This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). 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. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Point Reyes Station In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Not for beginner paddlers. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . 1 Bear Valley Road The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Cement boat ramp available. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. 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. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. There is a dump station and boat rentals. Love oysters? Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Medium rigor. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Restrooms and water available. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. His television show on CBS/CW won first place as America's best outdoor recreation show, and his radio show on CBS won first place in 2010 for best environmental feature show in America. 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. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. A portable toilet is available. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). 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. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. 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 very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Two guides per group. Call us today! No overnight parking is permitted. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. 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. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. About. No restrooms or water. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. 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. 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,. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Miller Boat Launch is located on the east side of Tomales Bay along Highway 1 just north of Nick's Cove, which is ~6.5 km (~4 mi) north of the town of Marshall. (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. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. 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. more, Perfect for couples or families who want privacy and the comforts of home this lovely two bedroom cottage is walking distance to the charming historic village center of Olema and nearby trails. 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. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. 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. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). You can easily unsubscribe at any time. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) The night can get cold, so dress in layers. for your first email from REI. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. The best way to witness these amazing animals? 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. 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. , Pit toilets are available, no water. Triples also available. adventures and follow local regulations. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. 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. The directions are set for Miller Boat Launch in Marshall, but if you choose an outfitter to with they'll select a launch site for you. 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. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Reyes. 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! 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. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 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. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. 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. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. 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. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. (. No dump station. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. 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. 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. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. 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'. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. 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. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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. 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. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping This is it! His books have sold more than 1 million copies. 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! 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. The whole hike is beautiful. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. (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. They are optional based on your comfort. 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. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. 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. 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 is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). No overnight use or beach fires. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! All very beautiful n deserted. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. 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. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. 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. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. 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. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. 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. 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. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. 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. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. If you plan to have a. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. EMT on-shore with radio. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. 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. Kayak tour information here. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new 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. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Join once, enjoy forever. 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. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. No overnight use or beach fires. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. No overnight camping or beach fires. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . Please explore responsibly! Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. More Information Coming Soon! As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. 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.