Kayak into the heart of one of the last pristine estuaries on the California coast. This sea kayaking tour launches from Drakes Bay Oyster Company onto Schooner Bay, the second largest of the five bays that comprise Drakes Estero. The day is spent meandering through this unspoiled estero, exploring the coastlines in search of bat rays, leopard shark, habor seals, and water fowl. Midday we will find an inviting beach to enjoy our lunch and relax. After lunch there may be time for a walk on the beach, a hike up the hillside to enjoy the view, or even to take a short nap.

Time: .....10am to 4pm
......... .....Drakes Estero's tidal changes may affect launch time.
.............. You will be informed of exact launch times when registering.

Price: .....$110 per person - Includes picnic lunch

Launch Site: Drakes Bay Oyster Company (see Directions for details)

Drakes Estero

Striking open vistas surround the protected wildlife sanctuary known as Drake’s Estero. Fresh water commingles with the ocean’s salt to create some of the most productive and diverse wildlife habitat on the planet. This 160 acre tidal salt marsh is home to thousands of seals, bat rays, migrating birds and leopard sharks, making this a paddler’s paradise for anyone interested in viewing Mother Nature’s intricate web of life.

Protected by the Point Reyes National Seashore, the estuary is closed for six months of the year to protect harbor seal pups. This unique habitat maintains its wilderness integrity and yet is easily accessible for first time kayakers.

Surrounded by golden hillsides we will glide and daydream as we watch pelicans float over our heads and come to rest on Home Bay. Following the rhythm of nature that surrounds us, we paddle slowly and carefully, quietly waiting for the tip of a bat ray fin to rise gently above the water as it travels to its muddy feeding grounds.

Caspian terns, brown and white pelicans, osprey, great and snowy egrets, bufflehead, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, surf scoters, black crowned night herons, and Brandt’s geese seasonally pass through the estero as they make the journey between breeding grounds and their winter destinations. The hillsides that surround the bay are home to coyote, bobcat, mountain lions, northern harriers, red tail hawks, and the only free-roaming herd of tule elk in the state of California. Be prepared for anything!

Like its ebbing and flowing tides this is a constantly changing environment. Our guides will help you connect to the past, present, and future with stories of the Miwok Indians who once called this drowned river valley their home. You will hear tales of Sir Francis Drake himself, his ship and supposed discovery of the Bay. As well as the rich history of the first European explorers who ranched and settled in this rich, agricultural countryside.

You will also learn about the present day culture that protects and supports this amazing wildlife sanctuary. From our launch site at Drakes Bay Oyster Company you will observe the operations of a local oyster farm. Oysters are integral in maintaining the health of the estero by filtering the water, keeping algae levels in check and absorbing bacteria in their environment. The oyster farms help to keep this relationship alive and the bay thriving.

Drake’s Estero is one of the most spectacular paddling destinations on the California coast. No matter what time of year, Drakes always has surprises in store for its guests. The stunning beauty and incredible wildlife of Drakes Estero amazes and thrills us every time. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you

.

Preparing for your trip
The success of any journey is based on well prepared participants. The most important contribution you can make is to arrive on time prepared and eager to enjoy the trip. When getting ready please make sure that you understand the directions and allow yourself plenty of travel time. It is very important to be appropriately dressed to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Please study and follow the Clothing Recommendations provided.

Food
To complement this exceptional adventure PRO provides a wonderful catered meal prepared locally and using organically grown produce, home baked breads, local cheeses and delightful desserts. We are proud to incorporate the local flavors of Point Reyes into our tours. Please contact us if you have special dietary needs.

Your Guides
PRO takes pride in the quality and skill level of your guides. Impeccably trained, they bring a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to each trip. With expertise in group facilitation, natural history, wilderness first aid and specialized kayak instruction, your guides are ready to provide you with a safe, relaxing and enjoyable experience. As a trip’s success and safety depends on their judgment, we ask that you respect and support their decisions.

Directions
The following are directions to our launch site at Drakes Bay Oyster Company.
Have a safe and enjoyable drive and please do your best to be on time!

Southern Marin County
From HWY 101 take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west for approximately 20 miles to the junction of HWY 1 in Olema. Turn right (north) on HWY 1 Travel ½ mile to Bear Valley Road, you will see the Point Reyes National Seashore visitor center sign. Turn left onto Bear Valley Road. Drive 2.5 miles to the stop sign at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and turn left. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 4 miles past Inverness you will see the sign for Johnson’s Oyster Company. Take a left on their driveway and follow it to the small parking lot, You will see the trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about an hour from HWY 101 in Central Marin County and about 1 ½ hours from the Golden Gate Bridge to the launch site.

Northern Marin County
From Novato take Novato Blvd. west approximately 8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Turn left and continue west for 10 miles to the junction of HWY 1. Turn left on HWY 1 and travel through Point Reyes Station to Sir Francis Drake Blvd., just after the green bridge. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 4 miles past Inverness you will see the sign for Johnson’s Oyster Company. Take a left on their driveway and follow it to the small parking lot, You will see the boat trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about an hour from 101 in Novato to the launch site.

Southern Sonoma County
From Petaluma go west on D Street which turns into Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Continue west for 14 miles to the junction of HWY 1. Turn left on HWY 1 and travel through Point Reyes Station to Sir Francis Drake Blvd., just after the green bridge. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 4 miles past Inverness you will see the sign for Johnson’s Oyster Company. Take a left on their driveway and follow it to the small parking lot where you will see the boat trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about an hour from Petaluma to the launch site.

Terms and Payment
Point Reyes Outdoors, LLC reserves the right to change an itinerary or cancel any trip due to weather, acts of god, inadequate sign-up, or any unforeseen problems that would make the trip unsafe for its participants. In such cases clients will be offered either credit toward a future trip or a full refund.
PRO has a six day client cancellation policy on all trips and classes. There are no exceptions to this policy. We accept Visa and Master Card, cash or checks. Gratuities are not included in the cost of the trip and there is no obligation to tip your guides, but many people do. The industry standard is in the range of 10% but any amount will be greatly appreciated.