No overnight use or beach fires. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. CA Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Bioluminescence Kayaking in the Bay Area: A Complete Guide 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. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. Restrooms and water available. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Overnight parking for boat-in campers is prohibited within Point Reyes National Seashore (i.e., along the Pierce Point and L Ranch Roads and at the Marshall Beach Trailhead) and Tomales Bay State Park. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. [3] They are optional based on your comfort. 9 Cool Things to Do in Tomales Bay, California Dog friendly options. Kayak tour information here. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. No overnight use or beach fires. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. No restrooms or water. This restriction is necessary to reduce the amount of injurious trash in the park and for the protection of visitors who frequent these areas in bare feet. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. 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. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Two guides per group. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Medium rigor. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. The best way to witness these amazing animals? 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. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. We look forward to hearing from you. (415) 798-2040. A pit toilet is available. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. A pit toilet is available for use. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. On-site horse boarding. Bioluminescence Tour in Tomales Bay - Napa Valley Paddle Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Tomales Bay, CA. 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 requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. (415) 798-2040. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Tomales Bay Kayaking and Camping Beaches 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. 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. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. No Rack? To protect harbor seals from disturbance during the most crucial part of the pupping season, from March 1 through June 30 the National Park Service closes Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero to boating. It is usually seen as sparkles or a glow around anything which disturbs the water Paddle strokes, the wake of a kayak or even a fish will leave a beautiful trail of light. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. This beach is really easy to get to. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. 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. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. 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. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. - 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. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. The island is open on the west side only for day use. MARSHALL, CA. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. (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. 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. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. (415) 798-2040. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. 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. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour | Kayaking Classes & Events - REI Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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 . More Information Coming Soon! It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. (, 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. 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. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Check with the Seashore reservation office. 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. This phenomenon occurs in many oceans around the world but is best viewed in a place like Tomales Bay where low ambient light makes the effect much brighter. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. 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. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. Napa Valley Paddles Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers natures most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. Tomales Bay Guided Kayak Tours | Tomales Bay Expeditions If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. 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. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Tomales Bay State Park is just south of all of these beaches and is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily for kayak day trips. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. 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. Cancel completely. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Kayak Camping in Point Reyes, Inverness, California About. 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. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. 12 Best Places To Go Canoing And Kayaking Near Ottawa - Paddling Magazine The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. ~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.~. 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. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. 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. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. Kayaking Around Petaluma - Dave's Raves Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. A vault toilet is available. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Tomales Bay Day Rentals - Blue Waters Kayaking 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. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. 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. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Except Saturdays can be very busy. The General Plan establishes the long-range vision for the park and recommends how to protect and improve the park's natural, cultural, and recreational values . . Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. 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? This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. 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. Liz and I were drifting in a double kayak on Tomales Bay, the long, skinny slice of seawater that sits next to California's Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Included in the rental fee is a short introductory kayak lesson, directions on where to go and what to see, as well as your paddling equipment such as paddle, life vest, and a wet suit. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. Join once, enjoy forever. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. (415) 798-2040. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. Love oysters? 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. Call us today! Point Reyes National Seashore Campground - Recreation.gov They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . 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! Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. 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. 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. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Please note: Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island are closed to the public year round to better protect nesting and roosting birds. 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). We pedaled to all the beach nearby. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. 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.