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All the United States California Inverness Point Reyes Boat
AO Edited

Point Reyes Boat

This abandoned boat was left in place thanks to its rotting beauty.

Inverness, California

Added By
Christine Huett
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Point Reyes Boat   cattbertt / Atlas Obscura User
Point Reyes Boat   cattbertt / Atlas Obscura User
Point Reyes Boat   cattbertt / Atlas Obscura User
Point Reyes Boat   cattbertt / Atlas Obscura User
  kks523 / Atlas Obscura User
Front of boat   alexandregiess / Atlas Obscura User
12/16/21   jonrochetti / Atlas Obscura User
Photo taken after the fire   mattiehanley / Atlas Obscura User
Point Reyes Boat Wreck - pre fire   nvphotoguy / Atlas Obscura User
Front view, Nov 23, 2016 (after the fire).   zkf / Atlas Obscura User
The fire damage in the back of the boat, November 23, 2016.   zkf / Atlas Obscura User
  Little C / Atlas Obscura User
  kimrad / Atlas Obscura User
  kimrad / Atlas Obscura User
Being reclaimed by nature   Abandoned California / Atlas Obscura User
  Abandoned California / Atlas Obscura User
Inside the beast   Abandoned California / Atlas Obscura User
From the inside, out  
  stevenbratman / Atlas Obscura User
Amazing scenery 📸  
Aug 19 2023 - She’s falling apart; people still gathering for pix   catciao1203 02824c79 / Atlas Obscura User
Further Deterioration by 2023   HereBeDragons / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Beached on a sandbar in Inverness, California, the abandoned Point Reyes Boat would seem to be little more than a large piece of detritus littering an otherwise protected wetland, but don't tell that to the droves of photographers that take advantage of its moldering beauty.

Known as the Tomales Bay Shipwreck, the Inverness Shipwreck, or the S.S. Point Reyes, the tall fishing boat was once in danger of being removed, but it was local photographers who actually saved it. The vessel was originally dragged aground by the land's previous owner who had intended to fix the ship up. However, like many fixer-upper projects, he never actually got around to the repairs, leaving the boat, which still bears the name, "Point Reyes," to decay on the shore.

When the land was taken over by a wetlands restoration firm, the boat was an obvious target for removal. But thanks to the attention the local photographers and visitors gave the wreck, the company allowed it to stay right where it was.

Today there is a small sign and trail that leads to the picturesque wreck. It's possible to actually get on the boat, but it is not advised since the wood is rotten and riddled with holes. The last thing you'll want to do is enrage a group of photographers by damaging their favorite boat.   

Update August 2017: In February 2016, someone set fire to this beloved landmark. Although it sustained damage and is charred, it is still very much there and accessible. 

Related Tags

Boats Shipwrecks Lost Wonders

Know Before You Go

As you drive through Inverness, CA, on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, you'll find the boat behind the Inverness Store. There's parking along Tomales Bay, with a short walk to the boat in the distance. Wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting a little wet!!

Community Contributors

Added By

cattbertt

Edited By

hrnick, whitneykaharick, mattiehanley, stevenbratman...

  • hrnick
  • whitneykaharick
  • mattiehanley
  • stevenbratman
  • nvphotoguy
  • Little C
  • HereBeDragons
  • zkf
  • kimrad
  • alexandregiess
  • Abandoned California
  • kks523
  • jonrochetti
  • catciao1203 02824c79
  • APx2

Published

November 4, 2015

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Sources
  • https://www.google.com/maps/@38.0971728,-122.8515544,18z?hl=en
  • https://priyaghosephotography.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/a-permanent-rest-the-mystery-of-the-point-reyes-boat/
  • http://www.calexplornia.com/point-reyes-shipwreck-divert-your-plans-to-the-inverness-shipwreck/
Point Reyes Boat
12788 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Inverness, California, 94937
United States
38.097862, -122.850777
Get Directions

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