Personal watercraft...

Personal watercraft may not be used on Tomales Bay. They may not be launched at any state, federal or county park along the bay.

The visitor experience of a kayak or sailboat trip along the Point Reyes coastline and Tomales Bay includes the expectation for solitude and a primitive setting which is consistent with the park General Management Plan. The loud, high speed nature of personal watercraft (PWC's) creates a disturbance to wildlife such as waterfowl and marine mammals. The degradation of water quality due to unburned fuel from PWC's is also a concern in the park's intertidal zones and narrow confines of Tomales Bay.

Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area north of Bolinas Lagoon is closed to personal watercraft (PWC) activity. A PWC is defined as a motorboat that is less than 16 feet in length, propelled by water jet pump, and designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than sitting or standing inside the vessel.

Pursuant to 16 USC, Section 3 and Title 36 Code of Federal regulations, Part 1, Section 1.5(a) (1) the above amendment to the National Park Compendium is hereby instituted for Point Reyes National Seashore. 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits.

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