This bioluminescent kayak tour offers nature's most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights from July through October. Paddling Magazine calls it one of the 5 Best Places on Earth to experience this rare phenomenon.
Our coastal kayaking adventure starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. As the evening fades into darkness, the sky is lit by stars above, followed by traces of bioluminescence glowing as it spills from your kayak paddle. Our 2024 dates are posted and these tours will fill up fast. Don't miss it!
Note: This night time tour is recommended for experienced kayakers only. Not for beginners.
PRICE PER SEAT
$179. 2 person minimum, tandem kayaks
DEPARTS FROM
Miller Boat Ramp at Nick's Cove
23240 CA-1, Marshall, Ca 94940
Directions
TRIP LENGTH
Four miles, two hour paddle time, 3- hour event
Let your guide do the work! Relax aboard a hand-crafted wooden kanaka boat modeled after those carrying early settlers to Napa Valley from arriving ships in the San Francisco Bay. Perfect for couples, friends, and families.
Treat your group to a wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie, or a fully-catered spread. Complete the experience with transportation to and from your hotel or meeting facility. You provide the wish list and we'll do the rest!
• Private riverfront cottage & grounds
• Charcuterie & wine tasting on-site
• Guided tour of Fagan Preserve
• Central to hiking, biking & wineries
• Local oysters! (Nov - Dec)
• Custom catering options
RENTAL INCLUDES
Kayak or paddle board, life vest, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, and tour overview.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Medium rigor. This tour is at night and thus is not suitable for beginner paddlers. We paddle less than 4 miles, often closer to 3 miles depending on where we find the bioluminescence. Wind and tidal conditions are professionally assessed and we may cancel on-site due to weather. Most tours are very approachable. Some tours battle wind & tide for a few miles usually at the beginning when crossing the channels.
PARKING
There is plenty of parking except on Saturday nights from July to October. Arrive one hour early on these nights to find convenient parking.
If the Miller Boat Launch parking lot is full, park above in the eucalyptus grove along the highway—you can't miss it. Miller Boat Launch parking is for trailers only. Cars must be double-stacked. Please coordinate with fellow NVP paddlers and fit 2 cars per space.
LOGISTICS
There is no cell reception at Miller Boat Launch or on the water. Wi-fi is available at Nick's Cove Restaurant, but it closes at 8 p.m. on weekends.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress in layers and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton). Wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Water shoes are optional but are preferred by many of our guests. Others prefer strap sandals or light, running shoes. No boots.
WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water and light towel. Dry bag or zip-lock bags are highly recommended to protect cell phones and other valuables. We will provide a headlamp with a red light however if you have your own, bring it. No cell reception on the water and bioluminescence can not be photographed without special equipment.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our tours involve staging and hauling kayaks to/from our launch locations. We also have minimum & maximum group sizes for our events. During non-peak season cancellation may result in trip cancellation which impacts other bookings. During peak season, we can often sell a seat several times over thus any cancellation is lost revenue.
* All reservations are subject to a 10% non-refundable handling fee at the time of booking.
* Cancellations up to 7 days before the event: Full refunds of any fees paid will be given during this period, minus the 10% non-refundable handling fee. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time.
* Cancellations within 7 days (including the 'day of ' event): all cancellations and no-shows will be charged in full with no refunds.
Weather-related cancellations:
~~When the tour is canceled after we've launched the kayaks and must return to shore within the first hour patrons can:
~~When the tour is canceled before we have launched the kayaks patrons can:
National Park Service, acknowledgment of risk
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/hmrluy26xzrdv9z94vgb3d/web/