WHALE WATCHING
BLUE & HUMPBACK WHALE
Farallon Islands
The Farallon Islands, just 27 miles off San Francisco, lie amid the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, a food-rich marine ecosystem which attracts whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds each summer and fall, to feed and to breed. Researchers have catalogued hundreds of individual humpbacks and blue whales as seasonal feeding residents. Twenty three species of marine mammals, including 18 species of whales and dolphins, can be found here.
The Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is the largest seabird rookery in the contiguous United States with nesting Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Shearwaters, and other species. Island beaches are covered with sea lions, including massive Steller's sea lions, now on the Endangered Species List.
Expert naturalist lead full-day whale watching cruises from San Francisco aboard motorized diesel vessels on Saturdays and Sundays from June through November.
Oceanic Society was commended by the California State Senate for its public education service through Whale Watch and Farallon Islands programs.
In cooperation with Cascadia Research, the Oceanic Society sponsors long-term humpack whale research in the Gulf of the Farallones. Many of the whale watching trips include dedicated whale field researchers.
Since 1972, nonprofit Oceanic Society has sponsored educational natural history encounters for over 140,000 people. Programs benefit the environmental education and conservation research.
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 7:30 am, boat leaves 8:00 a.m.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
Itinerary: Under the Golden Gate Bridge and west to the Farallon Islands.
Vessel: San Francisco departures are aboard one of the three following vessels: Coast Guard certified 56-foot Salty Lady, 50-foot Wacky Jacky or the 56-foot Huli Cat. Each whale watching vessel offers an observation deck, indoor seating salon (limited indoor seating) and bathroom. Our captains are experienced in nature cruises.
Passenger maximum: 39 to 48.
Clothing: Warm, layered with water-proof outerwear for sea spray recommended.
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!
Humpback and Blue whales migrate to the Gulf of the Farallones during the months of June through November, and sea bird nesting season is from March through August. See Farallon Island schedule below.
Gray Whales migrate along the California coast and past the Farallon Islands. Click here for Gray Whales January - May, 2007.
2008 FARALLON ISLANDS WHALE WATCHING SCHEDULE SAN FRANCISCO DEPARTURES
MAY Saturdays 24, 31 Sundays 25 JUNE Saturdays 7, 14, 21, 28 Sundays 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 JULY Saturdays 5, 12, 19, 26 Sundays 6, 13, 20, 27 AUGUST Saturdays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sundays 3,10, 17, 24, 31 SEPTEMBER Saturdays 6, 13, 20, 27 Sundays 7, 14, 21, 28 OCTOBER Saturdays 4, 11, 18, 25 Sundays 5, 12, 19, 26 NOVEMBER Saturdays: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Sundays: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2008 WHALE WATCHING RATES
Farallon Islands
San Francisco Departures-Saturdays & Sundays: $105.00/person
We reserve the right to increase trip fees if there are exceptional cost increases for fuel.
FARALLON WHALE WATCHING RESERVATION FORM
FARALLON WHALE WATCHING GIFT CERTIFICATES
