Point Reyes Kayaking Tours

 

Tomales Bay is the largest unspoiled bay along California's coastline. It has become a choice destination for sea kayakers. Located within an hour of San Francisco metropolitan areas, Blue Waters is easily accessible for a half or full day paddle or overnight campout. Our Tomales Bay site is one of the premier locations on the west coast for sea kayaking tours, and it provides beginners or experienced paddlers with easy access to the heart of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Drake's Estero - A Naturalist's Paradise
Drake's Estero is one of the most stunning places to paddle on the California coast, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. Departing from Drake's Bay Oyster Co., we'll glide through the eelgrass and kelp beds of this scenic estuary, home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks and many birds species such as osprey, geese, white pelicans, loons, grebes, shorebirds. We limit the number of participants, so please reserve early!

Drake's Bay will be open to paddling again on July 1 following the seal protection closure.
Full Day: $98; Time: 9 - 3.
1/2 Drakes: $88; Time: 9-1.
Dates: See Schedule.

Tomales Bay Morning Paddle
This gentle naturalist-led tour includes an introductory kayak lesson and is perfect for first-time paddlers — young and old. Bring the whole family along for a fun adventure of paddling and nature watching!
Cost: $68.
Every Saturday and Sunday. From either our Inverness location at the Golden Hinde Inn and Marina or the Marshall Boatworks in Marshall on the east shore of Tomales Bay - call for details.
Time: 9 am - noon

Full Day Paddle and Hike - Naturalist Led Tour
We will meet at the Blue Waters Kayaking site in Inverness. After organizing gear and going over basic kayaking instructions and safety procedures, we'll launch our boats and paddle along the bay.  We'll paddle along the Pt. Reyes shoreline, enjoying the  wildlife and beautiful scenery. We'll share a leisurely potluck lunch at one of the many beautiful Tomales Bay beaches.  After lunch we will put on our hiking shoes and explore the trails of Tomales Bay State Park.  Your NATURALIST guide will interpret the plant and animal life and the geology of this fascinating area. After hiking we'll re-launch our kayaks and paddle back to base, enjoying the quiet and solitude of the bay.
A perfect trip for beginners and pros alike.
Cost: $98.
Every Saturday and Sunday. From Inverness - call for details.
Time: 9 am - 3 pm

photo by Chris Smith

North Bay/Tule Elk Tour
The area arond Hog Island is rich in wildlife and scenic beauty. Over 400 Tule Elk inhabit the northern part of the peninsula, and can be seen from the kayaks. We will launch at Miller Park Boat Ramp (nest to the restaurant at Nick's Cove) and paddle through the tide channels to the remote beaches of the Penninsula. As we paddle along we will discover the myrad and diverse animals which inhabit the Bay and its shores. In addition to the Tule Elk, it is common to see harbor seals, bat-rays, leapard sharks, osprey, occasionally Sea Lions, and recently, some juvenile Gray Whales feeding in the area!
Full-Day Tour, 9 - 3; $98.
Half-Day Tour, 9 - 1; $88.
Dates: See Schedule.

Full Moon Paddle
Experience the tranquility and magic of sunset and moon rise on Tomales Bay. On this easy-paced tour we meander across the Bay to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Watch the day change to night in the company of seals and birds, such as night herons, osprey and kingfishers, who may present themselves as we quietly paddle. Time seems to stand still when the full moon casts a mystical glow on the water and our kayaks glide home across the Bay as we follow the arc of the rising full moon. Bring a friend - this will be a tour to remember. This special three hour event will launch from our Marshall site. We'll gather at 6:00 PM. These tours fill up, so call early to reserve.
Cost: $78.
Dates: See Schedule.
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm

"By the end of the day I no longer felt like a beginner...What a wonderful day. I shall remember it always. Thank you BWK. You guys are the greatest!"
— Carol Derbis, San Francisco, CA