San francisco whale tours in san francisco, california. Half moon bay is about 30 minutes south of san francisco. A humpback whale jumps out of the water in front of the golden gate bridge. Join us for an exciting marine mammal wildlife trip along the san francisco bay and the northern california coastline. Whale watching season in san diego has traditionally occurred from december through april when california gray whales journey from the chilly alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of baja california. Whale watching season types of whales whale watching boat tours free locations other day trips things to do in san francisco. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. A hundred ships or more might be anchored along the san francisco waterfront, where they stocked up on provisions for their long pacific and arctic voyages. This had to be one of the most exciting trips we went on during are visit to san francisco. If you are wondering what type of whales that you will see. A list of some of the best apps to download for your visit to san francisco, including great guides to parking, eating, and using public transportation.
Lyrinda snyderman was out in the bay with three other. Sf bay whale watching specializes in trips to the farallon islands originating from san francisco. May 08, 2018 a pod of killer whales surfed playfully around a boat full of whale watchers on monterey bay, performing tail flips as young orcas played tag. San francisco whale tours, san francisco, california. Traditionally, whale watching season runs from december through april.
A pod of killer whales surfed playfully around a boat full of whale watchers on monterey bay, performing tail flips as young orcas played tag. From march to may, you might even catch a glimpse of a gray, sperm, or killer orcas whale. Whalewatching is typically done on a whalewatching boat trip bottom photo at right. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more. Summer west winds subside in the fall making for perfect ocean conditions to go along with large numbers of whales present, making for outstanding whale watching conditions. Whale watching cruises are available from most of the. 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 whalehappy month, when more than 1,000 of the massive mammals can. Though whales were never hunted in san francisco bay itself, the whaling industry had a long presence here. Those of us who live here in the san juans know that the opportunity to see whales exists pretty much all year round, but there are definite seasons when the whales are more likely to be about. Sailboat nearly strikes humpback whale in san francisco bay. The foodrich coastal waters off marin are an attraction to the whales.
Can you please advise me on the best location of the 3 to. Disney plus reportedly begins work on mandalorian season 3. 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. Ten apps to download for your visit to san francisco free tours. Recently, however, several whale watching companies have expanded the range of sea outings, and visitors to san.
My favorite time to go is during the warmest time of the year, from september to october. Numerous rangerled programs are offered during the whale and elephant seal season. Aug 07, 2015 amazing whale watch in san francisco with multiple breaches, jumps, and tale slapping. A naturalist onboard the san francisco whale tours vessel says he captured images aboard a 5 p. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale watching is one of the most spectacular.
The sailboat seen in the video released by the san francisco whale tours shows a sailboat the failed to follow requirements for safely. On each trip you may have the chance to see whales, seals and sea lions, dolphins and porpoises, and seabirds. Gray whales, on their annual migratory path along the pacific coast to their summer. Jul 11, 2017 a humpback whale jumps out of the water in front of the golden gate bridge. Whale watching san francisco whale tours, san francisco. Whale sightings in san francisco bay were once so rare that just spotting the puffofsmoke of. Whale watching in the san francisco area centers on the region around the gulf of the farallons about 25 miles offshore, where whales cruise through a 20mile wide ocean highway.
During this time of year, you can expect to see humpbacks and blues. They feed on anchovies, sardines, and krill shrimp like crustaceans. Dead whale opens seafood season a whale of a parade in san francisco as. Not just one or two, but up to a dozen humpback whales can be seen spouting simultaneously. Farallon islands whale watching san francisco join us on a day trip from san francisco to the wonderful and wild farallon islands, one of the most exciting marine environments on earth. Prime collision areas are concentrated around busy shipping lanes in. Santa cruz whale watching is one of the funnest things to do in the san francisco area, and is only 90 minutes drive. The best places for san francisco area whale watching from land are along the coast south of the city. Not a trip for toddlers as you are out at sea for several hours.
At that time, thousands of them can be found off the california coast. May through november private charters year round this trip focuses mostly on the humpback whale. Whale watching in california pacific coast highway travel. If you want to see whales, head to the tip of point reyes national seashore from december through february. San francisco day trips santa cruz whale watching by. There are two broad whale watching seasons for our area the gray whale season from december to april and the summerfall season for the other whales.
The great thing about whale watching in san francisco is you have the chance to admire the marine wildlife almost all year long. San francisco whale tours trips to the farallon islands originating from fort mason, san francisco. Beginning in the 1830s, whaling ships of british and new englandbased fleets wintered in san francisco bay. Dead whale washes ashore in ca san francisco, ca the whale is believed to be a male humpback around 30 feet long. Best time for whale watching in california condor express. Humpback whales feast on fish in san francisco bay video a kayaker spotted humpback whales feeding in san franciscos waters on sunday. Humpback whales are back under the golden gate bridge. The ocean off california is a whale superhighway and some of the best places to see these giants of the deep are in and near san francisco. However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at. During this time, the sun is shining and the water is calm. Sitting along the gulf of the farallones marked by the opening of the san francisco bay to drakes bay and to the farallon islandsthe point. San francisco intl airport to open new skyterrace public observation decksan francisco international airport is reopening their public observation deck. Farallon islands whale watching from san francisco.
May 12, 2017 a naturalist onboard the san francisco whale tours vessel says he captured images aboard a 5 p. The crew worked hard to find the whales and after a couple of hours we found some humpback whales. The captains blog provides details from recent trips. Gray whale watching half moon bay, california oceanic. Whalewatching cruises are available from most of the.
Photo by joe nazar, san francisco whale tours overview. Of all the activities to enjoy here in the san juan islands, whale. There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium. 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. Whalewatching is typically done on a whalewatching boat trip. San francisco whale tours offers whale watching trips from. 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. Sanctuary cruises specializes in trips in monterey bay originating from moss landing.
Apr 23, 2016 when will san francisco hotels see a revival. Point reyes national seashore provides a shuttle on weekends and holidays, which runs. You can see humpback whales up close, seals, dolphins, and. The local herd comes to monterey bay and the central coast for seasonal feeding. Blue whales feed off the california coast between bodega bay and san diego. Look for humpback and blue whales, thousands of seabirds, dolphins, sea lions and seals, harbor porpoises, and much more. Or maybe you live in san francisco and have outoftown guests visiting. Prime collision areas are concentrated around busy shipping lanes in the san francisco and channel islands regions. Visit from middecember through midapril to see gray whales, dolphins and killer whales migrating, or visit from midapril through middecember to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and killer whales. What attracted them here, and what are they finding to eat. Marin headlands is just north of the golden gate bridge in the golden gate national recreation area. See views of the golden gate bridge, whales, porpoise, and more. Its officially whalespotting season in san francisco bay.
This post covers options for whale watching in san francisco, including details about the best times and places to go, what species you may see, and tours. Watch the seasonal migration of california grey whales and blue whales off the san diego coast up close and personal. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Whale watching ocean safari trip for one, two, or four adults from. Whale migration seasons the gulf of the farallons national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. Killer whales put on a show for whale watchers on monterey. Whale watching ocean safari trip for one, two, or four adults from sea spirit ocean safari up to 33% off. Whale watching in san francisco best tours and free.
Sf bay whale watching provides whale watching and natural history expeditions from san francisco bay to the gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. The gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. The captain knows the sea and conditions and always puts safety first. Up to 29% off whale watching at sea goddess whale watching. The best places to whale watch in the bay area sfgate. The gulf of the farallons national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. Sf bay whale watching whale watching tours in san francisco. Amazing whale watch in san francisco with multiple breaches, jumps, and tale slapping. Blue whales swim and feed off the california coast from midjune through october when krill is abundant. There are two broad whalewatching seasons for our area the gray whale season from december to april and the summerfall season for the other whales. Gray whale watching half moon bay, ca oceanic society.
Even if you miss seeing a blue whale farallon islands is a marine life paradise. Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national seashore. Farallon islands whale watching from san francisco oceanic. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. With 70 miles of coastline, san diego makes an ideal location for viewing this impressive parade of marine life. Orcas, not usually resident here, have been encountered in our local waters several times in the past few years. Dec 26, 2017 dead whale washes ashore in ca san francisco, ca the whale is believed to be a male humpback around 30 feet long.
Gray whale watching half moon bay, ca our 3hour whale watching tours from half moon bay put you in the midst of the annual gray whale migration, one of the worlds most accessible wildlife spectacles. San francisco has amazing whalewatching for visitors and. Humpback whales feast on fish in san francisco bay video. We are a nonprofit organization and have been leading whale watching trips in the bay area since 1972.
While an occasional curious cetacean thats sciencespeak for whale may venture into san francisco bay for a bit of sightseeing, they generally stay further. Come take a day trip from san francisco to santa cruz and see the beautiful scenery that monterey bay has to offer. Dead whale washes ashore in bay area san francisco, ca patch. Hello myself husband and 8 year old are travelling in a couple of weeks to san fransisco. Whales have become a pretty frequent sight in the bay in recent years. Its officially whalespotting season in san francisco bay sfist. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. However it is certainly possible to see whales from the shore if you happen to be in the right place at the right time.
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. We are spending 3 nights in san fransisco, 2 nights in monterey bay and 2 nights in half moon bay. This video has been featured on trip advisor for a top travel tip if youre looking for a fun activity near the san francisco bay area. Whale watching is typically done on a whale watching boat trip bottom photo at right. 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. Welcome to whale alert west coast latest news endangered whales are needlessly being hit and killed by ship strikes each year along the west coast of the united states. This is the busy travel season in san francisco and when plenty of people are on the water whale watching.
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