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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. From: $270. 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. 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. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. 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. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . Except Saturdays can be very busy. 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. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. ~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.~. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. No overnight camping or beach fires. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. A portable toilet is available. ), or speak with a ranger. Kayaking Around Petaluma - Dave's Raves Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. Tomales Bay State Park 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. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. 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'. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour | Kayaking Classes & Events - REI Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. 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 very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 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. 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. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Nature's Night Lights National Parks Conservation Association Moderate. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. There is a dump station and boat rentals. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. 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. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. 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. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. More Information Coming Soon! Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. 94956. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. 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. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? 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. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. Land for a picnic. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Need something for your next adventure? 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. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. 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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. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. Your Safety While Boating - Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. 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. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Tomales Bay, CA. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. 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. 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. 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. 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. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping within Point Reyes National Seashore, including camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary. Tomales Bay - Hipcamp Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. Reserve Yours Now! 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). 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. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. The whole hike is beautiful. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 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 . Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. (415) 798-2040. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. All rentals subject to availability. A pit toilet is available for use. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. . THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK 4.7. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? We look forward to hearing from you. Kayaking on Tomales Bay - SFGATE Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. 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. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. 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. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. 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! That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. 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? With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. 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). If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Tomales Bay - Wikipedia Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. TOMALES BAY EXPEDITIONS - 12 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. 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. Join once, enjoy forever. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! No overnight use or beach fires. Turn right and drive 3.8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. 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! If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. Tomales Bay Day Rentals - Blue Waters Kayaking Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy: We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. Tomales Bay Guided Kayak Tours | Tomales Bay Expeditions more, An exceptionally peaceful Inn set atop a bluff looking out over an iconic view of rolling grasslands, Tomales Bay and Inverness Ridge guests come here for the spectacular view, privacy and deep serenity. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. 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. The island is open on the west side only for day use. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. 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. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. more, Perched directly over the Stables, the Grooms Quarters is a unique vacation rental that provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for friends or family visiting Point Reyes with horses. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 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. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070.