Miller Boat Launch is the clearest verified public crabbing access on Tomales Bay: Marin County expressly allows crab fishing from a boat, the dock or shoreline. Other sites in this guide are hand-launch alternatives, not implied shore-crabbing spots.
Miller Boat Launch
Address: 23240 Highway 1, Marshall. The county facility has a two-lane ramp, dock, large free parking lot, picnic tables and restrooms. The dock, path and restrooms are accessible. Hours are sunrise to sunset; overnight parking requires a permit.
Shore anglers must yield to launching boats, and launched craft should stay at least 50 feet from shore. Use the ramp and dock lanes efficiently during busy weekends.
Chicken Ranch Beach
Use: hand launching a kayak or small nonmotorized craft. The entrance is easy to miss, and the carry is more than 100 yards. Mud can complicate a low-tide launch. Parking and a restroom are available.
Hearts Desire Beach
Use: a sandy hand launch with day-use fee, restrooms and water. Expect roughly a 100-yard carry and no overnight parking. Check Point Reyes status before leaving home.
Millerton Point
Use: a shallow hand launch best near high tide. It has a vault toilet, but the long carry and tidal mud make it a poor heavy-gear option. Pelican Point, Duck Island and the east side of Hog Island are closed year-round.
Rock crab and health guidance
California’s current rock-crab limit is 35 per day with a 4-inch minimum. OEHHA’s Tomales Bay mercury advisory includes red rock crab: children and women ages 18–49 should limit consumption to one serving per week; women 50 and older and men 18 and older may eat up to three servings per week. Eat crab meat only and discard the internal organs.
Tomales Bay boating hazards
The long bay funnels strong northwest afternoon wind. Water is cold, current strengthens near the mouth and low tide can strand boats at shallow launches. Wear a life jacket, check the marine forecast and build a route that returns before the afternoon wind. White-shark encounter potential is highest north of Tom’s Point and near seal haulouts; follow National Park Service safety guidance.
Miller Boat Launch · Point Reyes launch and closure guide · current CDFW regional rules · Tomales Bay consumption advisory
Access, season and advisory information checked August 13, 2026. See the California crabbing report.