Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. 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. 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. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. 94956. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). 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. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. Call us today! , Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Only 24 Spots are Available. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. If you plan to have a. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. About. - 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. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. . Triples also available. Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. We'll send you a few emails every week. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. 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. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. 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,. 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. Point Reyes Station 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. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. 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. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. It's going to be so much fun! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. Reserve Yours Now! Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. On-site horse boarding. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. Bioluminescense tends to be strongest in the summer and fall, although in recent years it has been seen regularly throughout the winter and spring as well. ~If you are on a phone and having trouble viewing this map, click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of the map to view this map on Google Maps.~. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. 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. more, oysters at station house cafe point reyes, horseback riding point reyes national seashore, living room with couch, table, fireplace and musical instruments, Point Reyes Station Inn Bed and Breakfast, Groom's Quarters Point Reyes Lodging Horse Stables. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. (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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. 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. 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. 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. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. 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. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. (415) 798-2040. The best way to witness these amazing animals? The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. 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. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Pit toilets are available, no water. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. All rentals subject to availability. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. 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. 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. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) 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. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. 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. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Kayak tour information here. 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. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). A vault toilet is available. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. 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. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! 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 Limantour Estero to boating. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. Cement boat ramp available. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California. We look forward to hearing from you. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Dog friendly options. Included in the Total Price below: Kayak or SUP and all necessary gear, 10% of your rental supports the California State Parks, and 5% is a non-refundable booking fee. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. 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. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. (415) 798-2040. 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. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. 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. for your first email from REI. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. 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). more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Turn right and drive 4.9 miles (Tomales Bay is on the right) to Inverness and Blue Waters Kayaking at Tomales Bay Resort, 12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. 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. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! 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. Except Saturdays can be very busy. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. We look forward to hearing from you. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. Triples also available. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. 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. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. They are optional based on your comfort. The whole hike is beautiful. Tomales Bay, CA. The only marine Wilderness on the west coast of the continental United States, the esteros (Spanish for estuaries) offer relatively undisturbed habitat for harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and many species of birds and fish. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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! (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! While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. We look forward to hearing from you. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. Moderate. No overnight use or beach fires. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. 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. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. The paddle, Part 2: At Marshall, on the east side of Tomales Bay, arrive early, before the wind comes up, and enjoy the morning flat-water trip across the bay to the western shore at Point Reyes National Seashore. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. Possession of a glass container within fifteen meters (fifty feet) of any riverbank, lakeshore, or beach, or on the water, or in a vessel is prohibited. 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. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? 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'. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. This is it! Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay.