Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Triples also available. At Tomales Bay Expeditions safety is our top priority; conditions on Tomales Bay can vary and we call on our years of experience to determine the best times and places to paddle. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. for your first email from REI. How to get to Marshall: At Point Reyes Station, turn right on Highway 1 and drive 8.4 miles to Marshall and Blue Waters Kayaking at 19225 Shoreline Highway. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. 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. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Two guides per group. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. ), or speak with a ranger. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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,. No overnight camping or beach fires. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. 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. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. (3) Fitness level : 3. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Call us today! 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 . The island is open on the west side only for day use. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. 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. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. 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. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. Tomales Bay, CA. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. 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. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). 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. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. 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. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. 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. 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! Reserve Yours Now! Take only pictures; leave only footprints. About. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? All very beautiful n deserted. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. ~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.~. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. No overnight use or beach fires. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. 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. 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. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. 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. 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. 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. (415) 798-2040. ), or speak with a ranger. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. 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. Call us today! These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! 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. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. 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. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. ~~Where tour is cancelled after we already launched the kayaks and must return to shore within the first-hour patrons can: ~~Where tour is cancelled before we have launched the kayaks patrons can: To Reserve Overnight Kayak Rentals, Please Check Out Our, Every Saturday & Sunday you can pick up a board or boat from us right on the shore of Hearts Desire Beach (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION $800 Minimum), 7 Days a week, you can load them on to your vehicle from our headquarters in downtown Point Reyes Station and take them to one of the beautiful local launch locations on Tomales Bay (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and take them on a 7-10 minute walk to Lagunitas Creek from our Point Reyes Headquarters. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 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. 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. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. 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. 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. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. 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. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! 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. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. 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. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. No restrooms or water. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. 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. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. 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. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. 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. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? 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. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Please explore responsibly! We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. 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. 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. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. 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. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. A vault toilet is available. Adjacent communities include Pt. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. 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). We look forward to hearing from you. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. adventures and follow local regulations. No overnight use or beach fires. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. Point Reyes Station THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN.