San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail

Antioch Marina

The Antioch Marina has been designated as an official site on the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail. Ever hear of the water trail? "The water trail is a regional program that encourages non-motorized small boaters to safely enjoy the San Francisco Bay. Whether you prefer a kayak or SUP, kiteboard or outrigger, there are so many ways and amazing destinations to explore." Check out there site where there is tons of information to help plan your trip including downloadable PDF maps of all the current designated sites. One of the features I love is the map where you can use tools to measure distance and the map includes geographical features you won't necessarily find on Google maps.

Big Break sunken ship

Locally, both Antioch and Big Break in Oakley are designated sites. I strongly encourage you to explore both these areas. I published a trip guide that you can find here to help you plan. You can pack a picnic and launch from Antioch, timing it with the incoming tide, paddle the San Joaquin River and land at Big Break where you'll find picnic tables, shade and restrooms. Use caution when planning and keep an eye on wind speed and direction, especially during the summer months. Even light winds under 10 mph can create large rollers if wind is opposing the tide.

Delta Kayak Adventures offers this tour and you can check the calendar or schedule it on a day that works best for you or your group.

Sunset Paddle New Years Day

We started off the new year with an amazing Sunset Paddle and were blessed with viewing the appearance of the super moon rising over the San Joaquin River. I can't think of a better way to start the new year! The weather has been great and we've been enjoying glassy waters.



We launched at 330 from the Antioch Marina and crossed the river to Kimball Island. Paddling at a leisurely pace, we hugged the shoreline viewing great blue heron and cormorants along the way. We made our way past cabin slough and rested in a small bay to watch the show in the sky. The western sky was vibrant with yellow and orange hues and sunbeams bursting from behind the clouds. To the east, we waited patiently for the moon to rise as the sky turned from pink to purple. It was well worth the wait as the moon rose over the Delta dominating the sky with it's warm orange glow. This was the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year and was extra special because of it's closer than normal proximity to earth.

As we made our way back to the marina we soaked up the beautiful views of the Antioch waterfront with a vibrant sky overhead. It was a lovely evening on the water. Keep an eye on our calendar for future Sunset and Moonlight Paddles!

Here's a glimpse of a few upcoming tours that you are welcome to join.
January 13th 3pm - Sunset Paddle, Antioch Marina
January 14th 1pm - San Joaquin River to West Island, Antioch Marina
January 21st 2pm - Old River, Holland Riverside Marina, Brentwood
January 27th 3pm - Sunset Paddle, Holland Tract, Holland Riverside Marina, Brentwood
January 2018 Monday through Friday 11:30am-1pm special priced Weekday Wetlands Paddle to the Dow Wetlands, $25 includes kayak, paddle PFD and guide! Launching from the Antioch Marina


You can book online or contact us to book a reservation. We have lots of other tours coming up and you're always welcome to invite friends and family and create a custom tour just for your group.

Happy Paddling!

Check our calendar!

Happy New Year!

2017 was filled with amazing adventures and new locations to explore. It was also a year of transition and I'm so excited to see what the new year brings. We now have a permanent location at the Antioch Marina with access to incredible places to explore and easy launching from special kayak docks that make paddling more accessible to people of all ages and abilities. We have kayaks and paddleboards of various styles available to rent. We continue to lead tours throughout the Delta region and invite you to delve into what this amazing place has to offer!

My new year resolution is to post on this blog more often, share more of our adventures and encourage you to join us or venture out on your own. Send me questions about the Delta or any aspect of paddling and I'll try my best to answer them or lead you to resources that can help you get more out of your paddling.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as I'll be posting tours as events so you can plan ahead. I hope your new year is filled with joy and more Delta Kayak Adventures!

San Joaquin River Trip #5 Circumnavigate Winter Island

Winter Island is approximately 1.5 miles west of the Antioch Marina. This trip is another paddle that requires a bit more time to complete. You want to make sure to plan with tides in mind. Plan your launch near the low tide and allow 2-3 hours for this 7 plus mile trip. If timed correctly, you will have a leisurely paddle with help from current the entire time.

Fall and winter are the best times of year to paddle here because generally the winds are light and migratory birds are coming in. I recently did this trip and circled the island clockwise using the currents to my advantage. I suggest hugging the shore after launching until you reach the point located near a green channel marker. After reaching the point, paddle across New York Slough towards Winter Island. You'll be crossing an active shipping channel so be alert and never cross in front of a moving ship. You'll notice a well maintained hunting club on the south end of the island, continue along the shoreline until you reach Middle Slough. There are actually 2 sloughs to choose from. You can paddle the larger Middle Slough which is between Winter and Browns Islands or another smaller slough that runs along the west shore of winter. When you reach the north part of Winter Island use caution when close to shore and be looking for debris that may be hidden just beneath the surface. There are a couple of places to stretch if you must but again be aware of hazards like re bar sticking out of concrete.

Once you reach Broad Slough, head southeast and follow shoreline to southern tip of the island where you'll cross New York Slough again being aware of boat traffic. If you've timed it right you can float back to the Antioch Marina with very little effort.

If you would like a guided tour please contact us and we'll plan the trip according to the tides.

Happy Paddling!

Delta Kayak Adventures offers kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals and sales

Weekday Wetlands Paddle

Fall paddling will be here shortly and to keep you on the water we're offering a guided  weekday paddle to the Dow Wetlands for $25! We'll launch from the Antioch Marina each weekday at 830 am and return by 10 am. Click HERE for reservations and availability.

There are limitless places to explore on the Delta and our best seasons with opportunities to view wildlife are soon approaching.

Facebook Fan Exclusive: For people who like our page we're offering weekday rentals, kayaks or paddleboards, for $10 per hour for up to 2 hours each weekday beginning September 18th through October 31st. Must call  to reserve with credit card and mention you like our Facebook page to receive discount.












Here's a sample of what you may see!

Sunset paddles are another favorite!