Cancel completely. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. 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. 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. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. 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. 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). The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. No dump station. ), or speak with a ranger. More Information Coming Soon! 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. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. 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 kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. , Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. 1 Bear Valley Road (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. 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. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. A portable toilet is available. Two guides per group. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Restrooms and water available. 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. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Call us today! Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. 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. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. 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! There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. The whole hike is beautiful. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. 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. A pit toilet is available for use. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. Reserve Yours Now! One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. 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. 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. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. 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,. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 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. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. 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. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. 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. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Launching, landing, or operating a remotely operated aircraft (aka "remotely piloted aircraft," "unmanned aircraft," or "drone") from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Tandem Kayak - A kayak with two paddlers paddling the same boat. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. 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. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. 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. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. 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. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. Need something for your next adventure? No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Start from Petaluma: 20 Miles, 30 Minutes, Start From Napa: 45 Miles, 1Hr 15 Minutes. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? 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. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. Chicken Ranch Beach is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. We look forward to hearing from you. No overnight use or beach fires. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. 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. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. This beach is really easy to get to. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 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. 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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. 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. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Land for a picnic. 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 Limantour Estero to boating. 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. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. 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. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . 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. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. (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. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. This is it! Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans.