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. 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. No Problem! There is a dump station and boat rentals. 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. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? (415) 798-2040. No overnight camping or beach fires. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. 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. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. 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. Call us today! No restrooms or water. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. 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. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. ), or speak with a ranger. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. . Triples also available. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. If you plan to have a. No overnight use or beach fires. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. The best way to witness these amazing animals? These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. 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. 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. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. 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'. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. ), or speak with a ranger. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. 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. Call us today! We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. 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. One must carry one's boat along a short trail and across sand (and maybe mud at low tide) 100 meters (110 yards) or more to the water's edge. 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. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. 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 . Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. 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! Even if you aren't camping, feel free to download our Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map (1,798 KB PDF), which shows the locations of some launch sites, beaches, and other useful landmarks to help you navigate around the bay. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Cancel completely. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Join once, enjoy forever. We'll send you a few emails every week. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Please explore responsibly! We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. 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. 415-464-5100 The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. . 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. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. This beach is really easy to get to. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Not for beginner paddlers. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. 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. (. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? This restriction is necessary to reduce the amount of injurious trash in the park and for the protection of visitors who frequent these areas in bare feet. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Turn right and drive 3.8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. No overnight use or beach fires. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. 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. Napa Valley Paddles Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers natures most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. All very beautiful n deserted. 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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Call us today! The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Use biodegradable soap when possible. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. They are optional based on your comfort. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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. 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. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. 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. 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. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. 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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. Even though white sharks visit the waters near the mouths of Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, the chances of being attacked by a white shark is extremely small. 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. 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. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. 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. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. 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! Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Moderate. 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). Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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,. Bioluminescense tends to be strongest in the summer and fall, although in recent years it has been seen regularly throughout the winter and spring as well. 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. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. No Rack? : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. A vault toilet is available. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . EMT on-shore with radio. No overnight parking is permitted. 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. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . MARSHALL, CA. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. 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. 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. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. ~~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. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. 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. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. 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. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. 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. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. 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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. We look forward to hearing from you. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. Except Saturdays can be very busy. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. - 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.