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. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. 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. Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. 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. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. 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. 415-464-5100 Please note: Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island are closed to the public year round to better protect nesting and roosting birds. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. 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! The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy: We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). EMT on-shore with radio. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. No dump station. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Join once, enjoy forever. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. 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 Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. more, Set on a peaceful ten acre farm in Olema, youll love the spacious rooms with views and fireplaces, cooked breakfasts and panoramic views of Mt. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? His books have sold more than 1 million copies. No restrooms or water. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. Triples also available. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Call us today! Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. No overnight use or beach fires. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. With opportunities to view the sunset and bioluminescence from your campsite, its no wonder our 24 and 48 hour rentals are two of our most sought after options. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Please explore responsibly! 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. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. , They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . 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. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. 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,. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Start from Petaluma: 20 Miles, 30 Minutes, Start From Napa: 45 Miles, 1Hr 15 Minutes. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. 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. 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. CA One end opens to the wild swells of the Pacific; at the other end is a tidal marsh, fed by the fresh water of the Lagunitas River. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. More Information Coming Soon! A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). 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. Medium rigor. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Love oysters? 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. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. 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. A pit toilet is available. This beach is really easy to get to. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Reyes. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. No overnight parking is permitted. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Other sections of the coast are kayaked, but they are not as sheltered from the prevailing wind and ocean swell, and are therefore much more dangerous. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. 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 is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. 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. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. 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. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Not for beginner paddlers. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . 94956. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Dog friendly options. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. 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? If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. 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 . Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. 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. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. 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 newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. They are optional based on your comfort. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. 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. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. 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. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! 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. 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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. How to get to Marshall: At Point Reyes Station, turn right on Highway 1 and drive 8.4 miles to Marshall and Blue Waters Kayaking at 19225 Shoreline Highway. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! 4.7. On-site horse boarding. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. 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. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! 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. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. 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. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. A portable toilet is available. A vault toilet is available. At Tomales Bay Expeditions safety is our top priority; conditions on Tomales Bay can vary and we call on our years of experience to determine the best times and places to paddle. A vault toilet is available. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. Call us today! 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. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. 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. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! 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. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. It's going to be so much fun! As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city.