Staying at BML Housing
The Bodega Marine Laboratory is perched on the rugged, treeless promontory of Bodega Head, about 3.5 miles from the town of Bodega Bay on the Sonoma County coast. While the headland itself is windswept, it bursts into vibrant wildflower displays in spring before fading to golden hues by midsummer. The surrounding Bodega Marine Reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including abundant bird and mammal species. Between the town and Bodega Head, Bodega Harbor reveals extensive mud and sand flats at low tide, crisscrossed by a dredged ship channel leading to the marinas, Coast Guard Station, and fish-landing docks.
The BML Housing Enclave is located about a mile from the Laboratory campus, making for an easy walk or bike ride. Ample vehicle parking is available at both Housing and the Lab. In town, visitors will find essential services, including a Post Office, small grocery and general stores, restaurants, and gas stations.
Accommodations
Bodega Marine Laboratory offers a variety of housing options for visitors. Each unit is furnished with beds, dressers, and desks and comes stocked with pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels. While cleaning supplies are available, maid service is not provided. Housing units may include a kitchen or access to a shared kitchenette, depending on the assignment.
Located in a remote coastal setting, BML Housing has no direct public transportation. The winter months can be especially quiet, with fewer long-term residents on site.
Student Housing
Undergraduate students typically stay in double-occupancy rooms with private baths in one of two small dormitories. Students are required to bring their own linens. Home-cooked breakfasts and dinners are served cafeteria-style in the Housing Enclave Dining Hall, and students can prepare sack lunches from food provided after breakfast. Students also have 24/7 access to the main Lab facility as needed.
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Contact Information:
Telephone Numbers
- Housing Manager: 707-875-1955
- Dining Hall Pay Phone: 707-875-9993
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, Main (8 am to 5 pm): 707-875-2211
Cellular phone reception can be spotty but is generally good.
Mailing Address
Incoming mail should be addressed to the visitor or student.
Please do not submit a "change of address" order at your home post office.
C/O Bodega Marine Laboratory
P.O. Box 247
2099 Westshore Road
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Meals
During months when classes are on site meals are served cafeteria style in the Housing Enclave Dining Hall. Approximate meal times follow, and may vary from year to year:
Monday - Friday:
Breakfast 7:30 - 8:15 a.m.
Lunch*
Dinner 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday
Breakfast 9:00 a.m.
Lunch*
Dinner 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
*Lunch materials will be made available after breakfast for each student to make his/her sack lunch. Please inform us of any special dietary needs, we will do our best to accommodate you. Vegetarian options are always available.
Meal plans are available only when long-term classes are on site (see meal rates for details). To enroll in a meal plan, contact the Conference & Events Manager.
When multiple classes or groups are on site, meal times may be staggered or all groups may dine together. There is no credit for missed meals.
Guests can be accommodated for meals with at least 24 hours' notice to the Conference & Events Manager. Please arrange this in advance, as the kitchen staff cannot serve unregistered guests.
A coin-operated vending machine can be found in the dining hall with laundry soap, ear plugs, snacks and drinks.
Amenities
Laundry
Washers and dryers are located next to the Dining Hall complex and require a credit or debit card and app signup for operation. Please follow the posted rules and report any malfunctions.
Detergent is not provided in the laundry room; visitors must bring their own or purchase single-use packs from the Dining Hall coin-operated vending machine.
Wireless Internet Access
Wireless internet access is available at both the Laboratory and the Housing enclave. Please contact Housing or IT Staff for access information. For additional information see Information Technology Resources at BML.
Rules
Guests
Guests are allowed in the Housing Enclave but must follow these guidelines:
Day Guests: Provide the Housing Manager with the guest's full name, visit dates, and license plate number. If they will be dining on-site, notify the kitchen in advance.
Overnight Guests: Follow the same notification process as day guests. Ensure there is available space in your assigned room or arrange for a separate booking. Overnight guests incur a fee since dorms are charged per person, not per room. Stays are limited to two consecutive nights, unless prior approval is given by the Housing Manager.
Hosts are responsible for ensuring their guests follow all housing rules and restrictions. These policies are required by the UCD Fire Marshal for emergency and disaster preparedness. Contact the Housing Manager with any questions.
Pets
Pets of any kind are not allowed at the Laboratory or its housing facilities.
Parking
Parking: Use designated parking areas only. Do not park in front of the propane tank, generator, dumpsters, the dune side of the lot, or on the dirt next to dorm buildings.
Speed Limits: Follow the posted speed limits—15 mph on the housing road and parking lot, and 2o mph on the main lab road.
Adhering to these rules ensures safety for all residents and local wildlife.
What to Bring
Clothing: Bodega Head is windswept, often foggy and wet. Visitors should bring clothing (layers) suitable for a wide range of weather conditions. Waterproof clothing and hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Rubber boots, hip waders (or wetsuits) will be useful for those conducting intertidal work (chest waders are not recommended).
- Flashlights, headlamps and desk lamps are useful.
- Bicycles are recommended. The housing enclave is approximately 1 mile from the lab. There are bicycle racks at both facilities (bicycles are not permitted indoors); be sure to bring along a bike lock and bike lights for night time riding.
- Personal bedding, favorite towels, toiletries etc.
Weather
Bodega Head is often windy, foggy, and cold. The average air temperature in the summer is in the mid 50's F. The ocean temperature, even in summer, is about 54F, too cold for more than a very brief swim without protective gear.
Real-time weather conditions at BML
Bodega Marine Reserve Cautions
In the Area
Bodega Bay has neither banks nor large stores, and it is difficult to cash out-of-town checks. The nearest banks are in Sebastopol. There are ATM's available at the local markets. The Laboratory is unable to cash personal checks and we cannot accept credit cards. The nearest town for extensive shopping or medical service is Sebastopol; somewhat further away are the larger cities of Petaluma and Santa Rosa (both 25-30 miles away). Walking time from BML Housing to local grocer is approximately 30 minutes each way.
Public Transportation
Bodega Marine Laboratory Housing is located in a remote location with no direct public transportation service. There is one shuttle bus to Santa Rosa from Bodega Bay that leaves from Spud Point Marina (1.5 miles from BML). The bus leaves Bodega Bay at approximately 10 am and returns at approximately 5 pm. From BML, you must walk 1.5 miles to the bus stop, unless, of course, you are able to get a ride from another BML resident. Taxi service to bay area airport shuttle stops in Santa Rosa and Petaluma is available. Taxi and airport shuttles are ~ $100.