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. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. 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. We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. 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. 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. 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. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. 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. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. 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. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy: We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. No Rack? The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? 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. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. . Kayak tour information here. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. You can also buy phone cases or dry bag from us by placing your order in advance, $25. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. 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. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. 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 National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. 4.7. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. (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. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. The best way to witness these amazing animals? Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Not for beginner paddlers. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. We look forward to hearing from you. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. We will use our decades of experience in this area to make sure you have a safe, enlightening and . The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. Check with the Seashore reservation office. Tomales Bay, CA. Land for a picnic. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Movements from a swimming fish, the stroke of a paddle to displaced water from the hull of your kayak can excite the organisms causing a shimmering burst of fluorescent green-blue light. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. Tomales Bay State Park: Heart's Desire Beach. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. A pit toilet is available for use. On-site horse boarding. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. 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. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. 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. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). ~~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. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. 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. Please explore responsibly! The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. 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. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster. ~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.~. 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. (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! It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. adventures and follow local regulations. No overnight camping or beach fires. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. 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. 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. 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. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. No overnight use or beach fires. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. THERE IS ONLY BACKPACKING AND BOAT IN CAMPING AT POINT REYES- NO CAR OR RV CAMPING DON'T OVERBOOK We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. 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. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. You must carry your boat approximately 100 yards across a sandy beach. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. Call us today! Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. 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. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. All rentals subject to availability. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. (. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. If camping on other beaches, you are required to pack out all human waste using a portable toilet or similar commercially designed waste disposal containers that can be emptied into an RV dump station or pit toilet, or a GO anywhere toilet kit (formerly sold as WAG Bags). Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. There is a dump station and boat rentals. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! 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. Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! 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 are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. . 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. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. A pit toilet is available. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved.