: For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. 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. 10 Best Rivers To Paddle In Quebec - Paddling Magazine If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. 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. 94956. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Triples also available. We look forward to hearing from you. Kayaking on Tomales Bay - SFGATE One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. 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. 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. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. Reserve Yours Now! 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. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . (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. Prior to launching, each customer will be provided a tutorial including information about the equipment and the rules and regulations of kayaking on Tomales Bay. No overnight use or beach fires. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. 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. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. About. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. From: $270. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. No overnight use or beach fires. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. 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. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. A pit toilet is available. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. 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. 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 a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. 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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. 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. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. 2. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. No overnight use or beach fires. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor MARSHALL, CA. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! (415) 798-2040. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Along with our normal rental orientation, Hobie rentals include an additional few minutes of instruction on how to operate the pedal-drive and rudder system. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. 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. 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. CA 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Bioluminescence Kayaking in the Bay Area: A Complete Guide (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION $800 Minimum) Hearts Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. 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. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. 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 . 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. A portable toilet is available. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. We'll send you a few emails every week. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. , It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. - 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. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. Call us today! 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. Cancel completely. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. 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. (415) 798-2040. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. A vault toilet is available. The 10 Best Places To Kayak Near San Francisco | SeaKayakExplorer (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! Use biodegradable soap when possible. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. adventures and follow local regulations. Call us today! Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Triples also available. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. 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. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). Except Saturdays can be very busy. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. No overnight camping or beach fires. 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,. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. From our headquarters in downtown Point Reyes Station, we have everything you need to load up kayaks or SUPs on your vehicle, and this easy process allows you a much wider array of options when exploring Tomales Bay. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. 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 State Park is just south of all of these beaches and is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily for kayak day trips. 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 the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Love oysters? 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. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Tomales Bay State Park 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. We look forward to hearing from you. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. 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. Tours - Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. If you plan to have a. 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. Kayaking - Point Reyes Lodging Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! 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. A pit toilet is available for use. Included in the rental fee is a short introductory kayak lesson, directions on where to go and what to see, as well as your paddling equipment such as paddle, life vest, and a wet suit. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. 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. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. 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. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. This beach is really easy to get to. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. 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. EMT on-shore with radio. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. It's going to be so much fun! 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. Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. More Information Coming Soon! 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'. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 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 . No overnight use or beach fires. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Start from Petaluma: 20 Miles, 30 Minutes, Start From Napa: 45 Miles, 1Hr 15 Minutes. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up.