Kayaking for Kids

Kids kayaking in the ocean and tasting seaweed on the Mendocino Coast. We think that seaweed is tastier than spinach. Yes, this is a matter of opinion; however, We think that you will agree with us that kayaking is a lot of FUN.

Check out these pages for information on the wildlife that we see and some tips on kayaking. Of course our opinion is that it is fun to read about these things, but more fun to do.

Come Paddle with us!!!

Noyo River Wonders and Wildlife

Noyo River Creature Feature:

(Click on the Creature Name to read more about it)

Osprey - An osprey diving for a fish right in front of our kayaks is one of our favorite wildlife sitings on the Noyo River.

River Otters - These are one of our favorite animals to watch on the river. Here's a video that we took of one scampering along the banks of the Noyo River.

Birds of the Noyo River

Featured Bird of the Moment - Harlequin Duck on the Noyo River is a favorite kayaking sight.

Harlequin Duck - We have one of these hanging around on the Noyo River. This is not a typcal habitat for Harlequin Ducks, but he has migrated here for the past 2 winters. He is likely to migrate north any day now but is still around and appears to be enjoying warm sunny days on the Noyo River.

Commonly Seen Birds along the River:

Pelagic Cormorant - Sleek black birds that are amazing swimmers.

Double Crested Cormorant

Belted Kingfisher

Western Gull

Osprey

Turkey Vulture - this link has a coloring page.

Common Raven

Great Blue Heron -

Black Crowned Night Heron -

Acorn Woodpecker - Bugs or acorns for breakfast?

Canadian Geese

Mallard Duck - a print out coloring page

Other Noyo Birds to watch for:

Green Heron

Spotted Sandpiper

Anna's Hummingbird

Violet Green Swallow

Barn Swallow

Brown Pelican

Common Merganser - We think that Mergansers have the cutest little ducklings.

Great Egret

Mammals of the Noyo River

Here is a list of the mammals that we commonly see along the Noyo River. Click on the name to read more about them.

Habor Seal

California Sea Lion

River Otter

Noyo Harbor Cat - Yes, we have idenified a special species of cat that lives along the banks of the Noyo River.

Noyo Harbor Fisherman/woman

US Coast Guard

Deer

Squirrel

Mendocino Coast Ocean Wildlife and Wonders

Here's a way to learn about some of the wildlife that we see when we kayak in the Pacific Ocean.

Take a submersible tour of the kelp forest. We don't have sea otters, but this kelp forest tour gives you an idea of the life that is beneath the ocean's surface. We can often see this sea life below us as we paddle over it. Click here to check it out.

Become a seal, whale, or fish and explore the ocean and its life. Click here to check it out.

Check out our Mendocino Coast Ocean wildlife list. Click on the name to learn more.

Marine Mammals -

Harbor Seal - Often harbor seals follow us around in our kayaks in both the Noyo River and in the ocean.

California Sea Lion - Arrrr, arrr, arrr, arrr. You may hear them before you see them. We commonly see them in the Noyo Harbor, in Noyo Bay, and hanging out on the buoys.

Gray Whale - we see gray whales between December and June.

Invertebrates -

Abalone -

Crab - Don't be one.

Starfish

Birds -

Black Oyster Catcher

Brown Pelican