Join Summer Family Paddle Nights in Alameda
Evening Paddle Adventures for the Whole Family
Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spend time with your kids this summer? Family Paddle Nights with Gaia Guides offer the perfect mix of adventure, connection, and nature, all set in the calm waters of Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda. Whether you’re brand new to paddling or already comfortable on the water, these weekly evening sessions are a chance to unplug, laugh, and make lasting memories together.
Every Tuesday night, June 8 – August 18, Alameda Family Paddle Nights bring families together for a fun-filled evening of adventure on the water.
Days: Tuesdays, June to August
Perfect for a quick evening adventure. Join us from 5:30–8:00 PM for 2.5 hours of family paddling fun, right as the bay glows in golden hour light.
Time: 5:30pm - 8pm
Designed for families with kids aged 5 to 14. Parents or guardians must participate in the experience alongside their kids. Pre-registration is REQUIRED.
Ages: Families With Kids 5 - 14
Drive to Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flagpole and look for the tennis courts and parking lot on the left.
Location: Alameda, CA
Kids paddle FREE on their first visit with the code kidspaddlefree during registration. Adults are $40 per session. Returning Kids are $10 per child.
Price: $40 Adult - Kids Free
Designed to be fun, welcoming, and low-pressure, even if it’s your first time on the water. You just need a willingness to try something new together.
Experience: None Needed
What to bring?
Clothing you don’t mind getting wet, such as quick-dry shirts, fleece layers, athletic wear, and swimsuits. Warm layers are essential, as the San Francisco Bay area can get cold. Wetsuits are not provided
A towel, a cozy change of clothes, and a jacket for before/after paddling (even if it's sunny)
Footwear, sandals, or water shoes to wear to the dock
Sun Protection sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap
Drinking water to stay hydrated.
Weather Alert Layer up! Be sure they bring extra layers, as Bay Area microclimates can shift.
How to register?
Pre-Registration REQUIRED
Enroll All Participants: Every adult and child must be registered before completing payment online.
Adding Participants: When filling out the enrollment form, scroll down and select "Add Another Participant" to include all family members.
Finalizing Payment: Double-check that everyone is enrolled before proceeding to payment.
Kids Paddle Free: Kids paddle FREE on their first visit with the code kidspaddlefree during registration. Adults are $40 per session. Returning Kids are $10 per child.
Quick Family Night FAQs
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Family Paddle Nights with Gaia Guides is a relaxed, beginner-friendly evening paddling experience for families at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda. It’s a chance to kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy time outdoors together on calm water, making memories as the sun. Its also a great way for kids to try paddling before they join summer camp.
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Families with kids ages 5–14 are welcome. Adults or guardians must participate with their children, and young kids can share a kayak or paddleboard with a parent if needed.
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We get your family checked in, take a few minutes to fit everyone with gear, go over safety guidelines, and introduce the basics of stand-up paddleboarding. We’ll paddle in a protected lagoon that's perfect for learning and playing. Instructors will be nearby the entire time, offering tips, encouragement, and help when needed.
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Family Paddle Nights are offered weekly on Tuesday evenings from June through August, typically around 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Ballena Bay Marina, Alameda, CA.
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Adult tickets are $40 per session.
Kids Paddle FREE on their first visit with the code kidspaddlefree during registration.
Returning Kids: $10 per child starting with their second session
If your family loves the experience (and we think you will), we’d be thrilled to welcome you back for more sunset sessions on the water.
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Dress in layers—Alameda evenings can be sunny, breezy, or foggy. Avoid cotton; choose quick-dry fabrics. Bring extra warm layers or a dry change of clothes.
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Gaia Guides provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure:
Paddleboards (with fin and leash).
Paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs),
Skilled instructors dedicated to creating a memorable and safe experience.
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Having an exact number of participants pre-registered ensures we have the right amount of staff on the water to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Life Jackets every participant 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 participant-to-instructor ratio so everyone 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.
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We still paddle most evenings, but routes may be adjusted based on wind, tides, and Bay conditions. In rare unsafe conditions, we’ll reschedule.
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Absolutely! Friends and extended families are welcome just be sure to register everyone in advance.
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You may reschedule up to 2 days before the event, and we offer a full refund if you cancel at least 1 week prior. This helps us plan ahead and schedule the appropriate number of instructors for your group.
Best Paddling Camp in Alameda
Each day, campers ages 6 - 14 head out on adventure paddles in a calm, protected lagoon, learn the basics of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and dive into hands-on environmental lessons. Along the way, they’ll join team games, take on new challenges, and soak up plenty of sunshine.
Led by our friendly, experienced instructors, camp is designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and create lasting friendships. By the end of the week, your child will come home with new skills, new friends, and stories they’ll be talking about all year long.
June 8 - August 14
9am - 1pm / 9am - 4pm
$449 - $699 Per Week
Kids Ages 6 to 14
What Families Are Saying
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Family Paddle Night is our new favorite activity!!
We cannot say enough great things about this program. With a wide range in ages, from adult to seven years old, it's not easy to find an activity that our family can all learn to do together. This was such a fun adventure for all of us. The instructors were so kind and patient. We will be going back for sure!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Laurie
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Such an amazing experience with the family.
Guides were fantastic. Way easier than I thought and super family friendly. Highly recommend! The kids area already asking to go again.
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— Tina
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We will definitely be signing up again.
My kids and I went to a Tuesday night family paddle night. All of us had such a fun time. The instruction was great, the guides were all so nice and encouraging. We have all paddled before but still learned so much.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Amanda