Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Two guides per group. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? [3] We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. 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. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Want to get away for an invigorating outdoorsy vacation? A vault toilet is available. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. 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. Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. 2 2.5 hours of Paddle time. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. Blue Gum BeachThere will be seasonal closures on this beach to protect harbor seal pupping. , Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. ), or speak with a ranger. 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. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. Point Reyes Station Tours leave from multiple locations on Tomales Bay based on tide and weather conditions. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Menu Close Home; Rentals Open menu. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. No overnight use or beach fires. (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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. 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 is it! Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. A portable toilet is available. It's an easy hike downfrom the parking lot. There is a dump station and boat rentals. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . There are also 91-meter (300-foot) special closures around Point Resistance and Double Point/Stormy Stack, per the MLPA. 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. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. Tomales Bay is a hotspot for bioluminescence. Not for beginner paddlers. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. 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 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. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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. Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Restrooms and water available. MARSHALL, CA. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. 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. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. Call us today! Kayak tour information here. Customers get to experience the epic scenery, abundant wildlife and favorable kayaking conditions which make Tomales Bay a world class place to paddle. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour . The best way to witness these amazing animals? ), or speak with a ranger. About. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-driven kayak! Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). (. If you want to get to know this area like a local there is no better way then to book a guided tour with us! Take only pictures; leave only footprints. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. We look forward to hearing from you. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. 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 most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. They are optional based on your comfort. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. 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! TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. 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. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. Adjacent communities include Pt. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. Use biodegradable soap when possible. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. 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. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Triples also available. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or within Point Reyes National Seashore. 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. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. Except Saturdays can be very busy. If you are in the Bay Area, check out California Canoe \u0026 Kayak in Oakland. 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. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. 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. 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. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register 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. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. No restrooms or water. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. While Tomales Bay separates the two, this post will focus on the Marin side of Tomales Bay. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. No camping, overnight parking, or beach fires. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. 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 Limantour Estero to boating. It covers just north of Point Reyes Station up to the town of Tomales, California. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. 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. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. 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). Join once, enjoy forever. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Hearts Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! (415) 798-2040. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. 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! Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! 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. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Cancel completely. 4.7. The kayak trip is limited to the darkest nights of the new moon phases in Summer and fall; hence sells out quickly. Cement boat ramp available. Triples also available. 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,. 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. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 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 now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. No overnight parking is permitted. 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. Please explore responsibly!