Where do I meet for my rental?

Meet at 11401 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 for check-in and loading assistance.

What ages are allowed to rent?

Minimum age is 13; people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

They provide straps and pads for vehicles without racks and all other necessary rental gear; wetsuits available by request with 24 hours’ notice (call 415-669-2600).

Can I camp overnight?

Yes—Marshall and Tomales Beaches offer boat-in-only campsites with pit toilets; plan and reserve those sites separately through the managing agency.

Do I need prior paddling experience?

This rental is ideal for experienced paddlers who can manage tides and wind; beginners should choose a guided tour instead.

Bring quick-dry layers, water shoes, sun protection, a full water bottle, snacks, and a charged phone in a dry bag.

Load and Go Single Kayak — Self-Guided Paddling on Tomales Bay

Adventure Brief

Launch from Miller Boat Launch or the quieter White House Pool and paddle Tomales Bay your way. This DIY rental supplies loading gear and know-how so experienced paddlers can explore shorebirds, eelgrass flats, and boat-in campsites at Marshall and Tomales Beaches.

1–8 hours

moderate

From $75.79

Tomales Bay stretches like a long, narrow mirror along the coast near Point Reyes Station, California, and Load and go single kayak offers a do-it-yourself way to claim it. This rental lets experienced paddlers and curious explorers put in at any legal launch and make the day their own: short sunset loops, bird-filled mornings, or boat-in camping runs to Marshall and Tomales Beaches. Meeting at 11401 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, the outfitter supplies straps and pads for vehicles without racks and walks you through loading; wetsuits are available by request with at least 24 hours’ notice—call 415-669-2600.

Tomales Bay’s signature features show up immediately: broad eelgrass flats that feed migratory shorebirds, low sandstone cliffs on the western shore, and a quiet tidal estuary that concentrates life. Launch from Miller Boat Launch for open-water views and sunrise paddles, pick the quieter White House Pool for shaded birdwatching, or carry a short distance from Chicken Ranch Beach to reach tucked coves. Paddle past mudflats where brant geese graze and great blue herons hunt, and keep an eye for harbor seals hauled out on exposed sandbars.

Options range from one-hour rentals to full-day or multi-hour itineraries; the trip suits paddlers comfortable with tidal currents and wind-readings, but the flexibility means you can tailor distance and difficulty. The extras list points to boat-in campsites at Marshall and Tomales Beaches—simple sites with pit toilets that transform a long paddle into an overnight adventure along undeveloped shoreline and sandstone canyons.

Practical details matter here. Minimum age is 13; anyone under 18 needs an accompanying adult. Dress in quick-dry layers, bring a full water bottle, sun protection, and secure footwear for rocky or shelly shorelines. The launch support—straps, loading pads, and on-the-trailer instruction—removes a lot of logistic friction so you can focus on tides, wildlife, and route choice.

What makes this offering stand out is its openness: it’s not a guided cruise but a curated freedom, backed by local know-how and gear to get you on the water without an expensive roof rack or complex prep. For paddlers who value autonomy, Tomales Bay becomes a place to read wind lines, find hidden coves, and measure distance by birds instead of minutes—an elemental west-coast paddle that rewards curiosity as much as endurance.

Beyond wildlife, this rental model highlights the region’s geological contrasts: scalloped sandstone bluffs give way to wide tidal flats sculpted by currents, and the shallow bay behind the barrier spits nourishes dense eelgrass beds that support juvenile fish and migrating birds. Bringing a basic tide table, VHF or cell phone in dry bag, and knowing the day's wind forecast will expand your safe range. The outfitter's local tips shorten your learning curve and help you plan a rewarding route.