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Marin County Visitors Bureau
Photo by Pauline George
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Whale Watching
& Seal Observation
in Marin County
Between December and May approximately 15,000 California gray whales travel 10,000 miles along the Pacific Coast from cold Arctic feeding grounds to warm, shallow breeding waters off Baja, California. During December and January the pregnant whales are traveling south, carrying their babies who will be born in the warmer waters off Mexico. From February through May the northward migration is lead by pregnant females while the mothers and babies trail behind, closer to the coast to avoid predators.
The fascinating migration of California gray whales can be observed from Marin County shores or on whale-watching cruises. The Farallon Islands off the coast of Marin are part of a marine eco-system that attracts whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds. The Farallon Island beaches are covered with sea lions, including the massive Steller’s sea lion. The Oceanic Society runs whale-watching cruises to the Farallon Islands out of ports in San Francisco and Bodega Bay. For information on whale watching cruises go to: www.oceanic-society.org.
During the migration, whales can often be seen from the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands or from various sites on the Pt. Reyes peninsula. The headlands of the Pt. Reyes peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view the gray whale. The areas around Chimney Rock and the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse offer some of the best whale watching spots in the park. The best chance of seeing whales from the Pt. Reyes coast is in mid-January, the peak of the southern migration. Observers should look for 10-15 foot spouts.
www.nps.gov — Viewing Wildlife Around Point Reyes National Seashore.
During the height of the migration period, the Park Service runs shuttle buses from Drakes Beach to the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock. The bus service usually begins on the last Saturday of December and continues through mid-April.
Bus service is provided on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (weather permitting) from Drakes Beach directly to the Lighthouse parking lot. Bus service begins at 9:30 a.m. The charge is $5 per person. Children 16 and under are free. It is best to contact the Bear Valley Visitor Center for up-to-date information before planning a visit. 415-464-5100.
www.nps.gov — Winter Shuttle Bus System.
Northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions are found at South Beach during the winter and also can be viewed from Chimney Rock. After being absent for more than 150 years, elephant seals returned to the Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s. From December through March a breeding colony of elephant seals can be observed from Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay.
From the overlook visitors can observe the behavior of the animals, including the birthing of pups. During weekends and holidays, trained docents staff the Overlook. They have binoculars, spotting scopes and information to share with visitors.
Go to: www.nps.gov — Elephant Seals or www.nps.gov — Harbor Seals
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