Thing to Do

Kayak Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour

Point Reyes National Seashore

Estero de Limantour
Estero de Limantour

NPS/A. Kopshever

The only marine Wilderness on the west coast of the continental United States, Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour ("estero" is Spanish for estuaries) offer relatively undisturbed habitat for harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and many species of birds and fish. While many visitors visit the shores of the esteros by hiking the Estero Trail, kayaking or canoeing Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour can offer an intimate marine Wilderness experience unlike any other.

Where to Launch

Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are accessible from the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road (not to be confused with the Estero Trailhead Road). Continue west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard past its junction with the Home Ranch/Estero Trailhead Road to the Drakes Estero Access Road just before the bridge over Schooner Creek. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site.

Special Closures: March 1–June 30

Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is closed to boating from March 1 through June 30 to protect harbor seals from disturbance during the most crucial part of the pupping season. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF)

Kayak Responsibly

  • Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc.
  • Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area.
  • Kayaking in Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is very dependent on tides. Kayakers may get stuck in the mudflats during low tides. Check tide predictions before your trip.
  • Please use care not to disturb harbor seals in the estero. Keep a distance of 300 feet (90 m) away.
  • Follow all park regulations. More specific regulations pertaining to kayaking on the esteros include:
    • Motorized vessels are prohibited.
    • Fishing is prohibited, except for clamming in the northern section of Drakes Estero. Visit the park's Fishing at Point Reyes page for more details.
    • Drones are prohibited.
    • Glass containers are prohibited within 50 feet (15 meters) of any riverbank, lakeshore, or beach, or on the water, or in a vessel.
Details

Kayaking in Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is very dependent on the timing of the tides. Kayakers may have to wade across mudflats to get from the parking lot to the water and back if the tide is low. The currents near the mouth of the estero can be very strong and some kayakers have been sucked out of Drakes Estero and into Drakes Bay as the tides are retreating. Check tides before your trip.

Visit the Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page for more information.

All ages.

Personal Flotation Devices

With only a few exceptions, under California law:

  • Every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length (i.e., kayaks and canoes) must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.
  • A Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be carried for each person on board a boat less than 16 feet long, or a canoe or a kayak of any length. If stored, these life jackets must be readily available (easy to get to), and you must show passengers the location of life jackets and other safety equipment.

Visit the California Division of Boating and Waterways' Life Jackets page for more information about the regulations pertaining to PDFs in California. Visit the North American Safe Boating Campaign's website for additional information about PDFs and safety tips for responsible boating.

Pets are prohibited along the shores of and on the waters of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

The Drakes Estero Kayak Launch Site is located off of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. When driving out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, look for signs for "Drakes Estero" just before the bridge across Schooner Creek. Turn left and proceed 0.7 miles (1.1 km) south on a one-lane, two-way dirt/gravel road to the small parking area adjacent to the kayak launch site's vault toilets. Allow 20 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Estero Trailhead.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to the Drakes Estero Kayak Launch Site

Reservations
No

Spring - Closed

To protect harbor seals from disturbance during the most crucial part of the pupping season, from March 1 through June 30, the National Park Service closes Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour to boating.
Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF)

Summer

Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog throughout the day in July, August, and September with temperatures rarely above 70°F (21°C).

Fall

The coastal areas of Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October, and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.

Winter

The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.

Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day use from 6 am to midnight. Overnight use of Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour is prohibited.

Accessibility Information

The kayak launch site and vault toilets do not meet the standards for accessibility. During all but the highest of tides, one will need to walk across mud to the water's edge in order to launch their kayak or canoe. 

Point Reyes National Seashore

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Last updated: October 10, 2024