Nature – Blair Spangler – The Collection

Whale watching

The Best time to see whales in Sonoma, from cliffs on the coast or from tour boats – is from December to April, during the annual gray whale migration. Excellent charters can be had for large groups out of SF. Other whale species such as humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales can also be seen in the area from May to November. In addition to whales, visitors to Sonoma County may also see other marine animals such as dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals. There are also many species of birds that can be spotted along the coast, including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls.

Surfing Sonoma Coast

The best-known surf spots in Sonoma County is Salmon Creek Beach, just north of Bodega Bay, 2nd best is Doran Beach, located on the southern edge of Bodega Bay. Doran Beach is a wide, sandy beach that offers a variety of waves, including lefts, rights, and peaks. The waves here can be powerful and challenging, making it a great spot for more experienced surfers. Surf shops are in Bodega. It’s important to note that surfing on the Sonoma County coast can be challenging, especially for beginners. The water can be cold, and the waves can be powerful, so it’s essential to have the right equipment and to be aware of the potential dangers. It’s also important to respect the local surf culture and to follow proper surf etiquette to ensure that everyone can enjoy the waves safely.

Safari: Experience the Sonoma Serengeti

Safaris: go out at scheduled times. Private safaris are available for your group. Wine, beer, and appetizers can be added to private safaris for an additional cost.
Winos and Rhinos – Delight in private wine tasting safari!
Brews and Buffalo – Beer tasting on the Sonoma Serengeti!
Twilight Serengeti Dinner: at the Tree Top Aviary where Cheetahs and Chardonnay are among the unique options available.
Private and close-up encounters with animals behind the scenes with our animal caretakers.

Ocean water sports

Bodega Bay is the most unique sailing area in the San Francisco Bay Area offering 5 very different sailing sites. If offers everything from a shallow water learning site to speed sailing to a radical wave sailing.The Bodega season starts in March continues to autumn. Reliable spring winds start early in the day and are easy to forecast. The spring wind typically start in the morning in the 6.0 to 5.0 range and build by midday to 18 to 30+ knots. In the summer the winds are lighter and don’t reach short board level until late afternoon, ideal days for lessons

Observatory

Kayak, PaddleBoard, Canoe

Russian River: The Russian River is idyllic for both paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing. With its slow-moving waters, provides an excellent opportunity for beginners and endless scenery and a bounty of birds and wildlife on your waterway journey.
Lake Sonoma: Lake Sonoma offers paddle-boarding and canoeing in an exquisite setting with calm waters and stunning mountain views.
Bodega Bay: offers ocean kayaking with varied marine wildlife: seals, sea lions, and otters.
Tomales Bay: Calmer waters than Bodega, this oceanic microcosm is appropriate for all levels of kayakers with more options for birds than Bodega all the same type of water mammals.

Forest Bathing

Not a naturalist hike or fitness outing, forest bathing is an intentionally guided ramble designed to help participants absorb nature through all five senses. Since 1982, studies conducted at institutions such as the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo and Stanford University School of Medicine have demonstrated that forest bathing can reduce stress hormones, improve mood and cognitive function, and even boost the immune system. a trained facilitator through a series of mindful and sensory-based activities in a forest or natural setting. During a guided forest bathing session, the facilitator will guide you through a series of exercises designed to help you tune into your senses and surroundings. This may include simple mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation, as well as sensory-based exercises like noticing the textures of tree bark, the sounds of birds, or the smell of the forest. You may also be invited to engage in gentle movement exercises, such as walking slowly, stretching, or practicing yoga poses. These activities are meant to help you connect with your body and the natural environment around you.

Fishing

Lake Sonoma: is a stunning man-made lake located in northern county. It is stocked with species including bass, trout, and catfish.
Bodega Bay: a Pacific Ocean coastal fishing town offers a variety of saltwater fishing options including rockfish, salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Charter boats available for hire for deep-sea fishing.
Tomales Bay: long, narrow inlet is a popular for shellfishing, including oysters and clams in western Sonoma. Anglers can also fish for steelhead trout and salmon in the bay.
Petaluma River:is a tidal river located in the southern Sonoma County that is home to a variety of fish species including bass, sturgeon, and striped bass.

E-Biking

E-bikes provide pedal assistance make it easier to tackle hills, headwinds, and longer distances. This feature makes it easier for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy cycling and longer distances are possible.
E-bikes are eco-friendly as they use rechargeable batteries as their primary power source, resulting in lower carbon emissions and reduced pollution compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. E-bikes still require pedaling, which provides a good workout and can improve cardiovascular health, joint mobility, and mental health.

Nature Photography

A nature photography class teaches the art and technique of capturing images of the natural world, including landscapes, wildlife, plants, and natural phenomena. The course covers camera basics, composition, lighting, wildlife photography, landscape photography, macro photography, and post-processing. Students also learn about the ethics of nature photography, including guidelines for minimizing impact on the environment and respecting the rights of animals and other natural subjects. The class can include hiking too exotic areas of Sonoma County including the Pacific coast.

Zip lining through the redwoods

Sonoma Zipline Adventures is high-flying adventure that will immerse your group in the unparalleled beauty of the world famous California Coastal Redwoods. From panoramic forest views to thrillingly deep ravines, get up close and personal with some of the tallest, and oldest, living things you’ll ever meet Everyone will end your tour with a deeper appreciation for the forest and our planet.

Hiking the wonders of Napa and Sonoma

There are 100’s of regional and state parks to choose from with a seemingly infinite variety of terrains and views. From redwood forests to coastal cliffs, from vineyard overlooks to the pacific ocean. We can arrange a knowledgeable local guide. Remember hiking can be combined with wine tasting, bird-watching, nature photography, etc.

Horseback Riding

Whatever your dream about horseback riding might be, you’ll probably find it in Sonoma County:
Cantering swiftly on a beautiful beach at sunset, waves crashing alongside, Comfortably astride a gentle horse that’s picking its way through a thick forest, the only sound a persistent woodpecker, trotting smoothly alongside a fast-moving, early-spring stream, a leisurely trail ride through neat rows of lush grapevines ending with a wine tasting. Anything is possible.

Bird Watching

Many bird species frequent our rural properties. Spend an afternoon with an expert and discover the resplendent beauty of the avian world so often overlooked. This experience affords numerous competitive options for Team Building in nature and can be done at our St Helena property or in nearby parks

Geocaching

This adventure involves using a GPS device or a smartphone to navigate to specific coordinates and locate hidden containers called “geocaches” or “caches.” These typically small, waterproof containers that contain a logbook where the geocacher can sign their name and date of visit as proof of finding the cache. Some caches also contain small trinkets or toys that can be exchanged or swapped. Geocaching can be done by anyone, a great way to explore and get outdoors.