Gray Whale Watching: San Francisco
Coastal Gray Whale Watching runs December through mid-May out of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, and Bodego Bay. (This page has information on the San Francisco trips).
Trips from San Francisco are all-day trips, while those from Half Moon Bay and Bodego Bay are 1/2 day trips.
The annual gray whale migration, one of the world's most magnificent and accessible wildlife spectacles, is underway. Each year approximately 15,000 of an estimated total population of 17,500 gray whales swim south from Arctic feeding grounds, en route to their Baja California breeding and calving grounds.
From December through May, gray whales can be observed a few miles off California's shore, and whale watchers aboard Oceanic Society's naturalist-led Whale Watch boats have a unique vantage from which to view this incredible "parade."
During each whale watching cruise our expert naturalists give talks on gray whales and the conservation efforts which brought them back from near extinction. These exciting and educational whale watching cruises are held on board motorized diesel vessels, from San Francisco (6-1/2 hours), Half Moon Bay (3 hours) and Bodega Bay (3 hours) every Saturday, Sunday and select Fridays from December through mid-May.
TRIP INFORMATION
Departure:
San Francisco Yacht Harbor/Marina Green, just outside the Harbormaster's office (please do not enter the building or disturb the harbormaster). Reminder: Check-in time is 9:00 am, boat leaves 9:30 a.m. Duration approximately 6-1/2 hours. Return to dock at 4:00 p.m.
Itinerary:
Our expedition will generally take us under the Golden Gate Bridge and north along the Marin coast.
Vessel:
The Wacky Jacky is a 50' Coast Guard certificated, fully insured motor vessel with open observation deck and indoor salon. Limited indoor and outdoor seating available.
Passenger maximum: 39.
Parking: Free off-street parking.
Food & Refreshments: Bring lunch and beverages.
Age Restrictions: Age minimum 10; an adult must accompany youths under 15.
TRIPS GO RAIN OR SHINE!
WHALE WATCHING BOAT CRUISES
Since 1972, Oceanic Society has sponsored expert-guided, educational natural history and wildlife encounters for over 140,000 people. Programs benefit environmental education and research.
For information on Oceanic Society's current sightings of wildlife please call 474-0488.
RELATED LINKS
goCityKids recommendation
HALF MOON BAY WHALE WATCHING
BODEGA BAY WHALE WATCHING
FARALLON ISLANDS WHALE WATCHING
Factoids About Local WHALE WATCHING Programs
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WHALE WATCHING : Sign Up Here
Click here for trips from Half Moon Bay and Bodego Bay
JANUARY 2009
Saturday, January 3 -register
Saturday, January 10 -register
Saturday, January 17 -register
Saturday, January 24 -register
Saturday, January 31 -register
FEBRUARY 2009
Saturday, February 7 -register
Saturday, February 14 -register
Saturday, February 21 -register
Saturday, February 28 -register
MARCH 2009
Saturday, March 7 -register
Saturday, March 14 -register
Saturday, March 21 -register
Saturday, March 28 -register
APRIL 2009
Saturday, April 4 -register
Saturday, April 11 -register
Saturday, April 18 -register
Saturday, April 25 -register
MAY 2009
Saturday, May 9 -register
Sunday, May 10 -register
2009 WHALE WATCHING RATES
San Francisco:
$100 Saturday, Sunday/Adults, Children, Seniors
$90 Friday/Adults, Children, Seniors
We reserve the right to increase trip fees if there are exceptional cost increases for fuel.
RESERVATIONS
Online, Phone, Mail
Reservations recommended - call our office for availability (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm PST)
Whale Watching Gift Certificates
For Whale Watching reservations & details call 415-474-3385
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