If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Bioluminescence in Tomales Bay is virtually impossible to capture on film, most of the white-blue fluorescent photos seen here where not taken in Tomales Bay. 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. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. 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. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 2. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). This beach is really easy to get to. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. 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. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. 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. 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). Turn right and drive 3.8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. 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. This is it! Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. 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. Restrooms and water available. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. Napa Valley Paddles blue water kayaking starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. 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. Call us today! 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. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. 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. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. . Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. - 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. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . No overnight use or beach fires. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Love oysters? Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Need something for your next adventure? A vault toilet is available. The Seashore faces the challenge of not only preserving the pristine shorelines of Tomales Bay and assisting in protecting clean water, but also providing recreational opportunities for the public. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . A portable toilet is available. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. Triples also available. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK 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. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. 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. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. One end opens to the wild swells of the Pacific; at the other end is a tidal marsh, fed by the fresh water of the Lagunitas River. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. 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. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Cement boat ramp available. 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. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach A pit toilet is available for use. In 2008, he won first place for best outdoors column in America. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. 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. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. 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. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. 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. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. Take that exit 0.3 of a mile to a stop sign, turn left on Lucas Valley Road and drive 10.4 miles to Nicasio Valley Road. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. A pit toilet is available. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. They are optional based on your comfort. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. ~~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. 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 State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. 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. 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. 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. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. CA The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. 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! The best way to witness these amazing animals? Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Except Saturdays can be very busy. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. 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. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. Use biodegradable soap when possible. 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. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - Located at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, Heart's Desire is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. 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. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Only 24 Spots are Available. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. 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. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. No restrooms or water. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. (415) 798-2040. 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. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. Not for beginner paddlers. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. 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. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Even if you aren't camping, feel free to download our Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map (1,798 KB PDF), which shows the locations of some launch sites, beaches, and other useful landmarks to help you navigate around the bay. 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'. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. (3) Fitness level : 3. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. Start from Petaluma: 20 Miles, 30 Minutes, Start From Napa: 45 Miles, 1Hr 15 Minutes. Reyes. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). The whole hike is beautiful. Pit toilets are available, no water. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. EMT on-shore with radio. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. 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. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. 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. The island is open on the west side only for day use. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Call us today! : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page.
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