Family Paddle Nights in Alameda with Gaia Guides

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.

Registration Opens January 2026

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.

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

Registration Opens January 2026

What to bring?

Clothing you don’t mind getting wet, such as quick-dry shirts, fleece layers, athletic wear, and swimsuits. Wetsuits are not provided

A towel and a change of clothes for after paddling.

Warm layers, it’s the San Francisco Bay, and it can get cold.

Drinking water to stay hydrated.

Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.

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.

Registration Opens January 2026

Quick Family Night FAQs

A fun Tuesday evening paddle in Alameda’s Ballena Bay for families to kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy time outdoors together. It’s a relaxed, beginner-friendly introduction to paddling and a great way for kids to try camp.
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.
Pricing
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.
This program is designed for families big and small with kids ages 5–14, and adults of all ages. Young kids can share a kayak or paddleboard with a parent.
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.
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.
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.
We still paddle most evenings, but routes may be adjusted based on wind, tides, and Bay conditions. In rare unsafe conditions, we’ll reschedule.
Absolutely! Friends and extended families are welcome just be sure to register everyone in advance.
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 (about 1:6) 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.

Read Our FAQs Page

Best Paddling Camp in Alameda

Each day, (full-day and half-day options) campers 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