Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. No overnight camping or beach fires. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Not for beginner paddlers. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. They are optional based on your comfort. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. 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 can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. 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. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. 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. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. Your Safety While Boating - Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. 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. (415) 798-2040. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? adventures and follow local regulations. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. The General Plan establishes the long-range vision for the park and recommends how to protect and improve the park's natural, cultural, and recreational values . 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. 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. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Bring a cap or hoodie, a waterproof shell, and waterproof pants to avoid your feet and legs getting wet from the drips from the paddle. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. Use biodegradable soap when possible. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. If you observe drone use in other National Park Service areas or if you find photographs or videos online or elsewhere that were illegally taken within National Park Service areas from drones, you can report the violation to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009 or by email. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. Restrooms and water available. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. NEW: Winter Birding with David Wimpfheimer, Gift Certificates, Auction Join once, enjoy forever. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Most canoe trippers plan a Noire River canoe route of 5 to 7 days to enjoy the river's best campsites, scenery and whitewater paddling, but shorter trips and day trips are also possible. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. Bioluminescence Kayaking in the Bay Area: A Complete Guide There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: (415) 798-2040. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Kayak Tomales Bay, Marshall, California - The Outbound Kayaking Around Petaluma - Dave's Raves more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Some of the Tomales Bay beaches that are open for overnight camping to those who have a current and valid permit are (listed from south to north): Marshall BeachOn the west side of Tomales Bay across from the town of Marshall. 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. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. It is usually seen as sparkles or a glow around anything which disturbs the water Paddle strokes, the wake of a kayak or even a fish will leave a beautiful trail of light. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. MARSHALL, CA. Tomales Bay Expeditions Kayak Trips Rentals Tours Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Outfitters and Tours - Point Reyes National - National Park Service Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. ), or speak with a ranger. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. 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. We look forward to hearing from you. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Reserve Yours Now! From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. EMT on-shore with radio. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Kayak Rentals Tomales Bay | Tomales Bay Expeditions From our headquarters in downtown Point Reyes Station, we have everything you need to load up kayaks or SUPs on your vehicle, and this easy process allows you a much wider array of options when exploring Tomales Bay. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. A portable toilet is available. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Our drivers are, We've always been captivated by the sea, and since 1998, we've had the pleasure of, Being a Napa native, I offer small-group services for a more intimate experience,. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. No restrooms or water. 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. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. 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 takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. TOMALES BAY EXPEDITIONS - 12 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp 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. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. 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. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. More Information Coming Soon! It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. No Problem! Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . [3] Miller Boat Launch is located on the east side of Tomales Bay along Highway 1 just north of Nick's Cove, which is ~6.5 km (~4 mi) north of the town of Marshall. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Tomales Bay SP - CA State Parks Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Two guides per group. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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. If camping on other beaches, you are required to pack out all human waste using a portable toilet or similar commercially designed waste disposal containers that can be emptied into an RV dump station or pit toilet, or a GO anywhere toilet kit (formerly sold as WAG Bags). Contact the National Seashore's camping desk at 415-464-5100 x2 x5 if you have any specific questions about overnight camping on Tomales Bay. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. 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. We'll send you a few emails every week. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. 12 Best Places To Go Canoing And Kayaking Near Ottawa - Paddling Magazine Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. 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. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Check with the Seashore reservation office. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. and the other 3 hours are spent learning as you paddle along the beautiful coastline of the Tomales Bay State Park or the Point Reyes National Seashore. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Overnight parking for boat-in campers is prohibited within Point Reyes National Seashore (i.e., along the Pierce Point and L Ranch Roads and at the Marshall Beach Trailhead) and Tomales Bay State Park. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. No Rack? This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Tomales Bay Day Rentals - Blue Waters Kayaking Napa Valley Paddles Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers natures most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. After this time no money will be refunded, Within 7 days (including the day of the event): all cancellations and no shows will be charged in full with no refunds or reschedules unless due to inclement weather. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Point Reyes Station If you observe drone use in Point Reyes National Seashore, please call park dispatch at 415-464-5170 or contact staff at the nearest Visitor Center as soon as possible. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. The beautiful granite cliffs and white sandy beaches of the Tomales Bay State Park & the Point Reyes National Seashore make the perfect destination to explore. His television show on CBS/CW won first place as America's best outdoor recreation show, and his radio show on CBS won first place in 2010 for best environmental feature show in America. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. ~~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. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Reyes. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Restrooms and water available. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. At Tomales Bay Expeditions safety is our top priority; conditions on Tomales Bay can vary and we call on our years of experience to determine the best times and places to paddle. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. This phenomenon occurs in many oceans around the world but is best viewed in a place like Tomales Bay where low ambient light makes the effect much brighter. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. You can rent a horse more, Encompassing 100 square miles of coastal wilderness, the park offers 80 miles of pristine coastline and over 150 miles of hiking trails. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF), Kayaking and canoeing are also permitted on Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour from July 1 through February 28. Pit toilets are available, no water. 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. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. (415) 798-2040. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay.