Drakes Estero

The mouth of Drakes Estero as seen from Schooner Bay
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved

It’s July, which means that Drakes Estero is open for boaters again! Drakes Estero is a 160-acre estuary in the heart of Point Reyes National Seashore, and its pristine waters teem with wildlife. Kayak tours of Drakes Estero launch from Schooner Bay and spend the day paddling through eelgrass and oyster beds, and over muddy and sandy bottoms where many invertebrates make their homes. These shallow, protected waters still rise and fall with the tides, so paddling the Estero can be tricky, and paddling times have to be carefully scheduled so that we can launch and land without wading through too much nutrient-rich (read: stinky) mud.

A young bat ray attempts to blend in with the sand
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved.

An estuary is a protected body of water formed where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. Drakes Estero has several streams that drain into it, and it is protected by a sandbar that stretches across most of the mouth of the estuary. The brackish water formed by the mix of fresh and salt waters, along with the warmer temperatures, creates and ideal mix for conditions that are sheltered and rich in nutrients, building a prolific food web that supports many types of animals in the water and on the land.

Double Crested Cormorants drying off in the morning sun on the Estero
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Named for Sir Francis Drake, Drakes Estero is one of the possible sites where he landed in 1579 to repair his ship. Many other creatures call this water their home, including rock and kelp crabs, many species of fish, clams, limpets, and barnacles. Leopard sharks and bat rays cruise through the Estero to feed, mate, and give birth. Buffleheads, loons, and scoters come into the Estero to feed on fish eggs that attached to the eelgrass. Both brown and white pelicans will summer here, and double crested cormorants live here year round.

A group of harbor seals hauled out on a sand bar
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved.

 

 

The largest colony of harbor seals in the Seashore makes its home near the mouth of Drakes Estero. Harbor seals give birth to their pups usually between March and June, and nurse the pups for three to six weeks. During that time, the pups are learning how to fend for themselves, and the waters of Drakes Estero are perfect for that. Each year, the Estero closes between March 1 and July 1 so that the seals are not disturbed by the presence of humans. Once the Estero reopens, curious harbor seal pups are seen in the area, but they are well on their way to their adult size of 5 to 6 feet and 200 to 300 pounds.
 

If you would like to join us on a tour of Drakes Estero, check out Exploring Drakes Estero for more information and tour dates. This trip is often a day full of wonder, and also of paddling, so be sure to check out the clothing recommendations and call or email us with any questions!