Kayak tour information here. No overnight use or beach fires. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. 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. 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 Estero de Limantour to boating. 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. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. We look forward to hearing from you. More Information Coming Soon! Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. We look forward to hearing from you. for your first email from REI. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. 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. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. 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. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. A pit toilet is available for use. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has developed a safe eating advisory for fish caught here, based on levels of mercury or PCBs found in local species. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. A vault toilet is available. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Triples also available. Except Saturdays can be very busy. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. 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. - 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. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. T hose looking to go canoeing and kayaking near Ottawa are in luckone of the premier paddling destinations in the entire province is merely a one- or two-hour drive away, depending where in the region you decide to explore. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Not for beginner paddlers. Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. 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. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Call us today! 1 Bear Valley Road Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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. 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. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Use biodegradable soap when possible. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 4.7. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. (415) 798-2040. 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. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. We look forward to hearing from you. (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. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. 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. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . No overnight use or beach fires. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . 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. 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! 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. This is it! Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. 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. 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. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking 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! Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? Point Reyes Station Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. Join once, enjoy forever. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. 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. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. 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. They are optional based on your comfort. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. We pedaled to all the beach nearby. Triples also available. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) 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. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road.