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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. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Except Saturdays can be very busy. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. 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. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. (415) 798-2040. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. We look forward to hearing from you. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Restrooms and water available. 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. 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Pit toilets are available, no water. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. 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. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 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. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. 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. Cancel completely. As you venture west, you pass through Lucas Valley, then rise up and over a sub-ridge and onward amid pretty foothills. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. 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. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. 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. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. The whole hike is beautiful. Adjacent communities include Pt. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. 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. Reserve Yours Now! This beach is really easy to get to. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK (415) 798-2040. 415-464-5100 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 . Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. ~~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. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. . 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. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) 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. We look forward to hearing from you. No overnight camping or beach fires. ), or speak with a ranger. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. 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. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. No overnight use or beach fires. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. Turn right and drive 3.8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. 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. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. 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. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? The island is open on the west side only for day use. No restrooms or water. 4.7. 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. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. . Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. 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. A pit toilet is available for use. Call us today! In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. No Rack? Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. Join once, enjoy forever. A vault toilet is available. 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 inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. EMT on-shore with radio. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. 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. Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. Dog friendly options. 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. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. The only marine Wilderness on the west coast of the continental United States, the esteros (Spanish for estuaries) offer relatively undisturbed habitat for harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and many species of birds and fish. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. 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. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION - $800 Minimum) Heart's Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. 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. Moderate. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! 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. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. 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. ~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.~. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. 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. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. No overnight use or beach fires. There is a dump station and boat rentals. (3) Fitness level : 3. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. 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. When these organisms are moved by waves or by the paddle of a kayak or canoe, the light becomes visible, especially on dark nights. adventures and follow local regulations. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. 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). Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Love oysters? (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! Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. Call us today! 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. 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! Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping 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. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. 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. Medium rigor. A vault toilet is available. 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. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. They are optional based on your comfort. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! 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. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. 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. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. 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. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, , 2. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. 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. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Reyes. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. 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. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. 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. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. 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. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. No overnight parking is permitted.
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