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. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. All rentals subject to availability. Point Reyes Station These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Call us today! It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. We look forward to hearing from you. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. 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. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. 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Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. 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,. The island is open on the west side only for day use. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. Join once, enjoy forever. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. 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. 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. A portable toilet is available. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. The best way to witness these amazing animals? (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 bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. 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 look forward to hearing from you. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Two guides per group. 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. 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. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. (415) 798-2040. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. We'll send you a few emails every week. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? 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. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Medium rigor. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. , MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. 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. From the quiet calm of a kayak gliding along the bay. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. 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. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). The night can get cold, so dress in layers. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. Tomales Bay is a narrow, long channel between wooded ridges. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. You can even check out our instructional video on how to load a kayak on your car by clicking HERE. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. 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. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. 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. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Triples also available. 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. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. 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. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. 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. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! . Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. 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. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. On-site horse boarding. Check with the Seashore reservation office. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. 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. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. 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. 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. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. . Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. 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. - 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. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Call us today! The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. No overnight use or beach fires. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. In 2008, he won first place for best outdoors column in America. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. 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. 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. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. They are optional based on your comfort. Cancel completely. Call us today! 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'. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Call us today! Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. The whaleboat is built to allow light to reflect through the translucent hull. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. No overnight use or beach fires. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. 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. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, Chicken Ranch Beach County Park is a three-acre natural area adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.8 km (1.2 miles) north of Inverness. 1 Bear Valley Road Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. 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. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. 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. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. 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. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. 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. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. for your first email from REI. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Love oysters? It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. 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 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. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! Under the ocean of infinite stars, on the darkest night of Tomales Bay, discover magic in the oceans garden. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. 415-464-5100 Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. MARSHALL, CA. There is a dump station and boat rentals. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. It's going to be so much fun! Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. More Information Coming Soon! Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 94956. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. 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. No Problem! 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. (415) 798-2040. Reyes. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). 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. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. 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. 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. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. ~~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. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. 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. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Plenty of car parking is available for guests. A pit toilet is available. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Moderate. 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. Land for a picnic. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. This beach is really easy to get to. 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.