Up to 7 days prior to the event: Full refunds of any fees paid will be given during this time period, minus the 5% non-refundable handling fee. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. Kayak tour information here. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. 94956. Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. Cancel completely. 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. 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. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. How to get to Point Reyes Station: From the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 north 16.1 miles to Exit 456 for Lucas Valley Road. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. 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. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). Cement boat ramp available. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Kayak Rentals Tomales Bay | Tomales Bay Expeditions Kayaking Around Petaluma - Dave's Raves 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 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. 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! Moderate. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? We look forward to hearing from you. (415) 798-2040. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore (415) 798-2040. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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. NEW: Winter Birding with David Wimpfheimer, Gift Certificates, Auction 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. 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. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. All very beautiful n deserted. A pit toilet is available for use. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. 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. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 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. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Call us today! These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. We look forward to hearing from you. . This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach 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 10 Best Places To Kayak Near San Francisco | SeaKayakExplorer The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. 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. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. 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. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. (3) Fitness level : 3. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. Point Reyes Station Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. 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. Triples also available. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. Dog friendly options. Not for beginner paddlers. 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 . It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. 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. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. 415-464-5100 Except Saturdays can be very busy. 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. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. 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). As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. 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. Start from Petaluma: 20 Miles, 30 Minutes, Start From Napa: 45 Miles, 1Hr 15 Minutes. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Restrooms and water available. Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. No overnight parking is permitted. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. The island is open on the west side only for day use. 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. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. 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. 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 Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. No overnight camping or beach fires. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour | Kayaking Classes & Events - REI On-site horse boarding. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. 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. 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. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. 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. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping ), or speak with a ranger. , Restrooms and water available. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. 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 California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your In 2008, he won first place for best outdoors column in America. 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. TOMALES BAY EXPEDITIONS - 12 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. To help control the spread of non-native plants and animals, please: NPSWilderness has produced three videos entitled Wilderness Calling: Point Reyes, Wilderness Motion: Point Reyes, and Wilderness Visions: Point Reyes featuring images and sounds from the Phillip Burton Wilderness within Point Reyes National Seashore, in addition to two videos about NPS wilderness: America's Wilderness and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics which kayakers and other visitors to Point Reyes may find of interest. 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. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. 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. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Please explore responsibly! Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary, if you have reserved a boat-in camping permit. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. A vault toilet is available. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. This is it! This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? It's going to be so much fun! It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. - 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. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Triples also available. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. No Problem! (. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. 2. 4.7. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . . No restrooms or water. (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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Quebec Kayaking & Camping Trips with Sea Kayak Adventures 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. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. ~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.~. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 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,. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. We look forward to hearing from you. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Call us today! 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 paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. Turn right and drive 4.9 miles (Tomales Bay is on the right) to Inverness and Blue Waters Kayaking at Tomales Bay Resort, 12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Reyes. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night.