Alameda’s Best Paddleboard & Kayak Kids Camps

Explore. Paddle. Play. The ultimate Alameda summer camp.

Give your child a summer full of adventure on the San Francisco Bay! Gaia Guides Kids’ Camps in Alameda combine kayaking, paddleboarding, teambuilding games, and hands-on environmental education in a safe, supportive setting. With both full-day and half-day options, our camps help kids build confidence, connect with nature, and create memories that last a lifetime. All are just minutes from Oakland and San Francisco.

Registration Opens January 2026

Our Alameda summer kids camps offer both full-day and half-day options, with each 1-week camp session running Monday–Friday.

Options: Full & Half Day

Our full-day camps run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and half-day sessions run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Both options are offered the same weeks.

Time: 9am-1pm / 9am-4pm

Campers are grouped by age and experience to create a supportive, safe, and challenging environment for skills lessons and paddle adventures.

Ages: 6 - 14 years old

Camps are held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, California, just minutes from Oakland and San Francisco.

Location: Alameda, CA

Full-day camps are $699 per week, and half-day camps are $449 per week. Kids who love camp can upgrade during camp for an additional fee.

Price: $449 - $699 Per Week

All campers wear life jackets, with CPR/First Aid certified instructors, small group ratios, and Bay adventures planned around weather conditions.

Safety: Our Top Priority

Registration Opens January 2026

April 2026

Spring Break Camps

Full-day school break camps.

April 6 - 10

April 13 - 17

April 2026

Leadership Training

CPR/First Aid certification

April 17 - 19

June 2026

Summer Camp

Full-day and half-day camps.

June 8 - 12

June 15 - 19

June 22 - 26

June 29 - July 2

July 2026

Summer Camp

Full-day and half-day camps.

July 6 - 10

July 13 - 17

July 20 - 24

July 27 - 31

August 2026

Summer Camp

Full-day and half-day camps.

August 3 - 7

August 10 - 14

Registration Opens January 2026

Quick Kids Camp FAQs

  • Start the day with games and a paddling, environmental, or adventure lessons

    Adventure time as we head out on the Bay to practice paddling skills and explore

    Half-Day Campers return at 1:00 PM after a morning of paddling, games, and eco-learning

    Full-Day Campers eat lunch at the beach or marina, then enjoy afternoons of paddling, nature walks, art projects, and eco-lessons

    Every day mixes adventure, skill-building, and discovery to keep kids active, safe, and excited

  • Sun Protection sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap

    Swim Gear we require a long-sleeve rash guard and swimsuit to wear under our provided wetsuits

    Warm Clothes towel, cozy clothes, and a jacket for before/after paddling

    Footwear sandals or water shoes for camp

    Water & Food large water bottle, plus snacks and lunch

    Layer Up! Have campers arrive with swimsuits under warm clothes for easy wetsuit changes. Be sure they bring extra layers, as Bay Area microclimates can shift from cool mornings to warmer afternoons.

  • Drive past the flagpole and look for the parking lot next to the tennis courts on the left. Camps are held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, CA. 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda CA 94501

    This picturesque paddling location offers:

    Calm Lagoon for Practice: A protected area ideal for beginners to learn and play.

    Access to San Francisco Bay: Just around the corner, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, adding an adventurous element to their experience.

  • Life Jackets every camper wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are on or near the water.

    Certified Staff all instructors are trained in CPR, First Aid, and water safety, with a focus on youth instruction.

    Small Ratios we maintain a low camper-to-instructor ratio (about 1:6) so each child gets close supervision.

    Condition Checks instructors assess Bay conditions including wind, tides, and currents before planning the day’s paddle route.

    Skill Training campers learn buddy systems, safety signals, and self-rescue techniques to build confidence on the water.

  • For your child’s safety, we ask that you create a pick-up code and share it with anyone who will be picking up your child.

    For a smooth start and end to each day, a parent or guardian must be present for check-in and check-out. This gives us a chance to review important details and answer any questions.

  • Camp is designed to spark curiosity both on and off the water. When we’re not kayaking or paddleboarding, campers might explore the Bay’s ecosystem, learn about marine life and water quality, or dive into art projects and nature crafts. Afternoons often include team games, mindfulness activities, and environmental lessons that connect kids with the outdoors while building friendships and confidence.

  • We provide all paddling gear including Coast Guard approved life jackets, wetsuits and gear specially sized for each age and adventure.

  • Both! Campers get to try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with the option to focus on the one they enjoy most as the week goes on. We keep things flexible and design a daily paddle plan around Bay conditions like wind, tides, and currents. While nothing is guaranteed every day, campers always get safe, fun time on the water.

  • Swimming experience we want campers to feel safe and comfortable around water but strong swimming isn’t required. All campers wear Coast Guard approved life jackets.

    Paddling experience we love teaching campers with no experience, our instructors teach step by step in a safe, encouraging way. Returning campers get chances to build advanced skills and take on bigger adventures.

  • We understand plans can change and try to accommodate this with giving a full refund for camps cancelled up to 15 days before camp. Cancellations made within 14 days of the camp’s start date are not eligible for refunds or credits.

    We reserve the right to cancel camp due to unhealthy air quality, extreme weather conditions, or low enrollment. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.

  • Local woman owned business rooted in love for our community and built with over a decade of local experience on the Bay

    Our unique location at Ballena Bay in Alameda offers calm, protected waters for learning and direct access to the San Francisco Bay for bigger adventures

    Equipment we provide for all our campers including wetsuits to keep them warm and comfortable

    Our curriculum goes beyond paddling blending kayaking, paddleboarding, eco-education, art, teamwork, and mindfulness to give kids a one-of-a-kind experience they can’t find anywhere else.

Read Our FAQs Page

Family Paddle Nights

Family Paddle Nights are a chance to get on the water together in Alameda’s Ballena Bay. Parents and kids paddle side-by-side, play games, and enjoy the sunset in a safe, welcoming environment. Best of all, kids paddle free on their first night!

June 9 - August 11

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM / Tuesday

$40 Per Adult / Kids FREE

Coupon Code: KIDSPADDLEFREE

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