Our Tours

To secure your reservation we will ask for a down payment of 30%. This is non-refundable

Whale & wildlife tour  

Open yourself to a new experience with a sea kayaking tour of Trinidad Bay. Within moments of leaving the beach you are paddling amongst throngs of seals and sea lions lounging on offshore rocks.

The tour winds through rock  islands and seastacks that make up the “California Coastal Monuments”.  You’ll explore the headlands in search of migrating grey whales and passing Orca, that come to feed in the nutrient rich waters of Trinidad Bay. 

This protected waterway sits in the lee of Trinidad Head and offers ample nesting sites for score of shorebirds. This bay is a must see for any birder as its location on the pacific flyway attracts nearly every western species imaginable.

 The guides at Humboats are expert naturalist and certified instructors. They’ll outfit you with all the boats, gear and equipment you need.  Your guide is with you each step of the way coaching you in paddling skills and expounding on the natural history and legends of this Redwood coast jewel. Trip size is limited to small groups to reduce impact and enhance your quality time on the water. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Cost: $90 per person. Guides, outfitting, and instruction included. Call ahead to reserve or sign up here online

Humboldt Bay Kayak Eco-Tour

This tour is a paddle through time in one of California’s most pristine wetland ecologies. After a quick lesson and some outfitting in a double or single kayak, you’ll paddle over to Tuluwat, the ancestral home of the Wiyot people. Your Humboats guide will take you past ancient shell mounds and archaeological sites which today are part of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The tidal currents carry you along to the world famous egret rookery; a windswept grove of Cypress trees. The rookery is occupied spring through summer by American bald eagles, Great blue herons and Snowy egrets. It’s a sight not to be missed.Besides Bigfoot, seals are the largest critter in Humboldt Bay. They can be seen all along the tour and in large groups during the pupping season.

The return trip brings us along the Victorian era waterfront of Eureka, where you’ll hear tales of the gold rush and learn the history of logging Redwoods in Humboldt County. Kayaking past the ruins of this bygone industry, you get a sense of the spirit and fortitude of the people who came to settle this wild and rugged coast.

Tours depart daily May-Oct, from our location at the Woodley Island Marina. Cost: $55 per person ($45 13-under). Guides, outfitting, and instruction included. Call ahead to reserve or sign up here online

Sunset Kayak Tour

If you’re looking for an after-hours adventure geared towards beginners then join us for a guided sunset tour of the bay. After outfitting and some personal instruction we depart from the Humboats dock on circumnavigation of Woodley Island. We end up in perfect position to float home with the tide and kick back as the setting sun paints the clouds and sky like sticky orange tallow.

In our travels we are likely to run across Harbor seals and sea lions, otters and blacktail deer browsing throughout the marshlands. We’ll see the greatest variety of shorebirds such as Egrets and herons as well as raptors like bald eagles and falcons. The twilight hours on Humboldt Bay offer shutterbugs and photography enthusiast a chance at a world class picture amidst a pristine wilderness waterway backdrop.

The bay has a unique history and past as a Victorian seaport and ancestral grounds for the Wiyot Indian tribe. Let our guides share with you the living and natural history of Humboldt County, seen from the perspective of a stable seaworthy kayak. No prior experience is necessary as our guides are highly trained and certified as some of the west coast best instructors and will coach you along during the paddle. We have single and two man kayaks well as Canoes.

Everything you’ll need is provided by the guides including splash tops and bottoms, lifejackets, paddles, kayaks, and flashlights. Cost: $55 pp, call to reserve or sign up here online.

full moon Tour

There is something uniquely exciting about going for a paddle at twilight with the full moon rising serenely over the waters of Humboldt Bay. This is a two-hour cruise around Woodley Island ­ bring a date, bring the kids, but most importantly bring your sense of adventure. Geared for everybody, this is a relaxing tour at a relaxed pace. Flashlights are required as we will be returning in the dark and, as always, safety is our first consideration at Humboats.

Everything you'll need is provided by the guides including splash tops and bottoms, lifejackets, paddles, kayaks, and flashlights. Cost: $55 pp, call to reserve or sign up here online

Redwood River Tour

This trip is one for the “bucket list” A half day guided kayak adventure along the world famous “Avenue of the Giants”. Paddle at ease for five to seven miles under the the canopy of 1000 year old growth redwood trees that line the riverbanks. Inspire your stewardship of nature, share your love of the outdoors with your family and friends and let Humboats guides take care of the rest. This trip is along a mild section of river and is suitable for first timers. You’ll have an opportunity to learn kayaking and river skills from one of the Northcoast best guides. Tandem or singles kayaks are included in tour price as is all equipment and outfitting. Drybags are provided for lunches and personal gear. We will have a stop at a secluded river bar for lunch (bring your own or some to share).
 

Tour cost-$95 per person ($70 with own Kayak)
Dates vary depending on river levels
Meet up at Humboats dock on Woodley Island for Shuttle
Tour is limited to 12 call ahead to reserve or click here for online reservations

Update June 2021: Redwood River Tour currently unavailable due to drought and blue algae growth