No overnight use or beach fires. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. 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Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. Take Away Day Trip Launching Destinations, All Take Away Rentals meet from our NEW HEADQUARTERS next to the gas station in Point Reyes Station (11401 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956), Please Note: For all kayak rentals children must be at least 5 years old and weigh minimum 50 lbs. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). The drive: The prettiest route avoids Sunday traffic and is only a few minutes longer than the main drag of Sir Francis Drake west of San Rafael. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. No overnight camping or beach fires. Tomales Bay, CA. A pit toilet is available for use. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. The Seashore faces the challenge of not only preserving the pristine shorelines of Tomales Bay and assisting in protecting clean water, but also providing recreational opportunities for the public. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, Chicken Ranch Beach County Park is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Triples also available. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. more, Perfect for couples or families who want privacy and the comforts of home this lovely two bedroom cottage is walking distance to the charming historic village center of Olema and nearby trails. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Call us today! Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Up to 7 days prior to the event: Full refunds of any fees paid will be given during this time period, minus the 5% non-refundable handling fee. No restrooms or water. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. The park is more, A secluded Mediterranean-style bed and breakfast in a quiet pastoral setting looking out on the Inverness Ridge and West Marins beautiful rolling hills youll love the vineyard views, serene koi pond and wine tasting room. The island is open on the west side only for day use. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. No dump station. While there are restrooms at Hearts Desire Beach, Lawsons Landing, and Miller Boat Launch, a pit toilet at Indian Beach, and portable toilets at Chicken Ranch Beach, camping is prohibited at all of these locations. Movements from a swimming fish, the stroke of a paddle to displaced water from the hull of your kayak can excite the organisms causing a shimmering burst of fluorescent green-blue light. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has developed a safe eating advisory for fish caught here, based on levels of mercury or PCBs found in local species. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Watch this short PSA from the Seabird Protection Network to learn about California's amazing seabirds and how you can help marine wildlife while enjoying the beautiful coast! Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. The directions are set for Miller Boat Launch in Marshall, but if you choose an outfitter to with they'll select a launch site for you. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Please note: Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island are closed to the public year round to better protect nesting and roosting birds. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. Do not dump wash/graywater in the bay; dispose of all dirty water 30 meters (100 feet) or more from any source source of water. Camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary, if you have reserved a boat-in camping permit. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. . Download the official NPS app before your next visit. ), or speak with a ranger. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Kayak tour information here. more, Perched directly over the Stables, the Grooms Quarters is a unique vacation rental that provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for friends or family visiting Point Reyes with horses. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Reyes. As the evening fades into darkness, the sky is lit by stars above, followed by traces of bioluminescence glowing as its spills from your kayak paddle. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Per the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the waters within 305 meters (1000 feet) of shore along the Point Reyes Headlands is closed to all vessels from Chimney Rock west to Longitude 123 01.00'. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. If you plan to have a. Along with our normal rental orientation, Hobie rentals include an additional few minutes of instruction on how to operate the pedal-drive and rudder system. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. One must carry one's boat along a short trail and across sand (and maybe mud at low tide) 100 meters (110 yards) or more to the water's edge. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. 94956. Pit toilets are available, no water. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. ~~Where tour is cancelled after we already launched the kayaks and must return to shore within the first-hour patrons can: ~~Where tour is cancelled before we have launched the kayaks patrons can: To Reserve Overnight Kayak Rentals, Please Check Out Our, Every Saturday & Sunday you can pick up a board or boat from us right on the shore of Hearts Desire Beach (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION $800 Minimum), 7 Days a week, you can load them on to your vehicle from our headquarters in downtown Point Reyes Station and take them to one of the beautiful local launch locations on Tomales Bay (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and take them on a 7-10 minute walk to Lagunitas Creek from our Point Reyes Headquarters. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. Having frequently the most desirable kayaking conditions in the area, this site also provides boat-in access to many public beaches without crossing the bay. Bioluminescence in Tomales Bay is virtually impossible to capture on film, most of the white-blue fluorescent photos seen here where not taken in Tomales Bay. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. A portable toilet is available. This 4 mile paddle is perfect for those with a little bit of prior paddling experience-- we'll bring all the necessary gear and a refresher on kayaking basics before getting started. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. more, A peaceful, stylish retreat set in four private acres of orchards and open space, Point Reyes Country Inn welcomes guests to spacious, beautifully furnished rooms, gourmet breakfasts and the tranquility of the West Marin countryside. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping within Point Reyes National Seashore, including camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! The island is in the northern section of Tomales Bay across from Whites Gulch on the west side and Nicks Cove on the east side. Take that exit 0.3 of a mile to a stop sign, turn left on Lucas Valley Road and drive 10.4 miles to Nicasio Valley Road. , Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. (37 Reviews ) Experience one of nature's most spectacular light shows as you paddle through the glowing waters of Tomales Bay during this Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure! We look forward to hearing from you. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Even though white sharks visit the waters near the mouths of Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, the chances of being attacked by a white shark is extremely small. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Launching, landing, or operating a remotely operated aircraft (aka "remotely piloted aircraft," "unmanned aircraft," or "drone") from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited. Call us today! This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Please note that personal water craft (PWC)often referred to by the trademarked brand names Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Dooare, Beach Fire Permits are required. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. A vault toilet is available. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. No overnight use or beach fires. Along with our normal rental orientation, Hobie rentals include an additional few minutes of instruction on how to operate the pedal-drive and rudder system. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Two guides per group. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Adjacent communities include Point Reyes Station at the head of the bay, Inverness on the west, Marshall on the east, and Dillon Beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay. Prior to launching, each customer will be provided a tutorial including information about the equipment and the rules and regulations of kayaking on Tomales Bay. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. No overnight parking is permitted. Moderate. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Triples also available. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. The paddle, Part 1: At Inverness, on the west side of Tomales Bay, you are largely sheltered from the prevailing spring winds out of the northwest. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. This restriction is necessary to reduce the amount of injurious trash in the park and for the protection of visitors who frequent these areas in bare feet. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. The boat ramp is a sand bottomed ramp and Lawson's Landing uses a fork lift to move boats onto the water, or if you have 4 wheel drive they allow you to use it to put your boat into the water. The group of twelve doubled up into tandem kayaks and set out from Nick's Cove, across the bay, around Hog Island and Duck Island and back, a four hour trip. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. While no prior experience is required to partake in these endeavors, first time paddlers and those new to the area may consider a guided tour. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy: We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! There is a dump station and boat rentals. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Heart's Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! Even if you aren't camping, feel free to download our Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map (1,798 KB PDF), which shows the locations of some launch sites, beaches, and other useful landmarks to help you navigate around the bay. Tomales Bay is one of the most stunning paddling destinations in California, and Blue Waters Kayaking has multiple options for you to go out and explore on your own via kayak or stand up paddle board: Tomales Bay typically gets higher winds after 12pm, and all rentals must be back by 4:30pm. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Love oysters? The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. Land for a picnic. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION $800 Minimum) Hearts Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and walk them 5 to 10 minutes to Lagunitas Creek, Available by Request w/ $800 minimum per day, We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. Adjacent communities include Pt. To protect harbor seals from disturbance during the most crucial part of the pupping season, from March 1 through June 30, the National Park Service closes Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour to boating. Turn right and drive 3.8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Above is a map showing the beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay and below is a list of the beaches from south to north. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. Read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping for more information about camping on the beaches of Tomales Bay and obtaining a permit to do so. Dog friendly options. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. . We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. Cement boat ramp available. The Seashore faces the challenge of not only preserving the pristine shorelines of Tomales Bay and assisting in protecting clean water, but also providing recreational opportunities for the public. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Napa Valley Paddles blue water kayaking starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel.