All rentals subject to availability. Point Reyes Station 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. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. About. No overnight camping or beach fires. 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. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . The area is world-renowned for bioluminescence tours in California. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. This beach is really easy to get to. Reserve Yours Now! This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. No dump station. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. 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. 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. If you plan to have a. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. Triples also available. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. (415) 798-2040. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful 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. 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. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. 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. 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. No overnight use or beach fires. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. 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. We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. 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. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Call us today! There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. 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. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. Medium rigor. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. ~~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. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Headlamp with RED light, drinking water, towel, whistle. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. 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. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. 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 State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. There are six locations at which kayaks or other watercraft may be launched onto Tomales Bay: You can easily unsubscribe at any time. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. MARSHALL, CA. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. Reyes. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. (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. TOMALES BAY - Beaches are not assigned; campers choose available beaches on a first-come, first-served basis THERE IS POTABLE WATER AT WILDCAT, SKY, GLEN AND COAST CAMP. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. 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. Above is a map showing the beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay and below is a list of the beaches from south to north. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 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. The island is in the northern section of Tomales Bay across from Whites Gulch on the west side and Nicks Cove on the east side. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. Land for a picnic. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. 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. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. 415-464-5100 Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. (415) 798-2040. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. No restrooms or water. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. 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. 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. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. 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. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. 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). No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! 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. 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. 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. Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we cannot guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. . Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. (415) 798-2040. (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. 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. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Triples also available. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. EMT on-shore with radio. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. adventures and follow local regulations. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. Hobie Mirage-Drive kayaks use a patented mechanism to transmit leg power onto the water, creating a method of propulsion which is far more powerful and efficient. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. 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. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and walk them 5 to 10 minutes to Lagunitas Creek, Available by Request w/ $800 minimum per day, We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. 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. The best way to witness these amazing animals? 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. (3) Fitness level : 3. Use biodegradable soap when possible. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. 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. Call us today! Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. Please note: Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island are closed to the public year round to better protect nesting and roosting birds. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Napa Valley Paddle's Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers nature's most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. The whole hike is beautiful. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence nature. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The island is open on the west side only for day use.