3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. [3] Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. 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. No overnight camping or beach fires. Call us today! 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. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. 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 of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. 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. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. 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. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. 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. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. 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. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Tomales Bay, CA. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. 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. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. 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. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. 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. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). 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. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. Join once, enjoy forever. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. 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. Love oysters? (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! You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. 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. While no prior experience is required to partake in these endeavors, first time paddlers and those new to the area may consider a guided tour. 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. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, and in some cases may cause a trip to be cancelled due to the effect on minimum group size requirements. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. About. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. (3) Fitness level : 3. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. 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. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. 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. Turn left on Point Reyes Petaluma Road and drive 3 miles (past Nicasio Reservoir) to a stop sign and junction (Platform Bridge Road on left). It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. (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. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. 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. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. 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. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. 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. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. 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. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. 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. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. More Information Coming Soon! (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. ~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.~. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. 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. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Kayak tour information here. more, From oysters plucked fresh from Tomales Bay to local wine and cheese tastings, Point Reyes and the surrounding areas offer an unforgettable range of dining more, With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. 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! It's going to be so much fun! 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. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. 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. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. 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. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Restrooms and water available. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. The island is open on the west side only for day use. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. A pit toilet is available for use. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. No overnight use or beach fires. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Some of the Tomales Bay beaches that are open for overnight camping to those who have a current and valid permit are (listed from south to north): Marshall BeachOn the west side of Tomales Bay across from the town of Marshall. No restrooms or water. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. ), or speak with a ranger. Read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping for more information about camping on the beaches of Tomales Bay and obtaining a permit to do so. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. On-site horse boarding. No dump station. . Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . 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. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. 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. 94956. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Call us today! You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Reyes. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. No overnight use or beach fires. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. 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. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. 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. Use biodegradable soap when possible. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. Point Reyes Station Need something for your next adventure? Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, Chicken Ranch Beach County Park is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Please explore responsibly! Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. 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. 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. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. CA Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. ~~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. A portable toilet is available. This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. There is a dump station and boat rentals. adventures and follow local regulations. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! Not for beginner paddlers. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence nature. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. 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. 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. 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. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . 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).