The Point Reyes shipwreck in Inverness, California, was one of the most photographed hidden gems along the Northern California coast. Resting quietly in the shallow waters of Tomales Bay, this abandoned fishing boat has been the source of local pride, creativity, and tall tales for decades.
Sadly, the ship’s current state is a remnant of what used to be. The photos in this article were from my visit prior to the fire in 2016. Today, a trip to the Inverness shipwreck is best done as one stop along a Point Reyes adventure, like to the California lighthouse, and not as the sole destination.
Quick Facts: Point Reyes Shipwreck
- Location: Inverness, CA (Tomales Bay)
- Coordinates: Near 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
- Parking: Roadside pullout
- Best Time to Visit: Low tide + sunset
- Time Needed: 10–20 minutes
- Famous For: Photography, abandoned boat, coastal scenery
What Is the Point Reyes Shipwreck?
The Point Reyes shipwreck, often called the Inverness shipwreck, is a decaying fishing vessel left behind in Tomales Bay.
Originally part of the local fishing industry, the boat was eventually abandoned and has slowly deteriorated over time. What remains today is a skeletal wooden structure that was once an iconic photography subject in Northern California.
Its weathered look, combined with reflections from the bay and frequent coastal fog, created a scene that felt almost cinematic. Today, it would take a lot of creativity and imagination to photograph the remnants of this vessel.
A former view of this shipwreck.
S.S. Point Reyes
Over the years, this boat has taken on many names: the Point Reyes Shipwreck, the Inverness Shipwreck, the Tomales Bay Shipwreck and the S.S. Point Reyes. And for those of you cool enough to guess it, the S.S. Point Reyes is a clear reference to the fictional S.S. Minnow from the popular TV show Gilligan’s Island.
Not much information can be found on this fishing boat. I would guess that the locals preferred to keep it that way because the mystery of this shipwreck inspired visitors to keep coming back.
Where Is the Point Reyes Shipwreck Located?
The shipwreck is located in the small town of Inverness, along the eastern edge of Point Reyes National Seashore.
It sits just off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, making it one of the easiest attractions in the area to access.
How to Get to the Point Reyes Shipwreck
- Drive toward Inverness via Sir Francis Drake Blvd
- Look for the Inverness Store and pull into the parking area
- Park safely in the back of this store
- Walk a short distance to the shoreline
Tips for Visiting the Inverness Shipwreck
- Do not climb on the shipwreck
- Stay on public access areas
- Respect wildlife
- Pack out trash
Nearby Things to Do in Point Reyes
- Scenic coastal drives
- Tomales Bay kayaking
- Hiking trails in Point Reyes National Seashore
- Point Reyes Lighthouse
Former front view of the Point Reyes ship wreck
FAQs About the Point Reyes Shipwreck
Is the Point Reyes shipwreck still there?
Yes, but it’s badly deteriorating.
Can you walk up to it?
Yes, but do not climb on the remnants.
Best time to visit?
Low tide at sunset.
Is it free?
Yes, it’s free to visit. But support the local shops near the shipwreck.
Old side view of the Point Reyes shipwreck.
Point Reyes Shipwreck Fire
In early 2016, the shipwreck was significantly damaged by a fire that authorities investigated as suspicious. According to reporting from local sources like the Marin Independent Journal, the blaze burned through much of the vessel’s remaining wooden structure, accelerating its deterioration.
Due to its fragile condition and location in shallow tidal waters, there was little that could be done to preserve it once the fire took hold. Since then, the boat has fallen into a sad state of despair.
Is The Point Reyes Shipwreck Worth Visiting?
Upon first glance, it’s a bit odd to have a shipwreck sitting directly behind a local market. And, yet, once you acclimate to that reality, it seems to all make sense.
For those of us who were able to visit this boat when it was still in its prime shipwreck condition, the S.S. Point Reyes was a wonderful destination. The trips I made with my young children at the time, are still talked about as the shipwreck provided an unforgettable adventure for kids of all ages.
If you make the ship part of a trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, then it’s still worth visiting. But if you are going to take photos of a ship that’s the crown jewel of many travel blog articles, then you will be sorely disappointed. At the end of the video below, you can see the remnants of this ship.
Sources:
National Park Service: Point Reyes National Seashore
https://www.nps.gov/pore/
Point Reyes Light
Local coverage of the shipwreck
https://www.ptreyeslight.com/features/point-reyes-shipwreck-no-longer-a-lovely-sight/
Marin Independent Journal
“Fire damages historic Inverness shipwreck” (2016)
https://www.marinij.com/2016/06/06/fire-damages-historic-inverness-shipwreck/
