We welcome experienced and first time kayakers alike on this unique paddle. In celebration of the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project, Blue Waters offers a tour through the beautiful wetlands at the south end of Tomales Bay. This open space's character is changing daily. Non-native grasses wither away under the onslaught of saltwater, while pickleweed andmarsh plants take over. Ducks (sometimes thousands) dot newly created tidal ponds.Bald eagles and marsh hawks soar over egrets and herons wading in slow motion.
!!! Please note !!!
If you are booking after 5pm for a next day tour,
you are NOT CONFIRMED until you receive a phone call from our office confirming your tour!
A BIT OF HISTORY: The Giacomini Ranch was established over 50 years ago at the head of Tomales Bay near downtown Point Reyes Station. In order to create pastureland from existing salt marsh, Rancher Waldo Giacomini built levees and tide gates to manage tidal incursion. The levees significantly altered the patterns of estuarine circulation and sediment deposition in the area. In 2000 the Point Reyes National Seashore purchased 563 acres of the Giacomini farmland in order to begin the long, delicate process of restoring the wetlands. The project took eight and a half years to finish. The levees have now been removed, adding approximately 4% to existing California salt marshes. The Giacomini Wetlands can be viewed from strategically placed, yet somewhat limited trails and viewing areas, or (even better) from a kayak at high tide, gliding through areas where the human foot is now forbidden but non-motorized boats are not.
Itinerary:
We will meet at White House Pool, located a mile west of Point Reyes Station where you will be welcomed by a guide. After a welcome circle, gear up, and a quick boat/paddle lesson, we will launch our boats. Heading north on Papermill Creek, we veer to the east, enter the wetlands and tour the flooded project area. Paddling through channels, shallows, and tidal marsh, we will explore the wetlands. This tour gives us a great chance to share the restoration project. We will talk about the project and the history of the Giacomini Ranch. With a return back to White House Pool through intricate waterways.
Our double kayaks track well, are difficult to capsize, and are easy to maneuver. All the necessary gear such as life jackets, paddles and spray skirts is provided.
What to Bring:
Come prepared for variable weather. Bring clothes that reflect your degree of sensitivity to heat or cold.
* Sun screen & lip balm
* Hat with sun visor
* Wool or fleece hat (for cold days)
* Sunglasses
* 1 liter (minimum) water bottle
* Shorts or pants that can be rolled up to your knees are best for paddling
* Shoes you don't mind getting wet such as Teva type river sandals, wetsuit booties, or aqua socks
* Tennis shoes with wool socks or rubber boots are good in cool weather
* Windbreaker jacket
* Pile or fleece pullover or a wool sweater
* Change of clothes, including dry shoes
* Wool, capilene, poly-pro, or other synthetic long sleeve, undergarment that will keep you warm when it is wet
(NOTE: Cotton or cotton blend clothing retains water and will keep you cold if it becomes wet)
White House Pool is located just west of Point Reyes Station on the way to Inverness.
NOTE: We do not recommend using Mapquest from San Francisco because it takes you on Highway 1 through Mill Valley, which is much longer than the route proposed below.
From San Francisco and southern Marin County (1.25 hours from Golden Gate Bridge): >
Take the Golden Gate Bridge and go north on Highway 101 for 8.5 miles to the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit.
Exit at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and go 22.8 miles through Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax to Olema.
In Olema, turn right on Highway 1 and go 2 miles.
Turn left on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Drive 1.4 miles.
Turn right into White House Pool parking lot.
*Alternate Route from the south through Central San Rafael:
Take Highway 101 to the Central San Rafael exit.
Turn slight right onto Irwin Street and go 0.1 mile.
Turn left onto 3rd Street and go 1 mile.
Turn slight right onto 2nd Street.
2nd Street becomes 4th Street after 0.4 miles.
4th Street becomes Red Hill Avenue after 0.5 miles.
Red Hill Avenue becomes Sir Francis Drake Boulevard after 0.6 miles.
Stay on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard for 17 miles through San Anselmo and Fairfax to Olema.
In Olema, turn right on Highway 1 and go 2 miles.
Turn left on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Drive 1.4 miles.
Turn right into White House Pool parking lot.
From Santa Rosa and other points north:
Take Highway 101 to the E Washington Street exit toward Central Petaluma.
Turn west on E Washington Street and go 0.6 miles.
Turn left on Lakeville Street and go 0.1 mile.
Turn right onto D Street.
Take D Street until it becomes Point Reyes / Petaluma Road after 4.6 miles. >
Stay on Point Reyes / Petaluma Road for 11 miles until you get to the purple bridge stop sign.
Turn right to stay on Point Reyes / Petaluma Road and go 3 miles.
Go left on Highway 1 and go through the town of Point Reyes Station for 0.8 miles.
Just outside of town you will go over a green bridge and take the next right on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Drive 1.4 miles.
Turn right into White House Pool parking lot.
From East Bay:
Take I-580 west over Richmond/San Rafael Bridge and go west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
For the rest of the directions, see Sir Francis Drake route explained above in first set of directions.
*Alternate Route From East Bay:
Take I-580 west over Richmond/San Rafael Bridge and go north on Highway 101.
For the rest of the directions, see first alternate route directions above.
From Sacramento to 101 South:
Take I-80 west to Hwy 37.
Merge onto CA-37 W toward San Rafael and go 21.3 miles.
Merge onto US-101 S via the exit on the left toward San Rafael / San Francisco and go 8.1 miles.
Take the Central San Rafael Exit and go 0.2 miles.
Stay straight to go onto Hetherton Street and go 0.2 miles.
Turn right onto 3rd Street and follow the directions from 3rd Street in first alternate route above.
415-669-2600 or email info@BWKayak.com Reservations: Point Reyes, 60 Fourth Street, #C, Point Reyes Station Mail:POB 1118, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
-1118
marsh plants take over. Ducks (sometimes thousands) dot newly created tidal ponds.Bald eagles and marsh hawks soar over egrets and herons wading in slow motion. 
Come prepared for variable weather. Bring clothes that reflect your degree of sensitivity to heat or cold.