Established in 1972, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too! offers a wide selection of rental kayaks, canoes, and bicycles for exploring beautiful Big River and beyond. Located on the grounds of the Stanford Inn by the Sea, this is the coast's only full-service outdoor shop, providing rentals, sales and service year-round for visitors and locals alike.

Catch A Canoe  Specializes in handcrafted redwood outrigger canoes, created specifically for the conditions found on Big River Estuary. These amazing craft are available in several sizes to accommodate from one to nine paddlers. Stable, fast, and fun, each one uses an ingenious foot-controlled rudder system to provide steering for this easy to master craft. In addition, you will find traditional canoes for two to four paddlers, as well as single and double kayaks.

& Bicycles Too  An on-site full service bike shop offers many opportunities for two-wheeled adventure. Whether on the easy and popular Big River Trail, or the radical and challenging Manley Gulch, high adventure will be yours! Try an easy and comfortable hybrid suitable for a variety of terrain, or a mountain bike which can handle the most rugged trails. Helmets are provided with each rental, and are required for all riders.

Tour Big River  is the latest addition at Catch a Canoe. Climb aboard the newly created 9 person outrigger for an easy paddle, and experience Big River in a completely new and relaxing way. Tours for the 2010 season run from June through September, and include: Marine Mammal Eco Tour,  Historical Tour,  Birding Tour  and the after dark Bioluminescence Tour. Reservations are required, please call ahead of time @ (707) 937-0273

Big River Estuary  Big River flows fifty five miles westward from the rugged Coast Range into Mendocino Bay. Due to its slight gradient, the lower eight miles are tidal, providing paddlers with good depth year round. Nestled within California's newest state park, the Big River estuary--including its abundant wildlife and adjacent lands--is now permanently protected.
Paddling along silently in a non-motorized craft provides a stealthy means for excellent wildlife observation. Harbor Seals and their pups are seen daily during the summer, and if you're lucky you'll observe the playful River Otters.

Catch A Canoe is an authorized dealer for many brands of canoes and kayaks, including: Ocean Kayak, Necky, We-no-nah, Current Designs, Navarro, and Old Town. We stock paddles by Werner, Sawyer, and Carlisle, and accessories by NRS and Surf to Summit.