13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. The island is open on the west side only for day use. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. 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 . If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, and in some cases may cause a trip to be cancelled due to the effect on minimum group size requirements. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Kayak Camping in Point Reyes, Inverness, California The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. If you plan to make this an overnight trip, check out Kayak Camping in Pt. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Kayaking - Point Reyes Lodging Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour | Kayaking Classes & Events - REI While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. 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. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. From: $270. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. 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. Tomales Bay - Hipcamp Love oysters? The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. NEW: Winter Birding with David Wimpfheimer, Gift Certificates, Auction Kayak tour information here. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Use biodegradable soap when possible. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Napa Valley Paddles blue water kayaking starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. Liz and I were drifting in a double kayak on Tomales Bay, the long, skinny slice of seawater that sits next to California's Point Reyes National Seashore. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. Tour Date: March 18th, 2023. 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. (415) 798-2040. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . 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. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. more, Tomales Bay Resort is located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. 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. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. No dump station. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK Not for beginner paddlers. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Watch this short PSA from the Seabird Protection Network to learn about California's amazing seabirds and how you can help marine wildlife while enjoying the beautiful coast! 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. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. 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. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 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. 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! 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. 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. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. 94956. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. The most frequently used section of the coast by kayakers is in Drakes Bay from Chimney Rock to Limantour Beach. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. To help control the spread of non-native plants and animals, please: NPSWilderness has produced three videos entitled Wilderness Calling: Point Reyes, Wilderness Motion: Point Reyes, and Wilderness Visions: Point Reyes featuring images and sounds from the Phillip Burton Wilderness within Point Reyes National Seashore, in addition to two videos about NPS wilderness: America's Wilderness and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics which kayakers and other visitors to Point Reyes may find of interest. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Tours - Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California 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. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. Are there sharks in tomales bay? - mswakf.afphila.com 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 . ~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.~. After this time no money will be refunded, Within 7 days (including the day of the event): all cancellations and no shows will be charged in full with no refunds or reschedules unless due to inclement weather. 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. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Except Saturdays can be very busy. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Kayak Rentals Tomales Bay | Tomales Bay Expeditions Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. A pit toilet is available for use. 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. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Call us today! 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. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. This 4 mile paddle is perfect for those with a little bit of prior paddling experience-- we'll bring all the necessary gear and a refresher on kayaking basics before getting started. Where can I launch my kayak in 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. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. 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. Please explore responsibly! Triples also available. In 2008, he won first place for best outdoors column in America. Tomales Bay Kayak Tour. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. More Information Coming Soon! 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. 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. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Pit toilets are available, no water. - 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. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. 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. The 10 Best Places To Kayak Near San Francisco | SeaKayakExplorer Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. 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. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Point Reyes Station Restrooms and water available. 10 Best Rivers To Paddle In Quebec - Paddling Magazine 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. 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. Included in the rental fee is a short introductory kayak lesson, directions on where to go and what to see, as well as your paddling equipment such as paddle, life vest, and a wet suit. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. All very beautiful n deserted. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 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. Dog friendly options. 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. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). Cancel completely. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Another area within Point Reyes National Seashore that is sometimes used by kayakers is the open coast. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Your Safety While Boating - Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. 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. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping 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. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 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. Call us today! 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. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. 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,. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. EMT on-shore with radio. Do not dump wash/graywater in the bay; dispose of all dirty water 30 meters (100 feet) or more from any source source of water. The beautiful granite cliffs and white sandy beaches of the Tomales Bay State Park & the Point Reyes National Seashore make the perfect destination to explore. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. If you observe drone use in Point Reyes National Seashore, please call park dispatch at 415-464-5170 or contact staff at the nearest Visitor Center as soon as possible. (415) 798-2040. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. 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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). 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. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. TOMALES BAY EXPEDITIONS - 12 Photos & 13 Reviews - Yelp Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Call us today! 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. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach (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! 415-464-5100 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. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. 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. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. Tomales Bay State Park 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. 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. They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping for more information about camping on the beaches of Tomales Bay and obtaining a permit to do so. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Tomales Bay SP - CA State Parks Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. 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. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. A pit toilet is available. They are optional based on your comfort. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. more information on current conditions Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Outfitters and Tours - Point Reyes National - National Park Service A vault toilet is available. [3] Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28.