Pick up kayaks and SUPs at Heart's Desire Beach; the meeting point is 1100 Pierce Point Road Inverness CA 94937.

How old do participants need to be?

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

Can I paddle into the ocean or Drakes Estero?

No — rentals are restricted to Tomales Bay for safety reasons and may not be taken to the ocean or Drakes Estero.

Are wetsuits available?

Yes — wetsuits are available by request with at least 24 hours’ notice; call 415-669-2600.

What if the wind picks up?

Plan sheltered routes, head for the nearest protected launch, and always wear a PFD; contact staff if you need guidance before launch.

Paddle Tomales Bay: Load & Go Rentals from Heart's Desire Beach

Q: Can I camp overnight?

Yes — Load & Go supports trips that include boat-in campsites at Marshall and Tomales Beaches; check tide logistics and campsite rules.

Head out from Heart's Desire Beach on Tomales Bay, north of San Francisco in Inverness, California, with Load & Go, a gear rental and launch service that lets experienced paddlers take their kayak or SUP to any approved launch on the bay. This self-guided rental package is built for people who want to map their own route across glassy estuarine water, poke into hidden coves, and watch harbor seals and shorebirds from a low, quiet perspective. Pick up your boat and kit at 1100 Pierce Point Road Inverness CA 94937, where friendly staff fit pads and straps, explain vehicle loading, and walk through safety essentials. Rentals cover half‑day outings up to two‑night trips; the minimum age is 13, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Note the operator’s safety policy: boats rented through Load & Go are for use only on Tomales Bay — they cannot be taken out to the ocean or Drakes Estero. Tomales Bay is geologically distinct: a long, narrow inlet created along the San Andreas Fault with steep sandstone bluffs, eelgrass beds, and tidal mudflats that harbor migratory birds and rich intertidal life. Paddlers can chart routes past Miller Boat Launch for open-water views toward Point Reyes, slip into White House Pool for shaded birdwatching, or land at Chicken Ranch Beach for quick hikes. For multi-day trips, the boat-in campsites at Marshall and Tomales Beaches offer pit toilets, sweeping night skies, and shoreline that feels quietly remote. What makes this offering special is its combination of local smarts and lightweight logistics. Load & Go supplies vehicle straps and training so you can take control of timing, itinerary, and pace without fuss. Experienced paddlers get the freedom to make wildlife encounters—river otters, harbor seals, great blue herons—part of the plan. If you need a wetsuit, call 415-669-2600 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Practical tips: dress in quick-dry layers, bring a full water bottle and sun protection, and avoid cotton. Plan around tides and wind—the bay can be glassy at sunrise and choppy midafternoon. Leave no trace: pack out trash, avoid disturbing haul-out sites, and respect designated campsites. Load & Go is a practical gateway to Tomales Bay’s quiet side: an option for explorers who prefer to navigate by tide chart, binoculars, and an appetite for shoreline solitude. Whether you aim for a sunrise loop, a long-day push, or a boat-in overnight, the rental service turns Tomales Bay’s edges into your paddling map. Staff can recommend routes based on wind and tide, and local knowledge reduces surprises; carry a map, whistle, and phone in a waterproof case, and file a float plan with someone ashore before longer trips for safety and peace of mind.