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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'. (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! All rentals subject to availability. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. This phenomenon occurs in many oceans around the world but is best viewed in a place like Tomales Bay where low ambient light makes the effect much brighter. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. 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. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. 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. Two guides per group. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. EMT on-shore with radio. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. 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. About. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! . I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. 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. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Since Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are designated as Wilderness, motorized watercraft are prohibited year-round. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. A portable toilet is available. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. 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. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. 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 such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. Tomales Bay is one of the most stunning paddling destinations in California, and Blue Waters Kayaking has multiple options for you to go out and explore on your own via kayak or stand up paddle board: Tomales Bay typically gets higher winds after 12pm, and all rentals must be back by 4:30pm. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. There is a dump station and boat rentals. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). 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. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. 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 with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. (415) 798-2040. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Pit toilets are available, no water. Call us today! It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. 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. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. 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. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. No overnight use or beach fires. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. A pit toilet is available. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. 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. 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. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. 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 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. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! (415) 798-2040. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Great, personable service, too!For the record: The yell I emitted after the first capsize is a traditional Bavarian expression of joy, along the lines of: \"I did it!\".For the record 2: The ball mount for the camera had cracked that same day. CA The best way to witness these amazing animals? Land for a picnic. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. They are optional based on your comfort. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. No overnight use or beach fires. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. 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 is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. This beach is really easy to get to. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. 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. Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. We'll send you a few emails every week. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. 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. (415) 798-2040. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. 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. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. 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. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. ), or speak with a ranger. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. (. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. Check with the Seashore reservation office.