Outdoor Adventure Camps & Kids Programs in Alameda, CA
A Community Built on Adventure, Safety, and Connection.
Gaia Guides is a locally owned outdoor adventure program offering kids summer camps, family paddle nights, private group events, and youth leadership experiences on the water in Alameda, California.
Summer Camps
Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Outdoor Learning for Kids
Our full-day and half-day kids summer camps in Alameda blend kayaking, paddleboarding, environmental education, and adventures in a calm, safe lagoon setting. By the end of the week, your child heads home with new skills, new friendships, and stories they’ll be excited to share long after summer ends.
June 8 - August 14
9am - 1pm / 9am - 4pm
$449 - $699 Per Week
Kids Ages 6 to 14
Family Paddle Nights
Sunset Paddleboarding & Kayaking Experiences for Families in Alameda
Family Paddle Nights at Alameda’s Ballena Bay Marina give parents and kids a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding together while watching the sunset. Families paddle side-by-side, play group games, and build confidence on the water in a safe, welcoming environment — and 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
Private Groups
Custom Paddleboarding & Kayaking Adventures for Groups
Discover the ultimate outdoor experience right on our stunning waterfront! At Gaia Guides, we’re excited to offer customizable paddling adventures perfect for school field trips, birthdays, and other special occasions. Whether it’s an unforgettable paddling party or an educational group outing, we’ve got you covered!
Design Your Event
2.5 hour Events
$70 - $110 Per Person
Kids 6 - 14
About Gaia Guides
Founded in 2017, Gaia Guides has been running the same heart-driven, safety-first kids summer camp in Alameda, California, for families across the Bay Area. Built on a love for the ocean, outdoor adventure, and hands-on learning, our programs give kids real experiences through kayaking, paddleboarding, teamwork, and environmental exploration.
What started as a small local camp has evolved into a trusted community where kids build confidence, forge lasting friendships, and form a deep connection to nature. Our mission is simple: help kids discover what they’re capable of, learn to care for the world around them, and head home proud of what they’ve accomplished.
We’d love to be part of your child’s summer adventure. Explore our Kids Summer Camps!
Why Families Choose Gaia Guides
Small group kids summer camps in Alameda, where every child is known, supported, and encouraged.
CPR & First Aid certified instructors who lead with experience, patience, and genuine care.
Wetsuits are included so kids stay warm, comfortable, and confident on the water.
A waterfront camp at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, just minutes from Oakland and San Francisco.
Beginner-friendly, safe kayaking and paddleboarding programs that build real skills and confidence.
Kids leave happy and proud. Parents leave confident that they chose the right camp.
What Parents Are Saying
-
My kids literal favorite week ever. He keeps asking if he can sign up for another week!
I actually get tears in my eyes when I write this because he was nervous at first and I worried that I had signed a six-year-old up for something two immense, but literally Victoria and her amazing team of teachers changed his outlook and gave him more confidence than I could ever give him alone. They kayaked, but mostly paddle boarded, which was everybody's favorite and now he's asking me to get him a paddleboard! I really can't say enough good things. I normally don't leave my kids with people that aren't family but immediately the team felt like a little cohort of marine explorers and everyone seemed to really care about everyone else. Victoria is so conscious about safety and is constantly reminding the kids to put on sunscreen so much so that they can guess what she's about to say lol! I am not concerned at all about safety when I know such competent teachers are with my kids and I'm so happy that his introduction to Alameda has been so beautiful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Alexandria
-
I don’t write reviews often, but I really want to share this five-star review for the stand-up paddleboard summer camp by Gaia Guides.
It was an absolute delight for my child, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. First and foremost, the camp's staff exceeded all expectations. They were incredibly friendly, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of every camper. Another aspect that stood out was the camp's dedication to providing a fun and educational experience. The instructors not only taught stand-up paddleboarding skills but also instilled a love and appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. It was incredible to witness my child's growth and development in both physical and mental aspects.
I highly recommend this camp to parents looking for a fun, educational, and memorable summer camp experience for their children.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jessica
-
This is one of the camps my child wants to attend every summer.
She has a blast every session she goes. I know sometimes the summer is grey and cold but don't worry, they provide wetsuits for the kids. Just be sure to bring some warm clothes to change into after taking the wetsuit off. The staff actively monitor the water and weather and they will plan activities and paddles based on the water conditions. That can be anything from paddling to the Hornet, SUP yoga to SUP Olympics. Last by not least, all the instructors are super nice and wonderful people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Sharon
-
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
-
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Tina
-
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