About Gaia Guides

At Gaia Guides, we draw inspiration from Gaia, the Greek Goddess of Earth, and are inspired by the ancient belief in interconnectedness. We genuinely love being on the water and believe kids should get to experience that same joy. We’ve seen what happens when a child picks up a paddle for the first time, or when they make it across the lagoon on their own. There’s this spark of pride and excitement that never gets old. We started this program because we wanted kids to have a place where they can explore outside, get a little muddy, try something that feels brave, and surprise themselves along the way. As a small, women-owned business rooted in Alameda’s South Shore community, we bring over 20 years of experience in youth leadership and outdoor education. Our team knows this coastline inside and out, and we’re passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces where kids can grow, make friends, and experience the magic of the Bay.