Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) 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. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). 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. 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? We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. Kayak Tomales Bay, Marshall, California - The Outbound All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. A pit toilet is available. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. 1 Bear Valley Road Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your 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. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. Tomales Bay Kayaking and Camping Beaches Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. The paddle, Part 1: At Inverness, on the west side of Tomales Bay, you are largely sheltered from the prevailing spring winds out of the northwest. 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. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? No overnight use or beach fires. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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. (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. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). 94956. 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. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. The island is open on the west side only for day use. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. On-site horse boarding. 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. 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). Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. EMT on-shore with radio. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). 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 is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. 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. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. No overnight use or beach fires. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor 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. (415) 798-2040. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. 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. 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. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. Tomales Bay - Wikipedia There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Join once, enjoy forever. Tomales Bay Expeditions Kayak Trips Rentals Tours Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 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. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. 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. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. No dump station. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Bioluminescence Tour in Tomales Bay - Napa Valley Paddle My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. 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! Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. 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. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. No overnight use or beach fires. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . A portable toilet is available. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. 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. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. 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. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. No overnight camping or beach fires. 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. 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. We look forward to hearing from you. Tours - Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California 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. 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. Adjacent communities include Pt. Tomales Bay State Park 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. ~~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. 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. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Cancel completely. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) 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. 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. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. 2. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. All very beautiful n deserted. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Some of the Tomales Bay beaches that are open for overnight camping to those who have a current and valid permit are (listed from south to north): Marshall BeachOn the west side of Tomales Bay across from the town of Marshall. 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. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence nature. 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. Check with the Seashore reservation office. Please explore responsibly! Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. A pit toilet is available for use. 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 very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. A vault toilet is available. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Kayak trips offer chance to see bioluminescence on Tomales Bay 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. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. 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. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. 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. 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. 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 Estero de Limantour to boating. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. The 10 Best Places To Kayak Near San Francisco | SeaKayakExplorer We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. 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. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Point Reyes Station Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. No restrooms or water. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. Medium rigor. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). Nature's Night Lights National Parks Conservation Association 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. (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! The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. We'll send you a few emails every week. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Tomales Bay Guided Kayak Tours | Tomales Bay Expeditions Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. TOMALES BAY EXPEDITIONS - 12 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp Kayaking Around Petaluma - Dave's Raves And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! 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! 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. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494.