Gateway to Tomales Bay
Located at the Hwy 101 Exit 35 minutes from Tomales Bay
1075 Lakeville St. Petaluma, Ca 94952
Saturday, November 16 2024! On the ebb tide which begins at 2pm
NVP's bioluminescent kayak touring company offers nature's most illuminating light show just 35 minutes away in Tomales Bay, on the darkest nights of the summer. Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. Movements from a swimming fish, the stroke of a paddle, to displaced water from the hull of your kayak can excite the organisms causing a shimmering burst of fluorescent white-blue light.
Multi-day Rentals
Call to Book
RENTAL INCLUDES
Tandem kayak, kayak or paddle board, life vest, paddle, pre-paddle orientation and overview of your route
TOUR DURATION *approximations
Old Town Petaluma, round-trip: 3.5 miles / 1.5 hours *this is a half-day rental, 3-4 hrs
Lakeville Landing, one-way trip: 6 miles / 2 hours
Tomales Bay Bioluminescence: 4 miles / 2-3 hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Varies based on wind & tide. The Old Town Petaluma route is very approachable and ideal for families & kids. Lakeville Landing can also be suitable for kids. Tomales Bay is not for beginner paddlers and prior experience is required for night-time paddling. Call for details.
PARKING
Lakeville Landing: Make sure to enter property at second driveway (southern entrance) into ‘boat yard’ and park at fenced picnic area or open space immediately upon entry. Upon retrieving your car, merge onto highway via right-hand turn, southbound lane; then take first exit using left turning lane (if heading back north)
Tomales Bay and Petaluma Marina: Plenty of parking. Tomales Bay parking lot will get busy on Saturday nights in the summer months.
LOGISTICS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
Lakeville Landing: For one-way paddlers we advise leaving one car at finish prior to launch and carpooling. 15 min commute from Lakeville to Downtown.
NVP will handle all rental equipment on both ends. Drivers may be shuttled by NVP prior to launch for $20 with advanced notice.
Advanced paddlers may paddle round trip to Downtown and back (to Lakeville Landing).
WHAT TO WEAR *consult local weather prior to launch
Petaluma: Water shoes are not essential but are preferred by many of our guests. Others prefer flip flops or paddling barefoot. Dress in layers and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton).
Tomales Bay: Details on landing page, click "Book Now" under Bioluminescence description above
WHAT TO BRING
Petaluma: Drinking water, sunscreen, towel. Dry sack or ziplock bags are recommended to protect cell phones, cameras and other valuables.
Tomales Bay: Details on landing page, click "Book Now" under Bioluminescence description above
CANCELLATION POLICY
Petaluma: Reservations cancelled up to 48-hours before your scheduled launch will be refunded.
Tomales Bay: Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will issue a rain check and reschedule the tour for a later date. Although we've always refunded customers do to weather-related cancellations upon request, refunds are not guaranteed.
The Northern Reaches of San Pablo Bay & Tomales Bay offer a visceral connection to the rhythms of our planet via tides. These curated adventures are our most popular simply because it's pure fun for everyone. No crowds, perfect weather, perfect water ... beat the crowds and join us to explore these vastly uncharted waters.