Humpback whale watching season lasts from november through march. From march to may, you might even catch a glimpse of a gray, sperm, or killer orcas whale. Experience one of the most amazing sites from the beautiful san francisco bay aboard one of san francisco whale tours comfortable vessels. Point reyes in marin county is the prime location to spot them. A naturalist onboard the san francisco whale tours vessel says he captured images aboard a 5 p. California has some of the best marine wildlife viewing in the world.
Monterey bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Sf bay whale watching whale watching tours in san francisco. Farallon islands whale watching from san francisco. This is the busy travel season in san francisco and when plenty of people are on the water whale watching. Sf whale tours offers you an exciting all day excursion to the protected sanctuary of the farallon islands to witness humpback whales and other wildlife. Whale watching in san francisco best tours and free. Whale watching near san francisco visit california. Whales begin by heading south, typically from alaska down to baja california, and then they make the reverse trip back north. Trips originating from half moon bay and san francisco. The 90minute tour focuses on showing guests the myriad marine life found within the famous san francisco bay, including bird colonies, harbor seal communes, and sea lion citystates.
Due to the massive influx of whales weve been seeing in the bay, were heading out even more often. Sf bay whale watching provides whale watching and natural history expeditions from san francisco bay to the gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary. From views of main san francisco attractions such as the golden gate bridge to sightings of blue, humpback, and. Explore the san francisco bay with one of our knowledgeable captains, as they show you the glorious views and legendary landmarks of historical san francisco. Join the tour for an exciting marine mammal wildlife trip along the san francisco bay and the northern california coastline. Nature enthusiasts shouldnt miss the opportunity to see the majestic gray whale in its natural habitat, off the coast of san francisco. Our highlyrated day trips to the farallon islands depart from san francisco. Depart from pier 39 and enjoy views of alcatraz and the golden gate bridge. We offer a morning tour recommended at 9am which is 3. Orcas, humpbacks, blue, and sperm whales are especially abundant. San francisco whale tours offers exciting adventures from the san francisco bay to the pacific ocean and into the protected sanctuary of the farallon islands.
San jose whale watching deals in san jose, ca groupon. Cruise past iconic landmarks aboard a coast guardcertified. Discover the marine life that calls the waters surrounding san francisco home on a whale watching cruise. Join us aboard this exciting marine mammal wildlife trip through the san francisco bay. Humpback whales and california sea lions in monterey bay, 20. Whale watching season in northern california starts earlier and ends later than it does further south. Whale sightings are consistent all day, but the morning sea conditions are usually more favorable. They travel 10,00012,000 miles round trip every year between their winter calving lagoons in the warm waters of mexico and their summer feeding grounds in the cold arctic seas. The dolphin family sightings may include northern right whale dolphin. San francisco whale tours 2020 alles wat u moet weten. Gray whales have the longest known migration of any mammal. Six humpback whales were spotted in the san francisco bay and west of the golden gate bridge on april 27 and 28, 2019. San francisco whale tours offers whale watching trips from. Take a sightseeing cruise across san francisco bay and glide under the golden gate bridge on this 2.
Enjoy a spectacular view of the blue angels air show during fleet week. Whale watching has a long tradition in california with the first tours taking place. San francisco whale tours 2020 all you need to know before. Sf bay whale watching provides whale watching and natural history tours from san francisco bay to gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary. Set out onto the water for a whale watching tour in san francisco. San francisco whale tours trips to the farallon islands originating from fort mason, san francisco. Whale watching boat trips and individual tours are leaving from bodega bay, sausalito, and san francisco bay. Some southern california whale watching tours only offer discounts for weekday trips. In winter or summer, we take you to the heart of whale territory as we spot these magnificent creatures and much more. Explore san diegos best sights on a harbor tour of san diego bay. The best place for that is the gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary. Migrating gray whales are the species seen most often in northern california. Weve rounded up five incredible whalewatching spots along the pacific.
Read more half moon bay gray whale watching update. San francisco whale tours captain and crew safely ferry patrons across scenic waterways to explore the wonders of the bay s ecological system. Sanctuary cruises specializes in trips in monterey bay originating from moss landing. The san francisco whale tours eco tour offers a chance to learn about the natural history and wildlife of the san francisco bay while experiencing breathtaking views of the city, the golden gate bridge, alcatraz and more. San francisco supervisor threatens to take power to raise fares. According to whale experts, an astounding 94 percent of migrating pacific gray whales pass within one mile of this protected peninsula some 27 miles north of san francisco january is the most whale happy month, when more than 1,000 of the massive mammals can pass this point each day. The captains blog provides details from recent trips. Then keep your eyes peeled for humpback and grey whales the area is also a happy habitat for dolphins, sea lions, porpoises, and the occasional shark, all of which. March 2018in the course of the gray whale migration off the coast of california, there are 2 distinct legs of the journey. Sail along san franciscos breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic.
See views of the golden gate bridge, whales, porpoise, and more. The farallon islands lie in about 30 miles 48 km west of the golden gate bridge, serving a breeding site for marine mammals, fish, and birds. If youre looking for a longer whale watching tour or an outing that will take you to different whale viewing locations near san francisco, there are plenty of great opportunities. Tours last a little over three hours and depart from downtown san.
On each trip you may have the chance to see whales, seals and sea lions. Climb aboard the 60 foot velocity, or 56 foot legacy, and experience the monterey bay area like never before on a monterey bay whale watching cruise. Point reyes whale watching in san francisco 2020 best. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins cetaceans in their natural.
You can also go watching gray whales from san francisco and the bay area. Coming from a family with over 300 years of maritime experience, expect to hear amazing stories of the history of this beautiful california destination. California the best tips for whale watching in california whaletrips. You havent discovered san francisco until youve seen it from the air. Join us for an exciting marine mammal wildlife trip along the san francisco bay and the northern california coastline. Search for humpback and gray whales along with more abundant porpoises, dolphins, and harbor seals while learning about the unique history and geology of the area from a professional naturalist on board. Led by expert naturalists, full and half day boat tours are available almost every weekend, with opportunities to see blue, humpback, and gray whales, dolphins and porpoises, seals and sea lions, rare seabirds, and other marine life up close. In the last couple years we have also had gray whales enter the san francisco bay to feed on the plentiful anchovy. San francisco whale tours all you need to know before. During this time of year, you can expect to see humpbacks and blues. San francisco whale tours 39 pier, san francisco, california 943 rated 4.
We like to take extra time searching a variety of areas around monterey bay in the morning. Up to 29% off whale watching at sea goddess whale watching. While some tours focus on monterey bay, others take you on a full day trip to the farallon islands. On an ecofriendly catamaran, glide through san francisco bay and under the golden gate bridge to reach the open pacific, where youll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Comfortable seating also can enjoy dinning on the train. Use the code fmsa when making your reservation and the tour operator will make a donation to the farallones marine sanctuary association san francisco bay whale watching. Allday excursions on the 99passenger kitty kat or a similar vessel take passengers on whale watchingnatural history tours 27 miles outside the golden gate bridge into the gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary to the farallon islands, a major breeding ground for sea birds.
Hornblower runs whale watching trips and bay cruises out of san diego. Oceanic society is a nonprofit organization working on conservation and education. They offer a 5hour coastal and a 6hour farallons tour. Humpback whale and brown pelicans off avila beach, california. Top 5 american whalewatching tours cbs san francisco. On this halfday tour from pier 39, cruise toward the chilly pacific watersor around san francisco bay to spot migrating whales feasting on the plentiful anchovy. Click here to learn more about whale watching tours whale watching tours.
The excursion also features a scenic cruise of san francisco s beautiful coastline and the fantastic wildlife of the bay area. On this scenic, 45minute flight, appreciate the views from a truly unique perspective. Enjoy a scenic cruise of san francisco s beautiful coastline and the. From views of main san francisco attractions such as the golden gate bridge to sightings of blue, humpback, and gray whales, this is a trip you will never forget.
Look down upon alcatraz, the golden gate bridge, and the city skyline. If you want to see whales, head to the tip of point reyes national seashore from december through february. We are a nonprofit organization and have been leading whale watching trips in the bay area since 1972. San francisco witnesses hundreds of gray whales passing along the shore from january through april. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as you enjoy the waters of monterey bay, california. San francisco whale tours in san francisco, california. Can anyone recommend whether to go from san francisco bay or whether to go down to monterey and go from there i am guessing it might be a bit rougher from the bay across to farallon islands thanks a lot. Whale watching ocean safari trip for one, two, or four adults from sea spirit ocean safari up to 33% off. Sf bay whale watching specializes in trips to the farallon islands originating from san francisco. Pdf whalewatching opportunities in northern patagonia, chile. San francisco whale tours 2020 all you need to know. Las animas ecolodge on the sea of cortez has year round fin whales and blue whales and more. Bay nature connects the people of the san francisco bay area to our natural world and motivates people to solve problems with nature in mind.
820 1346 995 274 1550 1129 286 276 249 1451 401 1227 1215 130 94 1506 1289 160 1354 518 585 817 1142 266 319 875 1029 381 705 1465 728 392 1070