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January 2023 by Sherry Z.
Easy to book boats in advance on the phone. Was a bit hard to find the shop (van + stall) itself, they're situated in the parking lot across from a restaurant. There isn't a designated lot but you can either try to park near the visitors center (small amount of not timed parking) or along the street which is what we did. Decided to do some single kayaks. There is an option for either a 2 hour time frame or a 4 hour one. If you have the time then I would honestly recommend the 4 hour one. The routes that they have you travel are different (but the 4 hour also covers the 2 hour loop). Overall the water was pretty calm and we got to see plenty of seals. Recommend stopping by the beach, they'll point out where you can do so during the orientation talk, and walk along the shore to the seal and birds area. It's also a nice area to take a food break.
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October 2022 by Bret C.
We have our own kayaks but decided for just one day it would be easier to rent them vs packing and traveling with them. The guy who checked us in was really friendly, knowledgeable, and polite. We did the shorter trip and it was plenty to get around the area and see everything. There were other places around that rent kayaks, but this one was right by the water and it's their specialty, so I'd suggest them over other rental places for sure.
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July 2022 by Jim P.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing for these matters and we now know what questions we would have asked under these circumstances. Pre-kayaking intsructions were provided from behind a mask (kudos for the COVID precautions) but were unintelligable at times and certainly not understandable. The route we should have followed made a turn within a hundred yards of launching. When they saw that we had passed it (and would only have been visible if we turned completely around!) they could have easily yelled out to us that we had gone too far. Instead, we paddled out for about a mile before turning around since we never saw the cutoff. On the way back, Suki yelled out from an overpassing berating our three adult children 'what the hell is wrong with you?'. When we finally made it back to shore we were reprimanded for being late and immediately asked if we would like to pay the ($125-150) late fee in cash or by credit card. Our three children were exhauted and had blisters on their fingers from a ride that ended up being ~2 miles instead of a few hundred yards. We were all looking forward to this and it could have been a wonderful family activity, but instead left us tired, frustrated, and a little poorer than we hoped.
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November 2021 by Jeanna Mielcarek
Highest price in the entire country for kayak rental @$200/day for 2 people? Skip getting robbed. You can almost buy your own kayak at this price. What a joke!
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July 2021 by Kenneth Lui
We are beginners and appreciated the care taken by the owner who personally demonstrated the basics of maneuvering with us in the water, and briefed us on the do's and don'ts around the estuary and recommended routes and sceneries to check out.We reserved ahead and paid $135 for three solo kayaks, which included life vests in different sizes that were clean and almost looked new. We found out upon returning, that the owner actually drove to a lookout point to check on us midway. She simply mentioned that's what they do for our safety. That's professionalism! Would definitely recommend.
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November 2020 by Mailie Faith Ngirmidol-Kelley
?KAREN ALERT ?The woman wrangling the kayaks doesn’t seem to understand that there is a public parking lot here . This woman approached my husband and I and told us that we are parked in an access area, there’s a unpainted and unmarked curb so it seems designed to accommodate a car. It’s ambiguous at best and not marked for their enterprise since it’s a public park. In addition she doesn’t find it Necessary to call out the folks parked in the loading zone or the parks employee spot. So instead of asking us, do you mind moving? She thought that we read her mind and proceeded to unload on the fact that she’s understaffed, 70 years old and trying to do this job by herself, and broke. It’s less steps to just ask us to move and not treat us like an emotional garbage can. Town of Jenner, please reel her in, she is not a good advocate for your great town, won’t be coming back soon. There’s not enough soap in this county to wash the yucky feeling I have after this interaction.
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August 2020 by Mina C.
The other rentals companies in the area were booked up, so I figured I'd give WaterTreks a try even after reading the reviews about rude customer service. I wasn't able to get very far...I called (for the first time) to ask if there was any availability. The owner started a rant about how she'd already returned my call saying there was nothing available and to stop calling her. Lol.
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July 2020 by James W.
The customer service is a little cranky and not friendly but the kayaks were fine and enjoyed paddling around.
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November 2019 by Kathryn F.
We had a wonderful time kayaking this weekend. We were in the area and had no plans. We lucked out and a kayak was available. The owner was very helpful in teaching us how to use the paddles and be safe. Felt comfortable paddling around even though I don't have much experience on a kayak. The estuary is lovely to see up close and a fun little adventure exploring the island. Highly recommend this establishment.
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June 2019 by Alli S.
Second time coming here and the first time around we thought. "How unprofessional," but we went anyways. Their card machine conveniently can't read flat cards. Why you wouldn't write it down instead I'm not sure why. So anyways we scraped together enough cash to go and got out a little early which was nice. The area is so beautiful that is five stars. Our second trip here we called them several times to try and find out if they were even open and never got an answer. So we went there the woman there is so rude! Makes you feel like you are inconveniencing her! The owner! Felt like our business was not appreciated so we left and have decided we will no longer be using their services.
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May 2019 by Olga M.
My first kayaking ever was a great experience! It took a while to figure out how to go straight without zigzagging but oh well, it just meant a longer distance and more physical exercise :) I particularly enjoyed the educational component of the tour and our guide Suki's wealth of knowledge about local flora, fauna, and native American history in the area. That made the experience more varied and highly enjoyable.
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May 2019 by Brennan W.
So cool and fun! Thanks Suki And WaterTreks team for sharing your professional experience of kayaking, teaching us about the natural world around the Jenner estuary, and overall being a first class outfitter. We are already looking forward to our next trip!
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September 2018 by Emily M.
Suki should not be in business! When making the reservation over the phone, I was repeatedly told to be there early because of the winds they wanted to get us on the water as close to 9:00 as possible. Got there at 8:40. Was told "we open at 9:00." Another couple who also had a reservation walked up at 3 minutes to 9:00, Suki said, "we open in 3 minutes." Zero welcome. Once Suki was willing to "deal" with us, we had to listen to her berate - I mean berate - the one staff she had there helping her. She did this over the walkie talkie system for all to hear. I told her staff she needed to quit and that no one should talk anyone like that. If you go, take cash. There is no Internet out there so if you pay be credit card Suki makes a copy of all your card details and on occasion has to leave the kiosk unaccompanied - with your card details floating about. Outdoor recreation is supposed to be fun and rejuvenating. Suki comes across as a miserable person and seems she wants to bring you down with her.
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August 2018 by Denise C.
If you want to do some canoeing/kayaking in the Guerneville Sonoma area, you can try SOAR inflatables or Watertreks Jenner. At first, I set up a time for SOAR and kept changing it. Eventually, I just canceled it to go to Jenner and have the Watertreks experience, which I think was more suitable after all. I would want the kayaks instead of those SOAR canoe thingies I don't like. Also, Jenner is awesome! There's a small island to kayak around and there's a beach to kayak to. You park your kayak and hop onto the land masses. It all can be done in 2 hours. I was out for an hour and a half and that was enough. The water is not deep. I got out at 9:30 AM. The staff were so friendly, nice, and cool. Jenner is a "blink of an eye" and you might actually be in Oregon or Washington. This is Jenner, California! A hidden gem to visit.
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July 2018 by Ann W.
A must while in Jenner! The river was calm and scenic. Keifer, Taylor and Dave were awesome! They gave us good directions on where to go and also told us where to see the seals and other animals. Penny Island was lots of fine with the largest eucalyptus tree! And the soft clay felt amazing on your feet. Goat island provided views of seals and birds. Made a visit to Jenner the best.
