Custom Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventures
Call us to design a custom Mendocino Coast kayak adventure for you.
Personalized custom tours are available. Options range from special group trips to personalized trips riding in the front of a tandem sea kayak paddled by an LFK guide.
Call us with your ideas and let us create a special Mendocino Coast kayak event together for you - family outings, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette parties, professional development, team building . . . We like to be creative and have some amazing waters to share.
Cruising the Wild - River and Sea Exploration
A Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventure
(mild with a little wild)
Enjoy a mystical journey of the Mendocino Coast in a stable, tandem sea kayak. Explore dramatic geological features, be intrigued by marine wildlife, and inspired by rugged beauty. Specifically timed for optimal paddling conditions, this adventure is a delightful way to experience the Noyo River, Noyo Fishing Harbor, and Noyo Bay.
Why: “It’s AMAZING.” Gain a new perspective of the Noyo River, Noyo Harbor, and Noyo Bay and learn about kayaking, wildlife, and history.
Who: Individuals who want an on-water experience of the
What: A unique 3 hour guided tour of the Noyo River, harbor, and coastal areas in the front seat of a stable tandem sea kayak with kayak instruction, wildlife interpretation, and historical information.
When: Daily by reservation and ocean conditions permitting. ***This is a mild tour. If ocean conditions are rough, the tour will be modified.
How: Call for reservations (707 ) 962-1623
How much:
$125/person for 3 hour personalized tour – cruising in the front of a tandem sea kayak paddled by an LFK guide.
Where:
Whale Watching on the Mendocino Coast
The Mendocino Coast is a spectacular place to watch the Pacific Gray Whale's annual migration. Join us on a kayak adventure to SEA the Whales
8:30-11:30am
Available Mid-March through Mid-May
This event is dependent upon calm coastal conditions.
Please call us for predictions and reservations.
(707) 962-1623
$75/person for a 3 hour adventure all equipment included.
$125/person for a 3 hour personalized adventure in the front of a tandem kayak paddled by an LFK guide.
Kayaking for Kids
Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Big Kids - Cate and Jeff love sharing kayak adventures with kids of all ages.
Kayaking for Kids
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 - 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
Western Gull
Osprey
Turkey Vulture - this link has a coloring page.
Common Raven
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.
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
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
Common Murre
Pacific Loon
Pelagic Cormorant
Pigeon Guillemot
Western Gull
Fish - We don't typically see them, but you might eat them at one of our restraunts, see an osprey catch one, or see people fishing for them.
Lingcod
Rockcod
Salmon
Surf Perch
Plants -
Boa Kelp
Palm Kelp
Try out this Tidepool Puzzle
Learn to Kayak
This page is under development - The LFK kids are out playing. Email them that you are expecting more work on their kids pages.
For now, here's a website with animated kayak instruction.
Kayaking for Parents
Kids love kayaking and we love sharing the outdoors via kayak with them. Kids really enjoy the special activities that we have for them. Each tour is customized to the kids' developmental levels and interests (Cate is a former classroom teacher whose classrom is now on the water).
We recommend our Sunset Bird Paddle or Noyo Meander for anyone ages 3 and up. We use stable and comfortable tandem sea kayaks for our tours that are great for kids and adults. We usually have 3 and 4 year old children sit in the lap of a parent in the front of one of our tandem sea kayaks (or in their own special seat between their parents). 5 years and up enjoy the front row seat of a tandem.
What about adventurous children? From mild to wild, we have options for everyone. Ages 9 and up will enjoy our cruising the wild -coastal exploration. And for those that like a lot of adventure, 12 years and up will be thrilled by our Wet & Wild - Kayaking ROCKS!!!
What about safety? All of our tours and classes are led by Jeff or Cate who are professional kayak instructors who specialize in teaching and certifying others in kayak safety. Also, they are both certified in first aid and cpr and are trained lifeguards.
As always, please call or email if you have questions about our tours and activities for kids.
Check out our newly developed pages for kids. These contain educational materials on the wildlife and wonders of the Noyo River and Pacific Ocean as well as information for kids on kayaking.
Women on Water-Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventures for Women
Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts , nieces, girlfriends, . . . call us to schedule your custom Mendocino Coast Women on Water session.
How about a dry & mild Sunset Bird Paddle or wet & wild Mendocino Coast Kayaking ROCKS!!!
Also available are Women on Water Instructional Weekends. Schedule an Essential Kayak Skills Class on Saturday and then take your newly learned skills into the sea or surf on Sunday.
Contact Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Woman on Water -
to create your custom Women on Water Event.
(707) 962-1623
liquidfusionkayaking@gmail.com
Tour de Mendo
Explore the sea caves, arches, rock formations, and secluded coves of the Mendocino Coast with LFK’s experienced guides. Be enthralled by the wildness of the Pacific Ocean as we navigate the swells and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
Check out the LFK Blog and Photos of the June 2010 Tour de Mendo.
Why: Experience epic sea kayaking along the rugged Mendocino Coast.
"This is the best coastal kayaking in all of California! Paddling only four miles took six hours because there were so many caves, arches, wave pour-overs, sea birds and seals to check out. Big safe beaches to land on and launch from and expert guides to take us safely through every feature." P.Peattie, San Diego
Who: Seasoned sea kayakers – individuals or groups- wanting a guided paddling adventure on the Mendocino Coast. Anyone who has paddled here before and wants to explore a new stretch or learn some rock gardening skills.
Prerequisite Skills: effective self rescue (eskimo roll recommended), open ocean experience, ability to launch and land in moderate surf with control, ability to paddle 6 hours per day.
What: Sea kayak coastal exploration tour guided by Liquid Fusion Kayaking. Day one is instructional and then each day we will paddle approximately 4-6 nautical miles with exploration and rock gardening along the way.
We are also likely to spend some time playing in whitewater kayaks in the rock gardens. If there is interest and water, we will add an additional day running a whitewater river.
When: September 12-14, September 20-23, or rally your friends and call to schedule a custom Tour de Mendo.
How: Call (707) 962-1623 for reservations.
How much:
$125/person/day (groups of 3-6 paddlers)
$175/person/day (2 paddlers)
$50/hour for private guiding
Gear Rentals available - $25 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, helmet
Where: Mendocino Coast – location determined by paddler interests and weather conditions.
Gear:
*Kayak with proper floatation
*PFD with whistle, knife, and power snack
*Paddle and spare (if you have one)
*Spray deck for closed deck kayaks and thigh braces for sit on tops
Clothing for continuous immersion in 50’F water
Water, snack, and lunch
Spare clothing in a dry bag to include a warm hat and warm tops and bottoms
Footwear (booties or lightweight tennis shoes that will stay on your feet during a swim)
*Helmet that fits properly
Tow system
VHF radio (optional)
Any other items that you feel necessary to bring
*Available for Rental.
Custom Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventures
Call us to design a custom Mendocino Coast kayak adventure for you. Special discounted group rates are available. Call us with your ideas and let us put a special Mendocino Coast kayak event together for you.
School groups, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette parties, professional development, team building . . . We like to be creative.
Mendocino Coast Beer & Cheese Tasting Kayak Tour
Enjoy kayaking and beer and cheese tasting on the river.
Gain an on-water perspective of Fort Bragg’s logging and fishing history, view the diverse wildlife of the Noyo River, and enjoy samples from our favorite local breweries paired with local cheeses.
Why: We have a river to paddle and great beer to enjoy.
Who: Adventurers and beer lovers who want to experience a fun kayak tour and great beer. No experience is necessary and all kayaking equipment is provided. Must be at least 21 years of age.
What: A guided tour in a stable tandem sea kayak on the Noyo River with beer and cheese tasting. (Note: these are tastings totally about 12-16 ounces).
When: By reservation.
How: Call for reservations. (707) 962-1623
How much: $99/person (includes guided tour, tandem kayak, paddle, life jacket, splashwear, and beer, cheese, and crackers).
Where: Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor and River
Gear:
Provided:
Tandem kayak
Paddle
Life Jacket
Splashwear
Recommended:
Hat w/visor for sun
Knit hat for warmth
Wearing light weight layers
Light weight tennis shoes, sandals or water shoes
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
Change of clothing
Sunset Bird Paddle
A Dry & Mild Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventure
Relax with an evening meander on the placid waters of the Noyo where all ages are delighted by curious harbor seals, amazed by gigantic sea lions, teased by quirky river otters, and intrigued with coastal birds. Wear your street clothes and enjoy a dry, comfortable ride in our tandem sea kayaks.
"Wow!!! Phenomenal . . . definitely the highlight of our visit to the Mendocino Coast." - Joan at the conclusion of a Sunset Bird Paddle.
Why: Wildlife tend to be more active on the river late in the day, and evening lighting on the river is ethereal.
Who: Anyone and everyone should do this tour. It is great for families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, bird watchers, and those looking to enjoy a quiet evening on the water. No experience is necessary and all kayaking equipment is provided.
What: 1.5 hour personal, guided evening tour in a stable tandem sea kayak. This is a dry, comfortable, slow paced tour that focuses on watching and enjoying the wildlife.
When: Daily May through September at 6pm
How: Reserve early as space is very limited for this tour. Call for reservations. (707) 962-1623
How much: $60/person for 1.5 hr tour (includes guided tour, kayak, paddle, life jacket, and splashwear).
Where: Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor and River
Noyo Meander
A Dry & Mild Mendocino Coast Kayak Adventure
Relax with a meander on the placid waters of the Noyo where all ages are delighted by curious harbor seals, amazed by gigantic sea lions, teased by quirky river otters, and intrigued with coastal birds. Wear your street clothes and enjoy a dry, comfortable ride in our tandem sea kayaks.
"This was one of the most interesting and informative nature tours that we have experienced." - Susan
Why: The
Who: Anyone and everyone should do this tour. It is great for Mendocino Coast visitors, families, first time kayakers, and is interesting for seasoned paddlers as well. No experience is necessary and all kayaking equipment is provided.
What: 1.5 hour guided tour in a stable tandem sea kayak.
When: Daily by reservation.
How: Call for reservations. (707) 962-1623
How much:
$45/person for 1.5 hr tour (includes guided tour, kayak, paddle, life jacket, and splashwear).
Where:
Whitewater of the SEA - Mendocino Coast Kayaking ROCKS!!!
Welcome to our playground!
Experience a 3 hour playful exploration of the Mendocino Coast, enjoying areas only accessible by kayak. We show you all the tricks you need to kayak and play in our coast's rocky features. Dart into sea caves, glide down waves, and marvel at the incredible beauty of the wild Mendocino Coast.
Why: This is a thrilling, challenging way to explore the ocean rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast. 
Who: Beginner through advanced kayakers who want to explore the rocks, sea caves, and whitewater features of the Mendocino Coast.
Prerequisites: This adventure requires good swimming skills and good physical fitness as this is a moderately strenuous activity with immersion in 52ish degree water (wearing a wetsuit). Previous kayaking experience is recommended but not necessary. Kids must be at least 12 years of age and strong swimmers.
What: 3 hour session with 1 hour of instruction and 2 hours of play w/guided instruction
Paddlers will le
arn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Kayak control and maneuvering
Reading moving water
Recognizing hazards
Recovery Techniques
Exploring coastal rock formations including surge channels and pour-overs and sea caves Check out Cate's Blog for her perspective on this adventure
When: We run these adventures daily. Space is limited and each trip is customized to the participants so we require reservations and recommend that you make reservations in advance of the day that you want to go.
How: Call to schedule your adventure (707) 962-1623
How much:
$100/person for a 3 hour guided adventure with kayak, paddle, life jacket, helmet, splash jacket, and wetsuit.
A $10 discount is available if you use your own wetsuit.
Where: Our favorite playground for this trip is in the Noyo Bay and the coastline of Fort Bragg, California.
Gear:
Necessary (*items are provided)
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
*Wetsuit booties
Insulating top (thin polar fleece or warm performance fabric recommended - no cotton).
Recommended
Water bottle
Snack
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
*Provided.