Kayaking and kayaking companies...
Kayaking is a popular sport on Tomales Bay. Return to the Day Use page of the website for areas to put your boat into the water and the Camping page for information on overnight use of Tomales Bay. Always wear personal flotation devices. Afternoon winds are common and may make return trips difficult.
Maps of Tomales Bay are available from park visitor centers or nautical maps may be purchased from:
West Marine
295 Harbor Drive
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-0202
www.westmarine.com
These companies provide rentals and/or guided tours in the Tomales Bay area. Check with them for descriptions of costs and services.
Blue Waters
P.O. Box 983
Inverness, CA 94937
(415) 669-2600
www.bwkayak.com
Point Reyes Outdoors
P.O. Box 1498
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
(415) 663-8192
www.pointreyesoutdoors.com
Sea Trek
P.O. Box 1987
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 488-1000
www.seatrek.com
(Note: This information is provided for the convenience of the visitor and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the National Park Service, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Marin County Parks and Open Space District, or Point Reyes Seashore Association.
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Paddler's Etiquette
Pass Far
Maintain a sufficient distance so that animals do not feel threatened. When an animalŐs behavior changes because of your presence, you are creating a disturbance. Some wildlife can be disturbed at distances over 650 feet. Responsible visitors watch for changes in animal behavior to avoid disturbing them. Stay at least 300 feet away (approximately the length of a football field) from wildlife or places where they could be resting out of view.
Approach parallel
Avoid a direct approach. Do not slow down, speed up, or splash your paddle. Do not walk or paddle toward, through, or near wildlife or flocks of birds. Do not allow your dog to disturb wildlife. Keep dogs leashed and away from wildlife. Know your local area and paddle only when you can least disturb wildlife.
Discreet Viewing
Restrain your impulse to get closer. Your best viewing is usually from further away and from a position of stillness. Use binoculars. As you pass, do not engage in any stalking activity, or attempt to approach animals undetected. You cannot get a good picture unless you have a 500 mm or more lens. If you get too close, wildlife will leave. If an animal reacts in any way to your presence, you are too close!
Defer Immediately
Certain animal behaviors indicate they are being disturbed; for example, seals lifting their heads or birds moving away or flapping their wings. When you observe these signs of stress, you should retreat from the area immediately to avoid prolonged stress on the animals. It is less disturbing to backpaddle away from wildlife than turning your boat around.
Leave Alone
Do not handle or rescue young or adult wildlife that you believe may be abandoned or injured. When parents forage, they may naturally leave their young unattended. Your rescue may cause the youngster's death. Wild animals, even small ones, that are injured can bite or peck unexpectedly and cause injury. If you are concerned about any animal, call your local wildlife agency or animal control agency.
Explain Effects
Tell other paddlers and small boaters about how they can help protect wildlife. Marine mammals and migratory birds are protected from harm, flushing, and harassment by the Marine Sanctuary Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and often local laws. Continuing disturbances can result in areas being closed to boating. Protect your paddling and boating privileges by helping educate less aware paddlers.
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