Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm

Phone: (415) 669-2600

Website

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. On dark (moonless) nights on Tomales Bay, bluish white flickers are visible in the water column, which come from blooms of bioluminescent “dinoflagellates”. These tiny creatures emit short flashes of light when disturbed, and at certain times of the year put on quite a show for kayakers. Schools of fish in the bay create a phosphorescent trail which can look like a glowing cloud in the water. Seals chasing the fish may create a phosphorescent event which can be very exciting to watch. Night Herons are often out and about as well, chasing the same schools of fish. All this glowing activity is only visible at night when the sun and moon are both down. Accordingly, we have set up evening paddles which should afford some good viewing after sunset.

Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon and we can not guarantee that you will see Bioluminescence.  We schedule these trips when there are the most ideal viewing conditions.

We offer Bioluminescence tours when the moon is dark during our tour timeframe, which is about 12 nights each month.

This is a 3 hour tour that will launch at Miller Boat Launch (next to the restaurant at Nick’s Cove). The first 30-40 minutes are spent on shore preparing for your adventure.  

We use only tandem kayaks on all evening tours, so you must register in even-numbered groups (2, 4, etc.). Each paddler must be at least 13 years old, and everyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are $165 per person, plus service fees. Please book online in the above website link or call for more information.