Winter might just be our favorite time to paddle according to the Sea Trek team and if you’ve ever been out on the Bay on a crisp December morning, you know exactly why.
While summer gets all the glory, winter is when the Bay shows off its quiet beauty, its dramatic tides, and its thriving seasonal wildlife. Whether you’re brand new to paddling or a long-time Sea Trek regular, this time of year has something special waiting for you.
Before you read on, check out this quick video we made about why winter paddling is so magical:
The Bay Becomes a Migratory Bird Wonderland
Richardson Bay is one of the West Coast’s most important stopovers for migratory birds—and winter is peak season. Across December through February, the Bay fills with:
- Sandhill cranes
- Avocets
- Hundreds of overwintering pelicans and cormorants
- Occasional surprises like Pintails and Curlews
There’s nothing like drifting quietly in your kayak or on your SUP while flocks skim the surface or glide overhead. It’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest seasonal cycles.
Winter is when our naturalists and guides geek out the most. Bring binoculars… you won’t regret it.
Quiet, Crisp Days With Gorgeous Winter Light
Winter paddling days are peaceful in a way summer rarely matches. Crowds thin out. The water is calm. And the low sun brings a warmth and glow you don’t see any other time of year. Plus the wind usually dies down in winter. Some of our calmest and clearest outings of the entire year happen between November and February. You get:
- Big, open, flat water
Soft sunlight that makes the Bay shimmer - Glassy reflections of Mt. Tam, Sausalito houseboats, and shorebirds
- Air that feels clean, fresh, and invigorating
If you’re someone who finds peace on the water, this is your season.
Extreme Winter Tides = A Front-Row Seat to Nature’s Power
Winter brings some of the most dramatic tidal swings of the year—think super lows and sky-high king tides. From the cockpit of a kayak, these changes hit differently:
- Channels appear and disappear
- Mudflats and tidepools rise up like another planet
- Currents pick up strength and show you how powerful (and playful!) nature can be
- Eelgrass beds, harbor seals, and intertidal life reveal themselves in ways you rarely see in summer
Winter is the best time to understand the Bay as a living, breathing system.
Wildlife Encounters You Won’t See in Summer
Beyond migratory birds, winter often brings:
- Harbor seal pups (keep your distance, but they’re adorable!)
- Quiet mornings where you hear wildlife before you see it
- More frequent sightings of porpoises near the Golden Gate
The Bay feels alive and every paddle feels different.
The Community Vibe Is Stronger in Winter
One of our favorite parts of being a family-run paddling community? Winter regulars. Folks who show up for sunrise paddles, bring hot tea in a thermos, swap stories on the beach, and head home with rosy cheeks and big smiles.Winter paddling feels like a shared secret.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you want a peaceful solo paddle, a guided tour, or a membership that keeps you paddling all year long, we’d love to see you on the water this winter.
- Check out our tours and classes
- Join or renew your Sea Trek membership
Bundle up, bring a thermos, and come experience why winter is the most underrated season on the Bay.
