Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. 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. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. More Information Coming Soon! These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. Only 24 Spots are Available. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Restrooms and water available. Tomales Bay, CA. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. 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. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. 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. 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. . 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? He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. 94956. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. 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. Land for a picnic. 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). 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. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. 2. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. No Rack? He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. All rentals subject to availability. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. ), or speak with a ranger. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. 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. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Call us today! Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. The best way to witness these amazing animals? 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. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. (. 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. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. Dog friendly options. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! 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. One end opens to the wild swells of the Pacific; at the other end is a tidal marsh, fed by the fresh water of the Lagunitas River. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Having frequently the most desirable kayaking conditions in the area, this site also provides boat-in access to many public beaches without crossing the bay. All boat-in camping permits must be reserved through the National Park Service in advance of booking kayak rentals, and can be obtained at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before your departure. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. (415) 798-2040. 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. This is it! No overnight use or beach fires. Reserve Yours Now! There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Medium rigor. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. No overnight use or beach fires. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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. Point Reyes Station for your first email from REI. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Cancel completely. 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. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Call us today! 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. 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. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). All very beautiful n deserted. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. No dump station. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. 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. No Problem! 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. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. ), or speak with a ranger. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. (, 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. 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. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. (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 beautiful granite cliffs and white sandy beaches of the Tomales Bay State Park & the Point Reyes National Seashore make the perfect destination to explore. - 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. 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. Please explore responsibly! Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Heart's Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. 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. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. 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. 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. (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! Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. We look forward to hearing from you. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Included in the Total Price below: Kayak or SUP and all necessary gear, 10% of your rental supports the California State Parks, and 5% is a non-refundable booking fee. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. MARSHALL, CA. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. 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. While there are restrooms at Hearts Desire Beach, Lawsons Landing, and Miller Boat Launch, a pit toilet at Indian Beach, and portable toilets at Chicken Ranch Beach, camping is prohibited at all of these locations. Call us today! In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. 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. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. Take Away Day Trip Launching Destinations, All Take Away Rentals meet from our NEW HEADQUARTERS next to the gas station in Point Reyes Station (11401 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956), Please Note: For all kayak rentals children must be at least 5 years old and weigh minimum 50 lbs. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. 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. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. Call us today! Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. A pit toilet is available. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. 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. 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. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Need something for your next adventure? 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. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. 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. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. 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 whole hike is beautiful. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! Cement boat ramp available. 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. About. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. 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). TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the 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.~. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. Reyes. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. 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. They are optional based on your comfort. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. A portable toilet is available. 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. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. adventures and follow local regulations. 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. 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.