DRAKES ESTERO FULL DAY
Near San Francisco, Explore Point Reyes by Kayak
ADVENTURE TYPE
Kayak
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Level 1: No experience necessary
AGE MINIMUM
16
DESTINATION/LOCATION
Point Reyes National Seashore
Duration
6 hours
Cost
$140 for Sea Trek Members
$195 for non-members
Highlights
- Secluded wilderness a short drive from the Bay Area
- A day exploring a pristine estuary full of wildlife
- Drakes Estero has one of the largest concentrations of harbor seals on the west coast
- A short hike for views of Drakes Bay and the ocean
- Lunch on a beach
- Incredible photo opportunities
EXPLORE A PRISTINE ESTUARY TEEMING WITH LIFE
Drakes Estero is pound-for-pound one of the most beautiful places to kayak in terms of its pristine nature offering great wildlife sightings, expansive views, and the sense of going back in time. From our put-in site at the start of the estero, we’ll paddle out to the mouth and stop on a beach for lunch and a short hike.
Drakes Estero is a watery complex made up of five conjoining bays covering approximately 2,500 acres. During our paddle, you’re likely to see dozens of harbor seals; leopard shark and bat ray sightings are also typical. Birdlife includes cormorants, white pelicans, shorebirds, blue herons, egrets and more.
You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker for this trip, but you should be physically active. If you have passed our Advanced Sea Kayaking Class, you can choose to paddle in a single kayak. Everyone else must use a two-person kayak. Only a few dates are offered for this unique trip as Drakes is closed for the harbor seal pupping season March 1 – June 30 each year. Bring your own lunch. To check dates/starting time and reserve your spot today click on BOOK NOW or call 415-332-8494.
Drakes Estero, Point Reyes National Seashore
Drakes Estero Trip
Take the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit and head west on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Drive approximately 45 minutes to the junction of Highway 1 at Olema, and turn right onto the highway. Drive about 2 miles and turn left, back onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. It’s about 9.5 miles to Drakes Estero from here. Continue through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and turn left following the signs to Point Reyes beaches and lighthouse. After several miles you will see a sign for Drakes Estero on the left and here you take a left. Prior to the Drakes Estero sign you might see a sign “Estero Trailhead” on your left but pass this by and continue on to the Drakes Estero sign. Another way you can find the turn off for Drakes Estero is by putting 17000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Point Reyes into Google Maps. The Drakes Estero turn off is just a little bit before you come to 17,000 SFD.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
Ages 18 years old and up. Please call for questions about kids under 18 years old.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us.+
READ SOME OF OUR REVIEWS
Loved kayaking in Sausalito. Saw a bunch of cute seals and birds. Water can get choppy when it’s windy. Easy to board and get off the kayak. They had a small life jacket for our dog as well!
- Yelp
My husband and I went out for a guided tour of the bay with Kenny this morning. It ended up just being the 3 of us which was really nice. I love that Sea Trek provided full body wind breakers which helped so much with keeping warm and dry. The highlight of the tour was definitely all the seals. They were so freaking cute and they were all over the pay popping their little heads out! Kenny shared lots of history with us regarding the boats in the bay, the animals, and the houseboat community. It was a really fun tour and it was not physically hard at all.
- Google Reviews
Becoming a member of SeaTrek has changed our lives. It’s given us a safe and easy way to be out on the water and for our three and five year old boys to explore, learn about marine wild life and have a sense of adventure. The people who work at SeaTrek are all incredibly warm and knowledgeable and have made our whole family feel welcome. During the pandemic this has been a lifeline for us. I can’t recommend SeaTrek or being on Richardson Bay enough.
- Google Reviews
If you’re staying in Sausalito or are looking for a great spot to get on the water during your stay in San Francisco this is a great spot! You’re able to complete the waiver on line ahead of time (or as a group we were able to) and the safety speech was quick but thorough! We saw seals and a variety of birds and enjoyed being able to explore on our own. You’re able to choose between kayaking and stand up paddle boards and the equipment is in good shape.
- Yelp
Great experience! Staff were friendly, and we had a smooth, fun time kayaking. We especially liked kayaking around the house boats, which were cook to see. They recommend making reservations in advance, which was easy to do online.
- Yelp
Fantastic company to rent from and great day kayaking! I have rented several times from Seatrek and every time has been so easy and hassle free. Today I took my dog for the first time and everyone was wonderful and helpful making it a perfect day on the water for us. If you are looking for a great single, couple, or group/family outing I highly recommend renting from seatrek.
- Yelp
Friendly hepful staff. Excellent paddling equipment! Beautiful / scenic location with lots of wildlife to observe. Very relaxing escape from the hustle, bustle and stress of an urban environment.
- Yelp
Went here for me recent birthday! Try to go when it’s not windy! The first half was call. We went to the houseboats and to see the cute seals! Coming back, it got a little windy but it was definitely a great workout! We are in shape and used to rowing so it wasn’t a big deal, just ask or look up weather conditions before reserving a time.
- Google Reviews
Such an amazing experience!! Thank you to my two wonderful friends who showed me this place. Thank you to the staff for being helpful and giving us tip how to get on board on a kayak and what we can and can not do. If you are in the area, I recommend going to them! Can’t wait to see you guys soon!
- Google Reviews
Repeat customer here. Book online ahead of time, and it’s a breeze to check in and get out in the water. We have used single and double kayaks (not the traditional kind) with adults and tweens / teens.
- Yelp
What a great place ! I took a SUP lesson and it was so fun and helpful . They are so friendly and organized . Very therapeutic to get out on the water .
- Google Reviews