My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. Even though white sharks visit the waters near the mouths of Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, the chances of being attacked by a white shark is extremely small. Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. We'll send you a few emails every week. When the weather forecast took a turn for the worse leading up to my outing, Cooper and his team were great about . 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. Dog friendly options. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. (3) Fitness level : 3. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. 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 island is in the northern section of Tomales Bay across from Whites Gulch on the west side and Nicks Cove on the east side. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Other temporary or seasonal closures may be in effect at different times due to breeding populations of marine mammals, shorebirds, or seabirds. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Tom has hiked 25,000 miles, caught world-record fish, led dozens of expeditions and taken part in all phases of the outdoor experience. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. 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. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. Call us today! About. There is a boat launch fee plus a parking fee. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Great, personable service, too!For the record: The yell I emitted after the first capsize is a traditional Bavarian expression of joy, along the lines of: \"I did it!\".For the record 2: The ball mount for the camera had cracked that same day. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. 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. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and satisfying. We set up camp while enjoying freshly shucked oysters and music from our waterproof speaker. Tomales Bay, CA. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! for your first email from REI. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. 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. There was one group departing n 2 other campers coming in. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. If you wash dishes, be aware that all soaps can adversely affect water. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. No overnight use or beach fires. 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. 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. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to seek local knowledge of the area from our experienced staff. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Take Away Day Trip Launching Destinations, All Take Away Rentals meet from our NEW HEADQUARTERS next to the gas station in Point Reyes Station (11401 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956), Please Note: For all kayak rentals children must be at least 5 years old and weigh minimum 50 lbs. Marshall Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Inverness, California. Two guides per group. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. There is likely underwater currents that can be very dangerous. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. If you observe drone use in other National Park Service areas or if you find photographs or videos online or elsewhere that were illegally taken within National Park Service areas from drones, you can report the violation to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009 or by email. Wittenberg, Olema Valley, Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay. There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Map of Hog Island closure (98 KB PDF). Blue Waters Kayaking, Point Reyes California. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on the bay. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Not yet being able to roll, I had never dared getting close to it. At Tomales Bay Expeditions safety is our top priority; conditions on Tomales Bay can vary and we call on our years of experience to determine the best times and places to paddle. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. 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 island is open on the west side only for day use. From: $270. Led by our highly experienced local guides, these 3 hour tours explore the wonders of Tomales Bay after dark. 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. No restrooms or water. (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. 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! 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. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Recreational use of Tomales Bay has grown in recent years, especially for camping, boating, and wildlife watching. Not for beginner paddlers. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. The best way to witness these amazing animals? We take pride in maintaining the quality of our kayaks and equipment. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. Got a question or message for Tomales Bay Expeditions? As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. On-site horse boarding. Overnight beach camping is not permitted anywhere else on Tomales Bay or elsewhere within Point Reyes National Seashore. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. EMT on-shore with radio. Please check in at the Bear Valley Visitor Center prior to a trip in order to get updated information on closures or conditions. No overnight camping or beach fires. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. No overnight parking is permitted. 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. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. 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. T hose looking to go canoeing and kayaking near Ottawa are in luckone of the premier paddling destinations in the entire province is merely a one- or two-hour drive away, depending where in the region you decide to explore. Contact Lawson's Landing for more information at 707-878-2443. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. LAWSONS LANDING (707) 878-2443The campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to Tomales Bay. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. His first novel, "The Sweet Redemption, An Inspector Korg Mystery," was released for 2013. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. 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. 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 takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. All rentals subject to availability. 94956. Orange floats are placed in the water in summer to indicate the swimming area. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. Kayak tour information here. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. As part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a bit secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Point Reyes Station 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. (415) 798-2040. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price.