Drake’s Estero is a relatively shallow inlet near the tip of Point Reyes, CA, comprising a number of smaller bays. The launch point is near Johnson’s Oyster Farm (apparently now known as Drake’s Bay Oyster Farm) at the northernmost point of Schooner Bay. I’ve had one of my best kayaking trips ever at Drake’s Estero, and I’ve also had one of the worst. But it takes just such a bad trip to fully learn what not to do when visiting Drake’s Estero.

Map of Johnson’s Oyster Farm at Drake’s Estero

1. Drake’s Estero is closed in the spring. Drake’s Estero is usually closed between March 1 and June 30 to keep paddlers from stressing out the seal pups and their mothers during seal pupping season.

2. Tides are important. Make sure you check the tides before you go, as they are VERY important here. Drake’s is extremely shallow over large parts of its area. Check the satellite view above, and you can see where the shallow areas are. This means that you can easily get stuck in the mud at low tide. Also, note that the large volume of water in Drake’s Estero is connected to the ocean by only a very narrow waterway at the mouth of Drake’s Estero. As a result, the tidal currents here can get pretty strong when there is a large tidal exchange. The shallow areas also restrict some of the water flow, resulting in currents in other areas. The best time to come here is when the tides are high all day, and the tidal exchange is small as possible.

3. Avoid the mud at all costs. Don’t launch your kayak from a muddy area, like the muddy area directly in front of the path from the parking lot. It looks like the logical place to launch, but the mud will suck you in knee-deep. It will also take your footwear. Thinking of going barefoot? It’s full of sharp oyster shell fragments. I’ve launched here without problems during a sufficiently high tide, but if the tide is too low, it’s better to carry your boat a little farther to the steeper and less muddy slope on the left (as you face south towards the water).

4. The sticks mark a channel. As you are heading south out of Schooner Bay away from the oyster farm, you may notice some wooden sticks near the right side of the bay. If you are having problems getting stuck in the shallows, follow the sticks, since they mark a channel heading out of the bay. Much thanks to whoever set this up!

5. Watch for oyster racks. The farm has some oyster racks out in Schooner Bay that only show up at low tide. Be careful not to run into these – look for the wooden posts at each end, sticking out of the water. There may be wires or metal attached to the racks that can damage or scratch your kayak.

In addition to the above, don’t forget all the other tips that apply to every kayaking location – don’t approach the marine mammals, avoid the rough surf outside Drake’s Estero (unless you know how to handle it), etc. I have never seen as much wildlife as I did at Drake’s Estero, including leopard sharks, giant bat rays, jellyfish, seals, and a dead deer buffet for the vultures. Tread lightly, be invisible, and enjoy…

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