(locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. The whole hike is beautiful. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. 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. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. No overnight use or beach fires. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. Triples also available. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). 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 . They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. 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. Call us today! 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. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. 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. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. 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. We'll send you a few emails every week. 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. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. for your first email from REI. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). Check with the Seashore reservation office. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. All rentals subject to availability. - 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. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. The best way to witness these amazing animals? All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. ), or speak with a ranger. 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. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. 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. 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. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. 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. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Reyes. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. No overnight parking is permitted. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. 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. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. 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. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. Love oysters? We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . 4.7. Dog friendly options. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. . 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. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. 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. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. No overnight use or beach fires. 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. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Call us today! Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! This is it! There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. If you observe drone use in other National Park Service areas or if you find photographs or videos online or elsewhere that were illegally taken within National Park Service areas from drones, you can report the violation to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009 or by email. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. More Information Coming Soon! 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. 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. 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. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Cement boat ramp available. Reserve Yours Now! Please explore responsibly! You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. (415) 798-2040. 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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. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. 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. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 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. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? We look forward to hearing from you. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. 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. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. 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. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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'. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. In 2008, he won first place for best outdoors column in America. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. CA Water and restrooms are available at the beach. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. No dump station. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Hearts Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. Join once, enjoy forever. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Except Saturdays can be very busy. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. There is a dump station and boat rentals. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . 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. 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. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. Adjacent communities include Point Reyes Station at the head of the bay, Inverness on the west, Marshall on the east, and Dillon Beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. The best way to witness these amazing animals? The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Pit toilets are available, no water. 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. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. This beach is really easy to get to. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. 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). Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. 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. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. Adjacent communities include Pt. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. No Rack? These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. (415) 798-2040. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within 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. , This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) 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. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. 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. 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. 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. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. Need something for your next adventure? The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. 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. 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. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. 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 .