To set up Midweek Private Bioluminescence Tours, please call 415.669.2600
We use tandem kayaks only on all evening tours, so you must register and arrive in even-numbered groups (2, 4, etc.).
“We’ve had many memorable adventures in California, but hands-down our most magical experience so far has been the bioluminescence kayak tour with Blue Waters Kayaking in Tomales Bay.” -Travel With Lulu
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. On dark (moonless) nights on Tomales Bay, bluish white flickers are visible in the water column, which come from blooms of bioluminescent “dinoflagellates”. These tiny critters emit short flashes of light when disturbed, and at certain times of the year put on quite a show for kayakers. On occasion, schools of fish in the bay can create a phosphorescent trail which can look like a glowing cloud in the water. All this glowing activity is only visible at night when the sun and moon are both down. We have set up evening paddles which often afford good viewing after dark. Note: Bioluminescence is a natural occurrence which is subject to changes in intensity due to factors which are beyond our control.
-TOURS ARE SUBJECT TO WEATHER AND CAN BE CANCELLED IF WINDS ARE ABOVE 20MPH-
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your tour.
The first 30 to 45 minutes of your 3 hour tour will be on-shore preparation for your adventure.
CANCELLATION POLICY
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. This often involves considerable work on our part to make sure that the right equipment is ready for you at the right place and time. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, and in some cases may cause a trip to be cancelled due to the effect on minimum group size requirements. With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy:
* All reservations are subject to a 5% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking.
* 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. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period.
* 7 days prior to the event: Your reservation is considered final, and all fees are due and payable. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. 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. (see below)
We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore.
In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements.
~~Where tour is cancelled after we already launched the kayaks and must return to shore within the first hour patrons can:
Reschedule with a future trip
Receive a 50% refund
~~Where tour is cancelled before we have launched the kayaks patrons can:
Reschedule the same trip on a future date (at no cost)
Cancel completely. Each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee.
Private Camping Tours
$350/person without night tour
$400/person with night tour
(6 person minimum on Private Tours)
Please Call 415.669.2600 to Set Up Your Private Camping Adventure
Your day will start at Miller Boat Launch, where we will load all of your camping gear in to our closed deck double kayaks. (You should have no problem fitting all of your essentials if you pack “backpack style”) Once loaded we will paddle over to the Point Reyes National Seashore for a beautiful morning of exploring before we make it to the beach that we will call camp. Your guide will be available to help with questions as you set up camp, then you have the day to yourself to enjoy whatever you would like (hiking, swimming, exploring the intertidal zone, reading, relaxing, ect…). the guide does NOT cook and they are off duty after they reach the shore and help you in how to set up your camp. BWK provides the camp kitchen and sets it up. You will need to do your own cooking.
For those who want a night tour(at additional $50 pp): your guide and camp host will lead guided tours from camp for anyone who wants to explore Tomales Bay after the sun goes down. On dark nights we’ll explore the shoreline and be thrilled by the natural light show in the water that is bioluminescence, and on moonlit nights we’ll paddle in the glow of glorious moonlight and stars. (There is still a slight chance to see bioluminescence on these moonlit nights if the fog comes in) Both are wonderful and exciting experiences! In both cases, your night will end with you sleeping peacefully at the waters edge.
Blue Waters Kayaking Provides:
- Kayaks with all Kayaking Gear
- Knowledgeable & Friendly Guides
- Camping Gear: Propane Fire Pit, 2 Burner Stove, 2 pots, 2 pans, 2 lanterns, hand washing station, & cleaning supplies.
You Provide:
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Food for your entire trip
- Plate or Bowl
- Eating Utensils
Itinerary
Day 1
- 9AM – Arrive at Miller Boat Launch, and meet your guides. (Parking at Miller Boat Launch is limited on weekends, so arriving early is strongly suggested) – Unload your camping gear, park your vehicle, get oriented to your paddling gear, and load your kayaks. (full water bottle, snacks, sunblock, waterproof camera, ect…..should usually be packed somewhere accessible)
- 10-1PM -Enjoy a beautiful paddle over to your campsite with our fun and knowledgeable guides.
- 1pm-Dark – Once we arrive at our beach you will set up base camp and then enjoy lunch. After lunch you will have free time to enjoy the beach and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Explore the coastline by kayak, take a hike up the ridge, read a book, take a nap, swim….there are so many options.
- After Dark (time will change depending on the time of year) – Night Paddle from the beach.
Day 2
- 9AM – Break down camp and load our gear in our boats.
- 10AM – The group will paddle back together to Miller Boat Launch, and we will be done by 12pm
(Times are approximate, and may change due to weather conditions, activity at the public boat ramp, or other unforeseen circumstances)
Full Moon Tours
$125
Private Tours can be set up any day of the week by calling 415.669.2600
NOTE: We hold the Full Moon Tour during the full moon. However, due to fog that may appear we cannot guarantee you will see the “full moon”.
The tour is held during that time of the month, however. There is always the chance that if it is really foggy, you could see bioluminescence.
Bring a friend – this will be a tour to remember! These special three hour events will launch at sunset from Miller Boat Launch. Come see why the night time is one of the best times to kayak on Tomales Bay. Time: 3 hour tour. See Calendar
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Treat yourself to an evening paddle with Blue Waters Kayaking.
You will not be disappointed!