Canoe Big River in Mendocino

Polynesian Canoe, miles of gorgeous river and local wild life!

Experience one of the most beautiful canoe adventures in California with Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too at the Stanford Inn by the Sea. These canoes are extremely stable and can even fit your pets! Fill out a reservation request form, arrive at the loading dock, get inside this amazing canoe and feel like a true explorer on the river. Hear your paddle going through the smooth water and enjoy the silence of nature. The experience is so relaxing and effortless. Glide through the Big River, meet local marine mammals, and enjoy nature!

Perfect For

Explore the Big River
Canoe adventure
Ride a double canoe
Friends adventure on the water
Family fun on the river
Solo adventure

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Packing List

Layers cloths
Water
Snacks/picnic
Sunscreen
Hat

Location

Itinerary

Fill out the reservation request form online
Receive an email confirmation once your reservation is accepted
Arrive on time at the Stanford Inn by the Sea
Get your canoe
Enjoy your adventure

Google Reviews

4.9

Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too!127 reviews

Ro D

9 months ago

Had a blast canoeing a few days ago. Thank you so much for the last minute accommodation. Received instructions on how to paddle properly and provided life vest. Definitely will be returning in the future. Cheers

Nathalie Heitz

6 months ago

This experience was amazing! We rented a canoe for 3 hours and it was a great time. We were even allowed to bring our dog! This was her first time on a boat and she was a little scare, but she eventually settled after jumping off the boat 5 mins in. We saw lots of birds, a dozen seals, and an otter. Going down the river was much easier than coming back, so save some strength. We brought sandwiches to eat on the way which was a great call. Highly recommend!!

Carolyn Deer

a year ago

Cool spot with nice outriggers. Went on a very windy day and the place gave us fair warning, decided to go out anyways and between our dogs first boat trip and the wind we did not last long. When we got back after less than an hour they were so kind to give us a partial refund. Totally unnecessary but kind. Would definitely recommend and wish we could go back on a less windy day.

Theng Theng

2 years ago

This is a must-do whenever you are in Mendocino coast. We are in town for the Weekend to celebrate my husband’s big 40. We are extremely happy to be finally in the water together (rather than having to take turns to row and watch the kiddos....). The outrigger fits both of us and our 6-yo triplets nicely and safely! All of us enjoyed the river cruise (including the man who did most of the rowing for his wife and children 🤣). We spotted 17 harbour seals, 2 river otters, lots of birds and ducks. Thanks to our dock master Trevor for his briefing and tips to enjoy the Big River, and Rick for helping us with the reservation. Highly recommended! It’s safe and easy even for someone who if a first timer.

alejandro hernandez

5 months ago

If you catch the tide at the right time it's a breeze don't have to fight the river otters we're out watching us float bye staff always helpful

Q & A

Dress like an onion so you can peel off the layers when it warms up, or put them back on if it cools down. Fleece and a windbreaker works well. We loan out complimentary dry bags on request.

Our awesome redwood outriggers are excellent for pets. The canine models are specifically designed and made for people with dogs. and feature a padded hang out area. These unique canoes are extra stable and are the only human powered boats in the world that are made specifically for pets and their humans.

We offer several options including kayaks, canoes and SUP’s. Our speciality are the locally made redwood outriggers. Designed and created especially for Catch a Canoe from reclaimed redwood barns. Ultra-stable yet narrow and efficient, these beautiful canoes provide a safe and special experience while exploring the undeveloped Big River Estuary. Different models accommodate couples, families and pets and can seat from 2 to 7 paddlers.

Well it depends… An estuary for its first eight miles, Big River is influenced directly by the tides which run in a six hour cycle and change daily.

Yes with the following provisions: Children must be at least 10 years old to rent a bike and minors must be accompanied by an adult. For boats, toddlers must weigh over 30 pounds and be at least 2 years old for outrigger rentals. For kayaks, traditional canoes, or SUP’s, children must be at least 10 years old.

Summer time highs range from about 60 to 75 degrees, while wintertime highs are usually in the fifties. The California rainy season is from November through April and rain may happen, but we remain open for those who don a rain jacket and want to get out on the water. Other times of the year it may be foggy on the coast and clear upriver to the east. Hot tip—canoeing in the rain can be a magical experience!

None of our rentals require prior experience. That being said, the redwood outriggers are the easiest and safest watercraft for beginners.

Yes, Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too has been a part of the Inn since 1982, even though the general public is also welcome. Bikes are complimentary for Inn guests during their stay, while boat rentals will be charged the going rate.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. And of course any clothing and tech gear you’d like. Cell phones will get service upriver if your provider is Verizon or US Cellular.

Our rentals are for use exclusively on 8 mile long Big River Estuary. The highway one bridge is the westernmost limit. to the east the limit of navigability is the end of the estuary.

If you’re renting a boat you’ll find that mosquitoes typically don’t venture out over Big River.

All rental boats and bikes must be returned by 4:45pm to avoid substantial late fees.

For boats we do not. This is because all of Big Rivers adjacent lands are part of the Mendocino Headlands State Park system.

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