Every autumn, thousands of
raptors migrate south along the California coastline
to seek warm climes and new foraging sites for the
winter. Estero Americano, part of the Gulf of the
Farallones Marine Sanctuary, provides a perfect stopover
for migrating raptors to rest and feed on their long
journey.
This unique nature tour takes
you on a 6 mile paddle to the Estero’s mouth
where the waves of the Pacific crash against
an isolated beach. Surrounded by the dramatic ocean
and stunning landscape, we will spend a delightful day meandering through
this estuary in search of raptors, shorebirds, and
other migrating waterfowl. Our expertly trained, naturalist
guides will care for your every need.
You will remember the beauty of this landscape for
years to come.
Time:
10 am to 5 pm
Price: $120
per person
Dates: See Calendar or call for dates
Launch Site:
Valley Ford (See
directions below)
Estero
Americano
The 800-acre
Estero Americano Preserve, only 30 miles north of
San Francisco, is considered one of the most important
biological areas along the Northern California Coast.
The Preserve is to more than 135 species of birds,
45 species of fish, and includes diverse habitat types
including fjord-like slopes, mudflats, fragile wetlands,
rocky shoreline, coastal scrub and golden, grassy
hillsides.
Juvenile and adult Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles,
Peregrine Falcons, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Kites, Merlins,
Kestrels, and other birds of prey soar in the air
and dive from the sky to feast on the Preserve’s
abundant wildlife.
Preparing
for Your Trip
The success of any journey is
often based on well prepared participants. The most
important contribution you can make is to arrive on
time prepared and eager to enjoy the trip. When getting
ready for your trip please double check that you understand
the directions and allow yourself plenty of travel time.
It is very important to be appropriately dressed to
insure your comfort, so please study and follow the
clothing recommendations that are provided.
Food
To
complement this exceptional adventure, PRO provides
a wonderfully catered meal prepared locally using organically
grown produce, baked breads, local cheeses and
delightful desserts. We are excited and honored to incorporate
the local flavors of Point Reyes into our tours. Please
if you have special dietary needs.
Your
Guides
PRO takes pride in the quality
and skill level of your guides. Impeccably trained,
they bring a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to
each trip. With expertise in group facilitation, natural
history, wilderness first aid and specialized kayak
instruction, your guides are ready to provide you with
a safe, relaxing and enjoyable experience. As a trip’s
success and safety depends on their judgment we ask
that you respect and support their decisions.
Directions
From Petaluma and All Points South
1. From HWY 101 in Petaluma take the East Washington
exit.
2. Follow East Washington through Petaluma, travel 9
miles to Valley Ford Rd.
o Washington turns into Bodega Ave.
o You will drive well into the countryside
o Tomales Road is also marked as the Coast Guard Training
Center.
3. Turn Right onto Valley Ford Rd and drive 10 miles
to the Town of Valley Ford.
o At approximately 8.5 miles Hwy 1 will intersect Valley
Ford Rd on the Left.
4. In Valley Ford bear left onto Mill Rd drive 0.5 miles
to Valley Ford Estero Rd.
5. Turn Left and travel approximately 1 mile to Marsh
Rd.
o You will drive over a bridge Marsh Rd is directly
after on the left.
6. Turn left and park on the road.
o Take care to pull off the road completely. This is
a small farm road that the locals need clear access
to.
7. You will see the boat trailer and our guides waiting
for you at the base of the bridge.
8. It takes about 30-40 minutes from Petaluma to our
meeting spot.
From
Santa Rosa and All Points North
1. From Hwy. 101 in Santa Rosa take Hwy. 12 west approximately
6 miles to Sebastopol.
o Hwy 12 turns into Bodega Hwy
2. Follow Bodega Hwy through Sebastopol approximately
7 miles to Valley Ford-Freestone Rd.
3. Turn left onto the Valley Ford-Freestone Rd and drive
2.6 miles to the junction of Hwy 1.
4. Turn right onto Hwy 1 and drive .6 miles to Mill
Rd.
o Mill Rd will be on your right in the town of Valley
Ford
5. Turn right onto Mill Rd. drive 0.5 miles to Valley
Ford Estero Rd.
6. Turn Left onto Valley Ford Estero Rd and travel approximately
1 mile to Marsh Rd.
o You will drive over a bridge Marsh Rd is directly
after on the left.
7. Turn left and park on the road.
o Take care to pull off the road completely. This is
a small farm road that the locals need clear access
to.
8. You will see the boat trailer and our guides waiting
for you at the base of the bridge.
9. It takes about 30-40 minutes from Petaluma to our
meeting spot.
Terms and
Payment
Point
Reyes Outdoors, LLC reserves the right to change an
itinerary or cancel any trip due to: weather, acts of
god, or any unforeseen problems that would make the
trip unsafe for its participants. In such cases, clients
will be offered either credit toward a future trip or
a full refund at their discretion.
PRO has a six day client cancellation policy on all
trips and classes. There are no exceptions to this policy.
We accept Visa and Master Card, cash or checks. Gratuities
are not included in the cost of the rip and there is
no obligation to tip your guides, but many people do.
The industry standard is in the range of 10% but any
amount will be greatly appreciated.
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