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DRAKES ESTERO FULL DAY

Near San Francisco, Explore Point Reyes by Kayak

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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

  • From US 101, 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 that says Estero Trailhead on your left–pass this, and continue on to the Drakes Estero sign.

Another way you can find the turnoff for Drakes Estero is by putting 17000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Point Reyes into Google Maps. The Drakes Estero turn off is just a little bit before you come to 17000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

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.+

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READ SOME OF OUR REVIEWS

Baja

kayak & sup private custom trips

Words cannot express how wonderful this experience was. I went on the paddleboarding excursion with a friend in November. The weather was perfect! The paddling was amazing. The guides were helpful, knowledgeable professional and made sure that every camper got what they were expecting from the trip. We camped on the most beautiful beaches, snorkeled some beautiful spots, went fishing and diving and hiking. Such a full featured experience. I am changed forever. Can't wIt to go back and do it again!!! Worth every penny!!!!

Lisa W
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Lisa W

5/5stars
Baja

kayak & sup private custom trips

We took the SUP option for paddling out to and around these beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. I was very glad we did, as SUPing is what we're used to when paddling at home, and it provides a great vantage down through the clear water, a full-body workout, and for me more comfort than sitting. We definitely weren't slowing down the group, and several others wanted to try it out from camp. It was easy to hop on the SUPs just to get a little morning exercise, to find the best snorkeling, and for an absolutely amazing Bioluminescence paddle. This was a wonderful trip. And a side benefit was how pretty, friendly and easy Loreto is.

bill3west
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

bill3west

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Three friends and I were dazzled by this group of professional, safety minded people. Advice is freely given by all and it is good advice. Amazing food - think fish caught and made into scrumptious meals like clams on the half shell and ceviche. Star gazing with stories about the constellations, going to sleep with the sounds of blue whales, jumping into the boats and racing to get in the middle of a school of dolphins who played in the wake. Kayak trips at different levels for those of us who are not as skilled but still want the adventure. It was all fabulous. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys paddling, sleeping on the beach, and good company. As a group of over sixties, we felt well taken care of and safe. Keep up the good work, Sea Trek. You are a jewel.

Barbara Maher
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Barbara Maher

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – skiff supported

This was my 3rd trip with Sea Trek in Baja. My wife and I have gone twice and I went once by myself. I love this place. Beautiful water, desert mountains, cool wildlife and it is in Mexico, a warm and charming culture. Steve, the Baja Big Cheese, has a knack for picking awesome staff. These are the kind of people I wish I had here at home to hang out with. My only complaint is that the trip is too short.

Mark S
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Mark S

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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!

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Arthika K

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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!

Stephanie S.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Stephanie S.

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – expedition style

The guides were amazing; the scenery breathtaking; the food outstanding. Can't say enough good things - I HIGHLY recommend it!!

Suzy W
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Suzy W

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – expedition style

Our kayaking camping trip from Loreto Mexico was an amazing nature experience. Sea Trek did a great job with answering all the pre-trip questions from my wife and I. The trip itself from Loreto to the islands of Danzante and Carmen was rich in marine and bird life and seeing the blue whales (again and again!) was life altering. The guides were truly experts and a pleasure to be with whether in the water or on a day hike. The meals were yummy, often including a fresh catch of the day. And then there is that celestial night sky…..We want to go back!

Curiosity60282304734
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Curiosity60282304734

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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.

Michael Arent
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Michael Arent

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – expedition style

I did a sea trek meditation retreat in Baja this season. From the very start all communication was timely, friendly and organised. Once I arrived in Loreto they were very accommodating. The kayaks were good kayaks and the guides incomparable. Cannot recommend Sea Trek and Baja enough. Thank you for helping making this experience the trip of a life time for me.

Leeanne Ford
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Leeanne Ford

5/5stars
Classes

introductory stand-up paddleboard class

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 .

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Adrienne B.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rentals

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.

Dorian Yablin
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Dorian Yablin

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Seatrek provided a memorable experience! Joey Heusler, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about whales and with the Seatrek staff, took us to Magdalena Bay, where we had two trips out to see the Gray whales with their calves, and then on to the Sea of Cortez for a four day kayaking and camping trip on the islands. We saw eight Blue Whales, including one passing right by our island camp! A first time for most of us. The food prepared by the staff was wonderful and everything was done for our safety and comfort. Could not recommend this trip more highly!

RudiDundas
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

RudiDundas

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – expedition style

The Classic Island and Whale Watch tour was an incredible experience. The guides were pleasant, organized, knowledgeable, accommodating, and excellent chefs! Each individual in our group was asked what they were most interested in doing/seeing during the tour and our guides delivered. We have already recommended Sea Trek to friends and family.

Greg
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Greg

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rentals

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.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Natalia A.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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.

Maya D.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Maya D.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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.

Stacey Rader
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Stacey Rader

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Excellent food, excellent guides, excellent experience, excellent gear, excellent camping, excellent snorkeling, excellent camaraderie -- everything was wonderful! I had a great time! I feel like a new person! The whale watching was great, we also saw dolphins, pelicans and a variety of other animals. I highly recommend Sea Trek Baja trips for solo, couples and families -- you will be thrilled that you did it.

hhlleeo23
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

hhlleeo23

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – expedition style

Sea Trek makes you feel welcomed and cared for as soon as you arrive in Loretto. Actually, as soon as you call them months in advance to ask about trip details. The kayaking is beautiful, the sea life swimming beside and below you - whales, dolphins, eels.... The food fresh and tasty, changing each day. An incredible, experience; easy to make the trip what you want... adventurous or relaxing, you choose... they make it happen.

Gringa D
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Gringa D

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

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.

Kate Knick Rabbe
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Kate Knick Rabbe

5/5stars

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    $175 for 10 hours kayak & SUP rental in both locations!

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    Tuesday, December 3

    Sausalito Hours

    December 2nd – March 31
    Tuesday – Sunday:  9am – 4pm
    Closed on Mondays except holidays

    Closed Christmas Eve and Day

    Open New Year’s Eve and Day, MLK and President’s Day

     

     

     

    Alameda Hours

    November 1st – March 31st
    Open Friday – Sunday  9am-4pm
    Closed Monday – Thursday

    Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

    Open New Year’s Eve and Day, MLK and Presidents’ Day