Jul

22

Bioluminescence on Tomales Bay

Posted by Larry Habegger

Now’s the time, when there’s not much moon in late summer and fall, to slip a kayak into Tomales Bay near Point Reyes National Seashore. Bioluminescence is at its peak then, and when darkness settles on the water, every paddle stroke ignites bursts of light.

An easy place to put in is at Nick’s Cove, Miller County Park boat launch in the hamlet of Marshall. One great benefit here is the chance to get a good meal before you go or a celebratory beverage after you return at the bar and restaurant that bears the cove’s name. Even better, rent one of the cottages on the premises and spend the night, waking to the sound of bay waters lapping on the pilings.

Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar takes you back in time without old-fashioned discomforts. Once a hunter’s hangout, the bar still sports trophy heads on the dark wood walls, and true to the place’s history, the menu emphasizes seafood with, naturally, lots of oysters. It also emphasizes sustainability, sourcing many of its offerings in California Cuisine from the bounty of West Marin.

To experience bioluminescence on the bay the easy way, sign up for a guided excursion with Point Reyes Outdoors or Blue Waters Kayaking. They’ll set you up to launch at sunset for a paddle across the bay, a stop for refreshments, and a return under a star-laden sky mirrored by swirls of light as you move through the water. It’s a magical experience creating subtle light shows as you paddle, trailing stars in your wake.

Filed Under Adventure Travel, California, Food, Marin County, National Parks, North America, Northern California, Point Reyes, Sports, Travel, United States


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