The goal of this post is to highlight the very unique opportunity to do a “bioluminescence” kayak tour in Tomales Bay. More on that below. But it is also a chance to visit the charming town of Petaluma for a little food and drink. While the kayak tour is only in the Summer, you can go to Petaluma any time!!
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Our daughters bought us this experience as a gift through Virgin Experiences but you can also book directly with a couple different outfitters like Outback Adventures or Blue Waters Kayaking. We went out with Outback and the people were terrific! I can’t give you great photos because it’s an evening tour that relies on the dark of night to highlight this amazing natural phenomenon.
Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms (think fireflies, but now in the water). On moonless nights in the Summer, the organisms in this part of Tomales Bay emit light when disturbed. So your kayak bow wake, your paddle, schools of fish, or any other disturbance creates these ethereal glowing trails. The sight is so cool you have to see them to really understand them. You have to bundle up well and strap in tight and follow your guide on a paddle across the Bay from Nick’s Cove to the West side. Just trust me: this is an experience you should try!
Spend the Night
Because the tour occurs at nightfall, it’s a bit late for us to head back to Danville, so we decided to stay the night in Petaluma. We stayed at the unique and convenient Hotel Petaluma, which retains much of its charm from its initial build in 1923 while also providing modern comfort and some great coffee and food options! As a bonus, I suggest driving around the downtown Petaluma area. For about 12 blocks or more in every direction you will find extremely cool and beautiful Victorian homes harkening back to the early days of this historic town
Did you know that Petaluma was once the Egg Capital of the World? Thanks to the invention of a chicken incubator by Petaluma inventor Lyman Byce, Petaluma indeed became the largest producer of eggs in the world and also claimed to have more money on deposit, per capita, than any town on Earth. Read more on George Pendle’s Slate post, where you’ also learn of Petaluma’s place in arm wrestling history.
Walk Around
Petaluma is small enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Check out all the well-stocked antique shops, pop into the very cool guitar and music store, Tall Toad Music. Or pick up some live music at the Mystic Theater, built in 1911 and once home to Vaudeville acts.
Food
There are so many great places to eat out this way, and if you want to be closer to Tomales Bay, try the very causal and excellent options in the town of Marshall at Nick’s Cove or Hog Island Oyster Company’s Tony’s Seafood. But on this trip, we decided to eat in Petaluma and we had some unbelievably terrific service and delicious pasta at Risibisi. For Italian food lovers, also check out the options also at Cucina Paradiso or check out the amazing menu and bakery at Della Fattoria.
Beer
I have written before how much we love Brewster’s Beer Garden (see my prior post about their Christmas Miracle Pop Up). Petaluma is a great place for a cold beverage any time of year, and there are a few terrific options for the hop-lovers among us. Just across the walking bridge from the main street in town you’ll come to Taps on the River, or just a bit outside downtown there is Crooked Goat Brewing, and one of our favorite destinations for any Day’ve Trip, the fun outdoor (covered) space minutes from downtown at Lagunitas Brewing Company.
GO NOW!!
Book yourself a day to just go check it out, come back for more and stay a night, and then look into the summer months for a kayak tour! This is a real gem for a day trip in Northern California!!
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