I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Horoscope for Saturday, 3/04/23 by Christopher Renstrom, West I-80 closed near Tahoe due to snow and 'multiple spinouts', Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Even Salesforces tower HQ isnt safe from office cuts, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Inside Harry and Meghans favorite In-N-Out, Contemporary Korean restaurant in SF shutters after 6 years, Amazon to shutter all Amazon Go stores in San Francisco, Westbound Interstate 80 closed near Tahoe due to major snow storm, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe's Heavenly ski resort following recent blizzard, Routes: New SFO-London flights start at $185; Spirit expands Oakland routes, Salesforce continues to slash office space with six-floor tower sublease, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). [3] Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. 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. 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. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 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. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. Turn left on Point Reyes Petaluma Road and drive 3 miles (past Nicasio Reservoir) to a stop sign and junction (Platform Bridge Road on left). Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. Except Saturdays can be very busy. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. No overnight use or beach fires. Located in the historic village of Inverness, minutes from restaurants and Point Reyes National Seashore, youll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility and unmatched views of the bay. 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. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. more, Vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces, private balconies perched over a lush garden courtyard with views of Black Mountain Point Reyes Station Inn bed & breakfast is a peaceful, romantic retreat just minutes from the heart of the village. This often involves considerable work on our part to make sure that the right equipment is ready for you at the right place and time. 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. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. A vault toilet is available. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. more, Set on a peaceful ten acre farm in Olema, youll love the spacious rooms with views and fireplaces, cooked breakfasts and panoramic views of Mt. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. (415) 798-2040. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. 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 . Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Please understand that when a reservation is made with Blue Waters Kayaking, it is a commitment on our part to hold seats in a kayak for you. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence nature. 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. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Liz and I were drifting in a double kayak on Tomales Bay, the long, skinny slice of seawater that sits next to California's Point Reyes National Seashore. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. This beach is really easy to get to. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. . No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. No overnight use or beach fires. ), or speak with a ranger. 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. Tomales Bay, CA. - 2D & 3D Existing Plans, Established in June of 1978, High Sierra Water Ski School is located on the pristine, We offer hassle free insured drivers for your rental or personal car. 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. 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. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. 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. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. 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. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. Check with the Seashore reservation office. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. 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. Great, personable service, too!For the record: The yell I emitted after the first capsize is a traditional Bavarian expression of joy, along the lines of: \"I did it!\".For the record 2: The ball mount for the camera had cracked that same day. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. more, From oysters plucked fresh from Tomales Bay to local wine and cheese tastings, Point Reyes and the surrounding areas offer an unforgettable range of dining more, With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. 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. Cement boat ramp available. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). According to the Shark Research Committee , from 1900 to the 2012, there were 154 authenticated unprovoked white shark attacks reported in California, with only 15 fatal shark attacks . About. 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! Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. It's going to be so much fun! His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. ~~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. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. How to get to Marshall: At Point Reyes Station, turn right on Highway 1 and drive 8.4 miles to Marshall and Blue Waters Kayaking at 19225 Shoreline Highway. 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. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. To help control the spread of non-native plants and animals, please: NPSWilderness has produced three videos entitled Wilderness Calling: Point Reyes, Wilderness Motion: Point Reyes, and Wilderness Visions: Point Reyes featuring images and sounds from the Phillip Burton Wilderness within Point Reyes National Seashore, in addition to two videos about NPS wilderness: America's Wilderness and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics which kayakers and other visitors to Point Reyes may find of interest. (. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. Adjacent communities include Pt. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Napa Valley Paddle's Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers nature's most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. 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. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. 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. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. We'll send you a few emails every week. Two guides per group. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. No restrooms or water. Hog IslandThe island is in the northern section of Tomales Bay across from Whites Gulch on the west side and Nicks Cove on the east side. All rentals subject to availability. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. , Call us today! How to get to Inverness: At Point Reyes Station, turn left on Highway 1 and drive 0.8 of a mile (stay on Highway 1 at signed turns) to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. more, An exceptionally peaceful Inn set atop a bluff looking out over an iconic view of rolling grasslands, Tomales Bay and Inverness Ridge guests come here for the spectacular view, privacy and deep serenity. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. All boat-in camping permits must be reserved through the National Park Service in advance of booking kayak rentals, and can be obtained at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before your departure. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. 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. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. We look forward to hearing from you. Tomales Bay State Park is just south of all of these beaches and is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily for kayak day trips. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Restrooms and water available. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. 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 very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. ), or speak with a ranger. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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 the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. There is a dump station and boat rentals. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. 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. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Moderate. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Triples also available. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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 bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. 2. On-site horse boarding. 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. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION - $800 Minimum) Heart's Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. With opportunities to view the sunset and bioluminescence from your campsite, its no wonder our 24 and 48 hour rentals are two of our most sought after options.