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. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Tomales Bay, CA. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 4.7. 415-464-5100 Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? No overnight use or beach fires. A portable toilet is available. Call us today! For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. Watch this short PSA from the Seabird Protection Network to learn about California's amazing seabirds and how you can help marine wildlife while enjoying the beautiful coast! Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. No overnight parking is permitted. 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. 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. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. 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. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. 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. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. 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 a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Point Reyes Station It's going to be so much fun! REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. ~~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. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. This often involves considerable work on our part to make sure that the right equipment is ready for you at the right place and time. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. Triples also available. Adjacent communities include Pt. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? They are optional based on your comfort. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. 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. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. 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. On-site horse boarding. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION - $800 Minimum) Heart's Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Kayak tour information here. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. 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. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. 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. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. No restrooms or water. 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. The whole hike is beautiful. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Need something for your next adventure? His books have sold more than 1 million copies. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Located in the historic village of Inverness, minutes from restaurants and Point Reyes National Seashore, youll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility and unmatched views of the bay. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. 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. If you plan to have a. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. There is a dump station and boat rentals. ), or speak with a ranger. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! (415) 798-2040. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. All very beautiful n deserted. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. (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. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). 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. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. Triples also available. 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 most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. (415) 798-2040. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. 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. 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. No dump station. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Contact the National Seashore's camping desk at 415-464-5100 x2 x5 if you have any specific questions about overnight camping on Tomales Bay. 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. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Cement boat ramp available. 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. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. A pit toilet is available. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Restrooms and water available. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping The best way to witness these amazing animals? These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. MARSHALL, CA. Cancel completely. 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. 94956. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. (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! Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and walk them 5 to 10 minutes to Lagunitas Creek, Available by Request w/ $800 minimum per day, We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. 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 . 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. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. [3] Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. 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. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. No overnight use or beach fires. Call us today! We'll send you a few emails every week. 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. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. 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. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Call us today! There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. 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. (415) 798-2040. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. 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. 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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. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. 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. 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. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. 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. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has developed a safe eating advisory for fish caught here, based on levels of mercury or PCBs found in local species. 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. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. 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. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. 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. for your first email from REI. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). Please explore responsibly! Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. 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. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Be it a picnic, birthday or boat-in camping trip, we believe that every expedition deserves to be crafted to meet the needs of its participants. , ), or speak with a ranger. We look forward to hearing from you. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. 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? During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. adventures and follow local regulations. No Problem! Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Two guides per group. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. 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.