This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. T hose looking to go canoeing and kayaking near Ottawa are in luckone of the premier paddling destinations in the entire province is merely a one- or two-hour drive away, depending where in the region you decide to explore. (415) 798-2040. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Call us today! Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . Except Saturdays can be very busy. Two guides per group. Point Reyes Station This is 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. From: $270. 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. 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. 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. TOMALES BAY - Beaches are not assigned; campers choose available beaches on a first-come, first-served basis THERE IS POTABLE WATER AT WILDCAT, SKY, GLEN AND COAST CAMP. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. Here you will find the parks Ranger Station, Heart's Desire Beach, Vista Point Picnic Area, and hiking trails to Indian Beach, Pebble Beach, and Shell Beach. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. Kayak tour information here. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. 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. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. adventures and follow local regulations. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. 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. 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. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Other sections of the coast are kayaked, but they are not as sheltered from the prevailing wind and ocean swell, and are therefore much more dangerous. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. 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. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. 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. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. 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. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Hearts Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. 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. Per the Superintendent's Compendium, the waters within 91 meters (100 yards) of shore are closed to all vessels from Longitude 123 01.00' west to the western end of the headlands below the Point Reyes Lighthouse. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) 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'. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. 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 bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. 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. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! , 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. It's going to be so much fun! From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. 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. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. Hobie Mirage-Drive kayaks use a patented mechanism to transmit leg power onto the water, creating a method of propulsion which is far more powerful and efficient. The whole hike is beautiful. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. Call us today! Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . 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. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. 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. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. 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! This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. 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. All very beautiful n deserted. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. 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. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. 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. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. Restrooms and water available. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . 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. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. No overnight use or beach fires. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. Love oysters? 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. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. 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. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. MARSHALL, CA. No Rack? Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. All rentals subject to availability. If you want to get to know this area like a local there is no better way then to book a guided tour with us! 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. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. 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. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. How to get to Point Reyes Station: From the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 north 16.1 miles to Exit 456 for Lucas Valley Road. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. A portable toilet is available. There is a dump station and boat rentals. No overnight use or beach fires. 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. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. 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. 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. Join once, enjoy forever. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. 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. Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. 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. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. Call us today! Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. A vault toilet is available. 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 is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. 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. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. 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 . 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. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. (415) 798-2040. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 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. [3] Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. 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. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Use biodegradable soap when possible. 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. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. for your first email from REI. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. ~~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. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. 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. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. 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). Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. 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.
