(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. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Pit toilets are available, no water. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. ), or speak with a ranger. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. 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. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. He was the fourth living member inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. 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. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. ~~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. We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . 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. The whole hike is beautiful. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. We look forward to hearing from you. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. No overnight use or beach fires. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Dog friendly options. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates produce and emit light through a chemical reaction process. 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. You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. As you make your way down the trail towards the beach, youll meander al Like camping in remote locations? A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. The best paddle here is the easy trip to the southern end of Tomales Bay, a wetlands area excellent for sighting shorebirds and waterfowl. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. and the other 3 hours are spent learning as you paddle along the beautiful coastline of the Tomales Bay State Park or the Point Reyes National Seashore. (3) Fitness level : 3. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. Located an hour outside of downtown San Francisco, Tomales Bay is ideal for beginners because of its calm waters. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . Hog IslandThe island is in the northern section of Tomales Bay across from Whites Gulch on the west side and Nicks Cove on the east side. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. 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. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. [3] Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. 1 Bear Valley Road 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. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. We look forward to hearing from you. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. This post covers things to do in Tomales Bay along Highway 1, excluding Point Reyes. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. Not for beginner paddlers. 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. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. 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. 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. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. 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. This beach is really easy to get to. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. 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. 2. No overnight use or beach fires. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for . There are stunning National Parks, spectacular mountains, free-flowing rivers and at the center of our adventure, the glacial-carved Saguenay Fjord. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. 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 most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Check with the Seashore reservation office. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. ~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.~. Call us today! It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. MARSHALL, CA. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. 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. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. There is a dump station and boat rentals. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. 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 . 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. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Tomales Bay, CA. No overnight parking is permitted. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. adventures and follow local regulations. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. 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. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). Cancel completely. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? Triples also available. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals, and roosting place for brown pelicans. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. This is it! They are optional based on your comfort. 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. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure you are confident from beginning to end. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. We'll send you a few emails every week. 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. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. 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 . Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. 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. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. 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. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Adjacent communities include Pt. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 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. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. With opportunities to view the sunset and bioluminescence from your campsite, its no wonder our 24 and 48 hour rentals are two of our most sought after options. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 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. Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers specialized, small scale kayaking tours and rentals on the beautiful Tomales Bay. Except Saturdays can be very busy. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. 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. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Two guides per group. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. No overnight use or beach fires. 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'. Potable water is not provided at any of the beaches along Tomales Bay within the National Seashore. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 30 meters (100 feet) of the swim area markers. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach Weve chosen the best dates for July, August, September, and October based on the moons position to ensure the darkest nights. 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! Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. It requires additional skills, experience, and equipment, and is not recommended for most kayakers. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. 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. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. Love oysters? 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. No Rack? 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. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in.