Restrooms and water available. Per the Superintendent's Compendium, the waters within 91 meters (100 yards) of shore are closed to all vessels from Longitude 123 01.00' west to the western end of the headlands below the Point Reyes Lighthouse. We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Pit toilets are available, no water. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Cement boat ramp available. As the wind often increases throughout the day, launching in the morning is typically a safer decision when planning the logistics of your paddle. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including shorebirds, elephant seals, and migratory gray whales. There is a day use fee and overnight use fee. 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. Restrooms and water available. 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. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and pretty chaotic, unpredictable conditions there. No overnight use or beach fires. Tomales Bay SP - CA State Parks The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. You sit in the pocket, enveloped by water, and in a few quick strokes, you find out what freedom is all about. This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. All very beautiful n deserted. Not for beginner paddlers. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking. 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. Bring your own fresh water for cooking and drinking, as there are few water sources emptying into the bay on the west side. The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Contact Tomales Bay Resort for more information at 415-669-1389. Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping on the west side beaches of Tomales Bay (within Point Reyes National Seashore). Check with the Seashore reservation office. Tomales Bay Expeditions (Marshall) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor 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. 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. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? 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. more, From oysters plucked fresh from Tomales Bay to local wine and cheese tastings, Point Reyes and the surrounding areas offer an unforgettable range of dining more, With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. Point Reyes Station After this time no money will be refunded, Within 7 days (including the day of the event): all cancellations and no shows will be charged in full with no refunds or reschedules unless due to inclement weather. Overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the state park. 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. 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. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. 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. Given that good weather often attracts a large volume of paddlers to our area, we recommend making reservations in advance whenever possible. No overnight camping or beach fires. 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. We look forward to hearing from you. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. 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. 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. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. 4.7. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! Land for a picnic. 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. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. We look forward to hearing from you. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. All rentals subject to availability. 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! 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! They also offer guided kayaking tours for a cost. (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. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. No overnight use or beach fires. Promptly was tipped over by a wave, and -- believe it or not -- managed the first successful high brace. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. 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! 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. It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. The sand bar at the mouth of Tomales Bay is notoriously dangerous, with a long history of small-boat accidents. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. 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. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. 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. ), or speak with a ranger. , Moderate. Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore Indian BeachThis beach is north of Hearts Desire and has a redwood kotca, a traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelter on it. 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. You can rent a horse more, Encompassing 100 square miles of coastal wilderness, the park offers 80 miles of pristine coastline and over 150 miles of hiking trails. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. Come visit our launch location at the northern end of the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. 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. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. 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. : For a list of Kayaking Outfitters in the Point Reyes area, check our Outfitters and Tours page. Tipped over in Tomales Bay Entrance - YouTube