We’re floating right in the heart of downtown Petaluma, in the Turning Basin on the Petaluma River. Just pop 50 Water Street, Petaluma, CA into your GPS and head toward the water—we’re linked to the city docks on the downtown side.

Look for the bright beacon of boating: a blue tent with a yellow roof and a whole bunch of boats. You really can’t miss us!

Parking?
You’ll find 2-hour spots right downtown, or go a little farther out for free all-day street parking. We also have two free garages nearby: 114 Keller Street and C Street between 1st and 2nd in the Theatre District.

Taking the SMART train?
We’re just a 10-minute walk or a free LUMA-GO ride from the Petaluma Downtown station.

From mid-May through October, we’re open on weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM as well as shoulder weekdays when it warms up (Thursday/Friday, 10-3.)
From November to mid-May, we’re open on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Want to paddle outside those hours? We’re happy to open up for group outings, private lessons, or special experiences—just get in touch!

Booking online means your boat, board, or water bike will be ready and waiting when you arrive—but we’re always happy to serve walk-ups, too.

Heads up: Sometimes we have to close due to weather. For the latest updates, check our socials or visit our website before you head out.

Call us at 707-971-3640 or email info@thefloathousepetaluma.org to make arrangements or ask questions.

Yes, absolutely! While rentals are our foundation, we love creating fun and meaningful programs for everyone. From classes and camps to group outings, there’s always something new to check out. Keep an eye on our Rentals, Experiences and Outings page and our Events page for the latest.

We also love supporting community-driven events like Witches & Warlocks on the Water and our very own Bands on The Basin. Have an idea for a program or class? Let us know—we’re all ears!

Stay in the loop—sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new events, programs, and updates: Subscribe here.

Whether you're in the mood to paddle, pedal, or row, we’ve got the perfect ride for you—beginner-friendly, fun, and ready to match your mood, your crew, and the Petaluma River's ever-changing flow. Book here.

Paddle

For a classic on-the-water experience, these are powered by your paddle—and your sense of adventure:

• Sit-on-top kayaks – Singles (11’ & 12’) and tandems (13.5’)

• Canoes – Wenonah 17’ (tandem) and Old Town NEXT (single)

• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) – TAHE Fit SUPs

• The Megalodon – A giant SUP that fits 4–6 adults (or a whole bunch of kids—up to 1,000 lbs of fun)

Pedal

Want to cruise without paddling? Use your legs to glide across the water with these fun, stable rides:

• Hobie pedal kayaks – Available in singles and tandems

• Hobie pedalboards – Stand-up SUP-style pedalboards

• Hydrobikes – Classic floating bikes

• Schiller water bikes – Sleek, premium pedal-powered bikes

Row

For those who like the rhythm of rowing, these boats offer smooth tracking and timeless style:

• Whitehall rowboats – 14’ Solo and 17’ Tango Double

• Adirondack Guideboat – Light, classic, and great for exploring

• Captain’s Gig – Sturdy, roomy, and built for team effort

• Oarboard rower – A high-performance sliding-seat rower on a SUP-style base

We rent by the hour—with options for 60, 90, or 120 minutes—so you can choose the adventure that fits your vibe (and your schedule). Prices range from $30 to $50 per hour, depending on the watercraft.

Check out our full price list here to see all the options!

Totally! Kids under 10 can ride along with a parent or legal guardian in most of our boats (just check the passenger limits for each one).
Ages 10–15 can paddle their own boat as long as an adult is out on the water with them.
If you're 16 or 17, you're good to go solo.

Heads up: Anyone under 18 needs a waiver signed by a parent or guardian before hitting the water.

• Full refund if we cancel:
  If we have to cancel due to weather or river conditions (our call, for safety), you’ll get a full refund or credit—your choice.

• Full refund if you cancel early:
  Cancel more than 24 hours in advance, and you can also choose a full refund or credit.

• No refund for late cancellations:
  If you cancel less than 24 hours before your rental, we can’t offer a refund or credit—but you’re welcome to send someone else in your place (as long as they meet any skill or age requirements).

Are life vests required?
Yep—everyone has to wear a life vest (also called a PFD), and we’ve got you covered! Vests are included with every rental, and if you’ve got extra passengers, we’ve got extra vests—no charge. We even have a bunch of pet vests available, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

Yes—pets always boat free!

We love seeing your furry crew members out on the water. Pets are welcome on most of our watercraft, including water bikes, paddle kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, as long as they’re wearing a life vest.

We have a wide variety of pet vests available, but you’re welcome to bring your own. It’s all about keeping everyone safe—just in case you end up in the water together!

Yes, please! Booking online is the fastest way to get on the water—even if you do it right from the dock a few minutes before launch. You’ll sign your waiver ahead of time, skip the paperwork, and be ready to go!

We happily take walk-ups too, but on busy weekends, you might have to wait a bit.

We’ve got you! If space allows, you’re welcome to launch your own people-powered boat or board from The Floathouse docks—just check in with our crew first, especially on busy weekends.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, you’re also welcome to tie up with us while you explore downtown, enjoy the riverfront, or grab a bite to eat.

Other places to launch on the Petaluma River:

• Petaluma Marina (by the Sheraton Hotel): 781 Baywood Drive

• Steamer Landing Park: 6 Copeland Street — just note you’ll need to carry your boat by foot from the parking area to the water

How long is it?
The Petaluma River stretches about 13 miles from The Floathouse in downtown Petaluma to the top of San Pablo Bay—which connects to San Francisco Bay and beyond.

Why is it brown?
The river is "brackish"—a mix of salt and freshwater. The brownish-green color comes from suspended silt in the water.

Is it safe?
While some western rivers have higher bacteria counts due to runoff, getting sick from falling in is rare. Just avoid drinking the water, and you should be good to go!

What about tides?
Like the ocean, the Petaluma River rises and falls with the tides. The direction of the tide affects your experience and how far you can paddle, so be sure to check tidal conditions before you head out.

What about wind?
Petaluma can definitely get windy, especially when the fog clears in the morning or rolls back in during the afternoon. The wind usually blows down the river (away from downtown), so keep that in mind when you’re on the water!

Need tide info?
For quick access to tide info, download this app.

How far can I go?
It all depends on conditions and the type of boat you’re in! We offer rentals for 60, 90, and 120 minutes, and roughly speaking:

• Paddle craft (like kayaks, SUPs, and canoes) travel at about 2-3 miles per hour.

• Pedal boats (like hydro bikes and pedal kayaks) can go a bit faster, at 4-5 miles per hour.

Heading North:

To go north, the tide needs to be at least mid-level or higher. Our staff will give you advice before you go!

• SMART Railroad Bridge: About 1.5 miles north (3 miles round trip).

Heading South:

You can head south at any tide, but make sure to stay to the right (western) side when heading out and the eastern side on the way back.

• 101 Freeway Bridge/Petaluma Marina: 1.5 miles south (3 miles round trip).

• S-turns to the levee break: 3 miles south (6 miles round trip).

Side Trip:

For a shorter jaunt, you can check out the McNear Channel, which circles the Petaluma River Park peninsula. It’s a 1.25-mile round trip between the basin and the bridge.

Conditions & Time
How far you can go also depends on environmental conditions, your experience, and, of course, how often you stop to enjoy the view. Our staff will be happy to advise you on where and how far to go based on all these factors.

Here are some maps, with landmarks indicated, for your planning pleasure. We have these maps at The Floathouse too!

Keep an Eye Out & Shout!
Always watch for other boaters and assume they might not see you. Don’t be shy—give a shout like “I’m here!” or “Watch out!” to make sure they know you’re nearby.

Stay on the Right
Just like on the road, there are traffic rules on the river. Head downriver (south) on the west side, and upriver (north) on the east side.

Watch for Cross Traffic
Boats—both human-powered and motorized—might cross your path. Always communicate and be aware of larger boats. Yield to them when needed!

Club Traffic
Several boating clubs share the river, especially in the mornings, weekends, and evenings.

• The North Bay Rowing Club and River Town Racers launch near Foundry Wharf (west side).

• Three Hawaiian outrigger canoe clubs also paddle here: He’e Nalu (south of Foundry Wharf), and Lokahi and Kai Wai Northbay (from the Petaluma Marina).

For more info, ask our staff or check out their websites!

To some degree, yes! Small crafts like kayaks, SUPs, and canoes are close to the water, so expect a bit of splash and drip. You’re unlikely to get soaked, but your feet and rear end will probably get a little wet. It’s all part of the adventure—just come prepared!

It’s possible, but not likely—unless you try! Don’t worry, our friendly staff will help you get in and out of your craft, and all of our equipment is beginner-friendly.

Stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) are the most wobbly due to their high center of gravity, but other boats are much more stable. If you do capsize, don’t stress—most boats won’t fill with water, so it’s easy to climb back on and keep going.

Here’s the updated version with the changes:

How Deep?
At low tide, the middle of the river is about 8 feet deep. As the tide drops, it’s a good idea to stay away from the mud and obstructions along the riverbanks. As you get more familiar with the river, you’ll start to learn how the depth changes with the tides and in different spots.

Dredging History

• Late 2000s: When we started planning The Floathouse, no one imagined the river dredging would take so long to get approved and completed.

• Early 2020: The Army Corps of Engineers approved nearly $10 million for dredging the Petaluma River.

• Fall 2020: The river was dredged, making a huge difference for the Turning Basin and the channel heading toward San Pablo Bay.

• 2024: The public docks were replaced, improving access for boaters.

• Autumn 2025: The next dredging is scheduled, after which The Floathouse will move back to its original location in the center of the Turning Basin, by River Plaza.

That’s the beauty of The Floathouse: we’ve got you covered with all the basics for boating—PFDs (life vests), phone cases, and cubbies to leave your valuables while you boat. Just come on down to the dock!

All you need to bring is whatever you’d take on a short hike or long walk!

We might suggest:

• a refillable water bottle

• sunscreen

• snacks

• sunglasses

• a hat with keeper cords to keep it on your head!

• Comfort & Layering: Dress for comfort and movement, based on the weather. We recommend layering with quick-dry synthetics—avoid cotton, since it stays wet and can make you cold.

• Footwear: Barefoot is fine for most paddle boats, but if you're using pedal or rowing boats, it's best to wear water shoes, booties, sport sandals, or tennis shoes.

• Sun Protection: For UV protection, hats and sunglasses with good retention straps are a must.

• If you’re going out on a stand up paddle board and are still learning, it’s always a good idea to bring a change of clothes just in case you get wet!

Before you come down to The Floathouse docks, please go through this checklist, especially on busy weekends or holidays.

Waiver: You should have received a link to our online waiver in your booking and reminder emails. Please sign it before progressing to the docks.

Sun protection & hydration: Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a keeper.

Access and Parking: The Petaluma Transit Mall and SMART Station are close by, and we’re easily accessible by walking and biking from downtown Petaluma. Please park on Weller Street, because River Plaza is often crowded.

If you’re in a group: Wait for everyone to arrive before coming down to The Floathouse docks.

Restrooms: The Great Petaluma Mill, TAPS and Grocery Outlet (in River Plaza) have graciously agreed to let our customers use their restrooms.

Once you’ve taken care of the items on this checklist, come and join us—and let the adventure begin!