Tomales Bay Kayak Rentals
At Tomales Bay Expeditions our goal is to ensure that your experience on the water is both safe and enjoyable. We offer a variety of kayak rental options from a private launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. Whether you are planning a picnic, birthday or boat-in camping trip, our staff is dedicated to helping you create a fun and successful outing. While no prior experience is required to participate, first-time paddlers and those who are new to the area may consider a guided tour.
Inverness Site
Come visit our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness. Conveniently located on the southwestern shore of Tomales Bay, this launch-point offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity of plants and wildlife. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is an excellent place to start your adventure.
Intro with our Shore Staff
Our shore staff is on site to help you get on and off the water safely and share recommendations for fun activities during your paddle. Information about current weather conditions, paddling technique and proper usage of the equipment will be provided in a short introduction/ tutorial prior to launching. NOTE: This introduction is required as a measure of safety; we do not offer any “grab and go” rental options.
Reservations
We offer kayak and equipment rentals from our launch location in Inverness for “walk-ins” and by reservation. Since good weather often attracts many visitors to the area, we recommend making reservations whenever possible. All rentals are subject to availability. Reservations and inquiries can be made over the phone by calling (415)798-2040 or by filling out a contact form here: https://www.tomalesbayexpeditions.com/contact-us/.
NOTE: We do not offer automated booking services.
Small Groups
We are often able to accommodate “walk-in” rentals for small to medium sized groups, but without reservations guests can expect a short wait-time while we prepare the kayaks and equipment needed to outfit them.
Medium & Large Groups
Since rentals for medium and large groups often require more planning and preparation, we recommend reserving with as much notice as possible. We know that planning field trips, offsites and boat-in camping expeditions can be difficult, but our office staff is here to help. With decades of experience on Tomales Bay, we can provide information and answer any logistical questions to help ensure your event is a success.
Rental Equipment
Tomales Bay Expeditions uses quality equipment and maintains it to a high standard, ensuring that individuals are outfitted with the appropriate gear. Our rental fleet consists of open deck double and single kayaks hand selected to match the conditions on Tomales Bay. PFDs and paddles are included with each rental.
Weather Conditions
The wind can increase substantially in the second half of the day so we generally recommend launching in the morning for the best paddle conditions. Prior to launching, each customer will be provided a tutorial including information about the current conditions. All rentals and reservations are subject to weather/ safety related cancellations made by TBE. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 35 pounds in weight.
Boat-In Camping on Tomales Bay
Kayak camping is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. All boat-in camping permits must be reserved through the National Park Service in advance of booking kayak rentals and can be purchased at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before your departure. Visit recreation.gov or call the Bear Valley Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability.
Pedal-Drive Kayak Rentals
Get there faster with a Hobie pedal-drive kayak! Tomales Bay Expeditions offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. 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. Renters can enjoy the comfort and stability of a large sit-on-top while achieving speeds usually reserved for racing kayaks. Single seat Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available for rentals of 4 hours or all-day. Along with our normal introduction, Hobie rentals include an additional few minutes of instruction on how to operate the pedal-drive and rudder system.
