-downs. We also have a limited supply of coolers to loan. (There were no gallon size zip lock bags, net garbage bags, bags for wet clothes, or tie-downs.) Pros: The shuttle was nicer than others in the same area. The email confirmation said to arrive 30 min early - we ran into unexpected traffic and called to let them know. We got there only 5 minutes early but there were no issues (we completed the waivers online ahead of time so there was nothing left to do but wait for the shuttle to leave). read more

Such a Super Duper experience all around. The website was awesome and easy to book, the directions for arrival awesome and clear, but most importantly the people made it Super Duper. Everyone was really kind, helpful and they even gifted my friend a hat so he didn't get a sunburn. While we all got VERY RED sunburns (our own fault), it was the thought that made it amazing. Would go back and do this again for sure. Pack a lunch as they also give you ice chest. read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Yay! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

This place is great, the people are awesome and floating down this part of the river was so scenic and peaceful. I recommend it! I lost my sunglasses before I got in the canoe and they found them. They're really awesome and mailed them to me. Super appreciate that! read more

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We love kayaking but don't have space to have our own and we decided to kayak on the Russian river for my birthday this weekend and Rivers edge is awesome! Booking was easy and the staff was super helpful and ready to answer any questions. Parking is across the street at a state beach which you have to pay for but if you go past the bridge you can find street parking. They explain everything online and in their emails and prepare you for everything that you need. The staff makes you aware of shallow parts or parts with low hanging trees or anything less in the 5 miles that you might encounter. They have dry bags, coolers, and complimentary sunglass straps and hairt ties which was nice. It was so peaceful and perfect weather when we went. We saw loads of turtles, fish and some otters. If we decide to kayak on the Russian river again we will definitely be back to Rivers Edge. read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

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Rating: 5/5 Explanation of rating: I give Rivers Edge a 5/5 because of the friendly staff, the fairly easy kayak ride, and the experience overall! Furthermore, Rivers Edge had the whole package: transportation, kayaks, and helpful staff. Pros: Friendly staff, easy ride, enjoyable experience! Cons: Weather was way too hot and river was way too low (both of which are outside of their control). Our Experience: During mothers day weekend, my mom told me that she wanted to replace mother's day with a date that she could choose (my mom's a teacher and I'm a grad student so anybody who knows education knows the struggle).This was music to my ears since I was struggling with balancing grad school and work and wanted to be fully present for my mom. As a result, we picked a weekend in July (when we were both off of school) and called it "mothers day weekend." By June, I did my research and brainstormed several fun activities to do with my parents aside from the basic Santa Rosa experience (you know....wine tasting). In a text thread I'm a part of, a friend mentioned to me that she was planning on going kayaking and was using Rivers Edge Kayaking & Canoe Trips to do so. Immediately, I saw this text as a sign from the world to use Rivers Edge to go kayaking with my parents during the weekend that they were coming to visit us. First, we arrived early to Memorial Beach to park our car (if you don't arrive early, you can miss out on the chance to find parking).Next, we rode on a bus to the starting point for the 5 mile excursion. While kayaking, my family and I were able to see lot's of wildlife and enjoy nature! In essence, our entire kayaking trip was memorable and most importantly, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with my mama!! When the adventure came to an end, we all agreed that Rivers Edge was the perfect activity for my mom's late Mothers day celebration. Likely, we will be going back to Rivers Edge the next time we want to reschedule a holiday and want something fun to do! read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Familia - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

Had a great experience with this company. Very friendly, very organized. We were instantly greeted by their friendly staff. They had dry bags and small ice coolers available. We reserved 3 sit on top style kayaks when we did our on-line booking which was super easy. While booking, you can choose single person or 2 person kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards. You can park across the street at a nearby park that has restrooms. We took a quick bus ride up the river, and our kayaks with safety vests were waiting for us. We brought a couple small ice chests with our lunch and beverages and enjoyed a quite, peaceful, self-guided float!! Super easy, super chill, pull your boat up anywhere ya want and have a swim and lunch. Will definitely use them again. read more

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Beautiful and peaceful kayak ride along the river. Staff here is kind and caring. They supply wet bags, glasses holders, and ice chests if needed. Expect to see lots of natural wildlife. Lots of opportunities to stop and eat some lunch. Can't recommend enough. read more

Had a great, relaxing trip! We even saw river otters. I was super-impressed by the organization. When the shuttle dropped us off at the launch site, all our kayaks and our canoe were all set up with paddles and life vests so we could just hop in and go. We were in the 11:30 group, and would have liked to have more time on the river, so I'd recommend one of the earlier times if you can. read more

It was going to be about 100 degrees in Healdsburg yesterday. Fortunately we had a reservation at 9:30 for a party of three and had pretty much a perfect adventure. While there was very little instruction on how to kayak (I think it was assumed all had kayaked previously) there was a brief overview and into the water we went! How I wish I had a waterproof camera because around almost every turn was a picturesque image of the glorious river, ducks and their babies, an Osprey on a dramatic dive for lunch and the beautiful, flowing river. There were a few spots where the water was running strongly, which was thrilling. And it was just the right amount of upper body exercise paddling along. The reservation process was easy. Equipment in fine shape and the route perfection. All the staff were pleasant. read more

Had a great experience with this company, but kayaking on the Russian River was not my favorite. Many parts of the river were very shallow, so the kayak would either slide on the rocks, making a very loud noise, or it would be stuck and you would have to get out of the kayak to pull it forward. Although slightly annoying, it was not horrible. At least the scenery as we kayak down was nice. PRICE It is $55 for a single kayak and $110 for a double, so each person pays the same price no matter which you choose. RESERVATIONS I think most people make a reservation because of the activity's popularity, but my friend and I did a walk in last Saturday and they were able to accommodate us just fine. It's probably best to make a reservation just in case. ABOUT At 10:30am, a bus takes the whole group 5 miles up river where your kayaks/canoes await. You have until 3:30pm to paddle your way down to where you started. The 5 mile ride should take you about 2-3 hours, so this is plenty of time to stop for lunch and enjoy your ride. AMENITIES They have coolers, a dry bag, ziplocks, ties for sunglasses, hair ties, and bottled waters that you can have for FREE, which was super awesome. Also, you can buy water shoes for $10 (omg, so cheap!) here. read more

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I can't believe I haven't Yelped this establishment yet...maybe cuz I was trying to keep it secret lol. BEST Russian River kayaking outfitter in Sonoma County. Not only is this segment of the river the most beautiful/natural due to its serene vibe (as opposed to the 'party-going' beach/river vibe farther down the river, west of Highway 101) but it only spans a 5-mile stretch, a perfect 3 hour paddle (not including lunch/breaks), as opposed to other outfitters that cover a 10-mile stretch and take all day and lots of sweat and tears to paddle through. If you're looking for an easeful picnic paddle go with River's Edge (good for romantic and/or trip with kids)...but if you're looking for an all-day affair with tons of exercise, blisters at the end of the day, and the Russian River party vibe hit up the outfitters west of the 101. Good luck! :) read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Can't imagine a better way to spend the day! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

What a fun morning adventure! Rivers Edge is just awesome. The ease of booking on-line, the friendly staff greeting you, hooking you up with coolers, dry bags, sunglass retainers and even hair ties! First kayak trip on a river and with my dog and it was perfect. Being late in the season we really had the entire river to ourselves. Anytime you can be surrounded by nature and be in the water is a win for me. For sure will book more trips in the future! Also, Higgins gives a 4 Paw rating! read more

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What a great day we had! The staff was wonderful and made the day so easy. They are a well oiled machine and very personable at the same time. All the equipment is in great shape, the location very convenient, online booking a breeze and available parking is very close. The list of items they have for you to borrow will make you feel very cared for. The water level is currently low, but hopping in and out of our canoe only added to our adventure. Thank you, River's Edge! read more

Really loved this trip for us and our 11 year old son on the Russian River. Beautiful views and safe, warm and clear water. Staff were so very helpful in every aspect and so welcoming. We rarely had to step out and walk the kayak over the shallow waters and when we did it was fun to cool our feet! Thank you for a 10/10 experience for us. The Walker Family (Oxford, England). read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

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We had a great time kayaking on the river- saw turtles, otters, cranes, fish and don't forget the deer on the way in to the river! The owners and staff are so nice and make you feel welcome! Would highly recommend this company! read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Our family enjoying the kayaks! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

Great service, wonderful scenery. I've gone kayaking twice with them and I plan to go again!

AMAZING experience! this is our 5th or 6th time and it is always a perfect adventure. The folks who work there are so lovely and helpful. The river is filled with natural beauty and swimming holes. Take a picnic- its idyllic! Our large extended family had a wonderful time. read more

We had the BEST time getting our butts kicked on the river! Dave gave us lots of advice and kept an eye on us because we were woefully and happily inept. He was spot on when it came to which side of the river had faster currents and which ones were more manageable. Best of all, he took pics of us while we were canoeing which came in handy because, Doh! We lost our iPhone camera when we got too excited, lost our balance, and fell in! At least we have his photos since our photos are at the bottom of the river. (He told us to secure our belongings, we were dumb and didn't listen.) All in all, a very eventful and joyful time. Dave and Kim took care of us the whole way through and highly recommend their trips!!! :) read more

Kim and her crew were amazing at helping our large group (30 ish) get out on the water! It's on the best stretch of the river, and they clearly have a well-run machine with great staff. We can't wait to book again next year! read more

Unsafe place, poorly maintained, not family friendly They told us in email that we can purchase water shoes at their store. When we arrived, it was not a store but an abandoned old bus and they did not have water shoes for us. See the photo. They told us the water is waist deep and no need to wear safe jacket. Our canoe flipped after hitting a hidden rock under the water surface and it was deeper than my height and I almost drown. They did not disclose there may be rocks under the water and may flip our canoe. They only talked about bushes and sharp turns, which we watched out and did not have problems. They told us that if we have emergency, we can call the business for help. I did and only got an answer machine. They did not call us back until 1 .5 hours later. See photo attached. Good thing we called 911 for help. Their "shuttle" is poorly maintained: it has a manual hook inside the shuttle just to shut the door closed; another one to keep the door open. I don't know if they even maintain their shuttle. They market this place as family friendly. The water condition was rough and needed 2 adults' entire concentration to navigate due to the hidden rocks everywhere, sharp turns, and sometimes deep and sometimes shallow riverbed. Having brought a 7 year old was a huge mistake. read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - The business did not call us back until 1.5 hours later when we needed emergency help. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

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River SUPing was the highlight of our trip to Sonoma county. The best part is they are dog friendly! The shuttle takes you up river for about 5 miles and you enjoy a relaxing paddle downstream. Did this early summer of 2021 and the river had many shallow spots, which was easy to navigate with the SUP and more enjoyable than taking a kayak. The paddleboards are large and very beginner friendly. We thought our dog would mostly swim around but no! he was happy to sit on the board and get shuttled around :):) friendly instructions were provided and service was great. We did the half day trip and I recommend starting early so you have more time to picnic and swim read more

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Serene trip down the river. This time of year the water was pretty slow in most sections but still had a couple of faster spots. A few places seemed like nice spots to swim but it was a bit cold the day we went. The river is beautiful and full of wildlife. We saw a few otters and turtles and there were consistently birds singing throughout the whole trip. Heron, egrets, jays, etc. Very excited to find this trip, will definitely be back next year! read more

We had a nice few hours on the river, but pricing for this outing is totally exorbitant. About 3-ish hours of float time is all you get. And you can't dawdle too much or you're charged late feeds. Basic excursion: You get a vessel and a dry bag. That's it. For $80/person. They could at least throw in a cold bottle of water for that rate. At least I can say I tried it. One and done excursion. read more

My boyfriend and I have been Kayaking with them 2x this summer and will keep coming back!!! I highly recommend doing the 9:30 or 10:30 slot to be on the river longer. Jessica and Daryl are super friendly and sincerely want you to have a great trip. They provided waterproof bags, a small cooler, and cold water (for when we got back). Bring lunch and drinks for the trip. You can see turtles, river otters, different kinds of fish, crabs, and more wildlife on the trips. Worth every penny! read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

Super fun outing! 3 hours is a perfect amount of time for fun in the sun. Lots of spots to easily have a lunch break and relax before continuing the paddling. We saw cranes, a turtle, and heard many types of birds. Lovely afternoon! read more

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An absolutely beautiful paddle... glassy, serene and peaceful. The shuttle was a plus and I felt a little spoiled.

Was staying in Calistoga and it was SO HOT we needed to find some water! Didn't have a reservation but called and got lucky, they happened to have two open spots. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and courteous. It was super easy to get there and they are really organized. Provide coolers, dry bags, even sunglasses holders. They bus you up to the drop in spot and you are greeted by another helpful and handy crew who help get you set up and into the river. The river is absolutely beautiful and even though the water is low it's still plenty floatable. Easy and mellow for kids and novices. Lots of places to stop along the way for a bite or to play in the water for a bit. Definitely recommend and can't wait to do it again! read more

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Healdsburg, California

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