The hotspots for whale watching are located around. Whale watching 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. This was taken may 18, 2008 from pier near fort point just inside the golden gate bridge. Boat collides with humpback whale in sf bay sfgate. Pacific gray whales are showing up dead in north americas oceans and shores at a. Skip to primary navigation skip to content skip to footer. Adult male orcas reach lengths of about 30 feet and may weigh approximately 16,000 pounds.
Gray whale watching half moon bay, california oceanic. Tripadvisor san francisco golden gate whalewatching. Whale watching on monterey bay makes a great day trip for kids. May 14, 2016 san francisco in san francisco bay, its been a great week for whale watching thanks to some special visitors seldom seen in those waters. Gray whales or california whales are in sight during winter months when the bay area is free from fogs which hover above the waters during the warm season. A trip to the farallon islands, 27 miles west of san francisco, can be one of the best ways to get up close to these giants of the sea.
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. From views of main san francisco attractions such as the golden gate bridge to sightings of blue, humpback, and. When is the best time to go whale watching in the bay area. Not a trip for toddlers as you are out at sea for several hours. If you dont see a whale, porpoise or dolphin on your trip with san francisco whale tours, your next trip is free. 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. Depart from pier 39 and enjoy views of alcatraz and the golden gate bridge. 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. Each has their advantages and charmsits hard to beat the convenience of being able. Point reyes whale watching in san francisco 2020 best. Jul, 2016 humpback whales feast on fish in san francisco bay video a kayaker spotted humpback whales feeding in san francisco s waters on sunday.
Whalewatching is typically done on a whalewatching boat trip bottom photo at right. The foodrich coastal waters off marin are an attraction to the whales. Orcas, not usually resident here, have been encountered in our local waters several times in the past few years. The bay area backroads episode guide includes recaps for every episode from every season and a full list of where you can watch episodes online instantly. Please avoid disturbing seals to ensure a successful pupping season. July through october is prime whale watching season here. Apr 19, 2017 while youre there, keep an eye out for other ocean critters like cute, fuzzy otters and harbor seals. On your whale watching journey, you also get the chance to see schools of dolphins, leatherback turtles, and sea lions. The only thing that changes by season is the type of whales you will likely see.
Whale watching cruises depart from princeton harbor and venture 10 to 15 miles away from shore toward the. So, grab your camera and head out on the water for an unforgettable whale watching adventure. Our highlyrated gray whale watching trips depart from pillar point harbor in half moon bay. Pack some grub, grab a camera, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime on the adventurous sf bay and beyond.
San francisco whale watching tours sf bay whale watching. But environmentally minded crab fishermen from half moon bay to bodega bay are now voluntarily postponing the opening of their season on account of the whales in the area. Half moon bay whale watching offers more than just whale watching. This had to be one of the most exciting trips we went on during are visit to san francisco. Winter temperatures range between 44 and 61 degrees f in san francisco and from 48 to 66 in san diego. Ninth dead whale found in san francisco bay area this season. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. But scientists have concerns about the whales visiting the shallower.
Barmann is a fiction writer and web editor whos lived in san francisco for 19 years. Massive great white shark feasting on a dead grey whale near san clemente pier. Dungeness crab season opens in the bay area following. Scientist sounds the alarm on 9th dead gray whale off san. Humpback whale that dazzled san francisco may be sick. In addition, we will discuss the dolphins and whales found off the san francisco coastline. A group of five killer whales was captured on drone footage attacking and killing. Welcome to sf bay whale watching safely aboard our coast guard certified vessel, the experienced captain and crew will guide you through san francisco bay and out into the pacific.
Whalewatching is typically done on a whalewatching boat trip. Massive great white shark feasting on a grey whale near. Whale watching ocean safari trip for one, two, or four adults from sea spirit ocean safari up to 33% off. The last black man in san francisco creators are working on a. Allie the humpback whale heading out to pacific ocean kron4. Festivals attend the mendocino coast whale festival just north of san francisco. Their farallon island tours run yearround, though wed still only recommend taking them from may through november.
Sf bay whale watching offers whale watching tours in san francisco bay. A boat collides with a humpback whale in the sf bay in this photo taken on wednesday, june. 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. Dead whale found in pacifica is 10th killed this year in bay area. Download scientific diagram intersection between blue whale density and the area affected by. A young female humpback whale, possibly beached by strong onshore winds, was found monday in the san francisco bay area after being dead four to five days. Scientists from the marine mammal center and california academy of sciences start an investigation into the death of a seven gray whale in the san francisco bay area this year. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more information about the gray whale. Tony anellow, a commercial fisherman and owner of spud point crab company in bodega bay, says the decision follows a flyover by the whale working group. This talk will touch on the historical use of san francisco bay by harbor porpoises, the reasons they left, and speculate on why theyre coming back. Humpback whales are back under the golden gate bridge. Humpbacks in san francisco bay give whale watchers a rare. Santa cruz whale watching is one of the funnest things to do in the san francisco area, and is only 90 minutes drive away from the city. Whale watching from land if youre looking to whale watch from shore, there are many locations along the west coast from california to washington.
Read more half moon bay gray whale watch sightings. Monterey bay whale watch whale watching trips on monterey bay, one of the best things to do in monterey, viewing whales and dolphins off the coast of monterey, moss landing, carmel, big sur, and the central california coast. Whale watching is a growing activity that everyone should try. Whale spotting leads to delay in commercial crab season. Gray whale watching half moon bay, california oceanic society. Here are the best spots near the bay area to see whales and other cute marine animals and their babies. Busy whalewatching season not over yet on sf bay sfgate. Examinations of the whales found in the san francisco bay area this year revealed that. San francisco whale tours naturalist michael pierson says january is a good time for people in the bay area to see the whales. Specializes in trips in monterey bay originating from moss landing. Sf bay whale watching passengers met a pack of 40 orcas in the gulf of the farallones in spring 2009.
Graphic video shows killer whales attacking, killing gray whale calf. Allie the humpback whale officially said goodbye to alameda over the weekend, according to the marine mammal center. Pier 39 dock b, san francisco, ca 943 pier 39 is directly across the street from 2 beach st, san francisco, ca, 943. San francisco whale tours 2020 all you need to know before. The discovery monday of a ninth dead gray whale in the san francisco bay area in two months is serious cause for concern, a local scientist warned. Eco tourists, wildlife photographers and fans of all marine life will have the opportunity to spot anything that swims or flies in the coastal waters of the san mateo county coasts. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. The gulf of the farallons national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. Cruise monterey bay and observe the sea otters, seals, pelicans and other bay life. Sf bay whale watching san francisco 2020 all you need to.
Sf bay whale watching sf bay whale watching provides whale watching and natural history expeditions, departing from pier 39 to the farallon islands. An expert naturalist will be on hand to narrate what you see and answer any questions you may have. If you are wondering what type of whales that you will see. Over the past several decades of protection, it has recovered back to historic levels.
Humpback whale migrate may through november gray whale, killer whale migrate dec through may. 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. A crew member will meet you at the booth 30 min prior to departure, then direct you to the boat. Articleslinks about whale watching in the bay area. Allie the humpback whale heading out to pacific ocean. Its the ninth gray whale to be found dead in the bay area this year. Lyrinda snyderman was out in the bay with three other. A whale that swam into the bay has earned fans and the nickname allie, but experts say it may be seeking a place to recuperate maanvi singh in san francisco wed 19 jun 2019 21. Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national seashore. The captain knows the sea and conditions and always puts safety first. Click or swipe through the slideshow to see more of this season s unprecedented whale activity.
Considered northern californias premier whale watching destination, the bay area offers the opportunity to witness majestic gray whales as they migrate south. Whale watching in the farallon islands 7x7 bay area. Sf bay whale watching provides whale watching and natural history expeditions, departing from pier 39 to the farallon islands. Half moon bay is about 30 minutes south of san francisco.
San francisco travel partners with a number of whale watching tours and charters that can get you out onto the high seas for an upclose look at these massive and magnificent creatures. The oceanic society offers full and halfday trips led by expert naturalists for a chance to see not only whales but dolphins, porpoises, seals and other marine life. Humpback whale takes flight in front of sf skyline in. The bay area whaleboat rowing association bawra is made up of mens, womens and mixed teams based in oakland, san francisco, and vallejo. You will never forget the looks on their faces as they see their first humpback whale, gray whale or blue whale breach the surface on their first california whale watching trip out of santa cruz harbor by. San fran weathersan francisco bay area weather from cbs and kpix. Ask the naturalist is a readerfunded bimonthly column with the california center for natural history that answers your questions about the natural world of the san francisco bay area. Whale watching charters for the greater san francisco bay. March 2015following are the naturalists sightings reports from our half moon bay gray whale watching programs during march 2015. Almost a hundred bird species and more than 300 types of fish call this area home, too.
Humpback whales feast on fish in san francisco bay video. The fascinating lives of dolphins, porpoises and whales of. Read more dungeness crab season opens in the bay area following whale related delay. Apr 23, 2016 the last black man in san francisco creators are working on a. Its officially whalespotting season in san francisco bay. If you want to see all the species possible in this area, you should consider joining us on. The crew worked hard to find the whales and after a couple of hours we found some humpback whales. Whale watching in san francisco best tours and free.
Sf bay whale watching whale watching tours in san francisco. We are a nonprofit organization and have been leading whale watching trips in the bay area since 1972. The gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary, california coastal waters off san francisco have annual migration patterns for whales. Sf bay whale watching specializes in trips to the farallon islands originating from san francisco. Its officially whalespotting season in san francisco bay sfist.
A whale has been found dead in the san francisco bay area, making it the ninth found dead in the area this season. Below are just a few locations youll likely be able to see whales during migration without getting seasick. Ninth gray whale washes up in the san francisco bay area. Artist paints mural on boarded up business in san francisco. Beached whale discovered in san francisco bay area likely. The marine mammal center announced a dead gray whale. Why are gray whales dying in the san francisco bay. 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. Many people are scared to go whale watching as it is a new experience for them and they are not well aware of what all it has to offer. 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. San francisco whale tours offers whale watching trips from. The whale guardians of san francisco bay the silvery research vessel fulmar powers out to sea from san francisco, bounding off waves on its way to the farallon islands. The ecological implications of the return of this predator to the bay will also be discussed. Beginning in the 1830s, whaling ships of british and new englandbased fleets wintered in san francisco bay.
Apr 05, 2012 short video of whale in san francisco bay, shot by captain stuart kiehl on mv watercress. Summary of san francisco approach vessel traffic during. The san francisco bay has experienced an active whale watching season, and its still not too late to soak it all in. Scientists examining beached whale at point reyesa dead whale washed ashore at point reyes national seashore. Then, about three hours south by car, youll find a cluster of five more whalewatching spots in quick succession. Departing from dana point harbor on a private fishing charter, you never know what youre gonna see. San francisco ap a humpback whale that has become an unusual presence in san francisco bay may be ill. Why are gray whales starving in the pacific quartz. The teams compete in different locations around the bay during racing seasons in the spring and fall. A dead whale washed ashore in pacifica on tuesday, bringing the total this year to 10 in the san francisco bay area a cause for serious. Discover the marine life that calls the waters surrounding san francisco home on a whale watching cruise. Its when the humpbacks and blue whales spend time fattening up on krill off of the coast of northern california before heading back down to baja to breed. Intersection between blue whale density and the area affected by.
Enjoy a scenic cruise and gorgeous views of san francisco s beautiful coastline and the fantastic wildlife of the bay area on our golden gate whale watch. Nowadays, gray whales belong to rare marine species. Jan 07, 2018 whale sightings in san francisco bay were once so rare that just spotting the puffofsmoke of a whales exhale from its blow hole could make the news. You will never forget the looks on their faces as they see their first humpback whale, gray whale or blue whale breach the surface on their first. Pupping season is here, and who doesnt want to see an adorable little seal taking his first scoots on the sand.
A concerning trend has been developing in the san francisco bay area, with yet another whale washing up dead on the shores of ocean beach on monday. They have a nice blog with details about past sightings. Killer whales put on a show for whale watchers on monterey bay. San francisco area and elsewhere along the northcentral california coast.
The captains blog provides details from recent trips. Whale sightings in san francisco bay were once so rare that just spotting the puffofsmoke of a whale s exhale from its blow hole could make. This nonprofit groups offers limited sailing schedules but have the besttrained naturalists. Monterey bay whale watch sent kron4 the video showing the first attack of the season. Humpback whale densities during augustoctober season adapted. Up to 29% off whale watching at sea goddess whale watching. Graphic video shows killer whales attacking, killing gray whale calf in monterey bay. Join us for a day out on the water and see the marine giants that call the bay home.
On each trip you may have the chance to see whales, seals and sea lions, dolphins and porpoises, and seabirds. 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. From reading the various forum topics, it seems that the options to travel to monterey bay from san francisco are rather limited. The best places to whale watch in the bay area sfgate. Whale alert can be downloaded free of charge from apples app store. Theres no better place in the world to look straight down into the blowholes of a great whale. Gray whale cruises typically offered december through may head out from san francisco s pier 39, as well as half moon bay and santa cruz. Sightings, of course, vary from trip to trip, as well as through the seasons. San francisco day trips santa cruz whale watching by. While an occasional curious cetacean thats sciencespeak for whale may venture into san francisco bay for a bit of sightseeing, they generally stay further. In san francisco bay, its been a great week for whale watching thanks to some special visitors seldom seen in those waters. The discovery monday of a ninth dead gray whale in the san francisco bay area in two months is serious cause for concern, a local scientist.
The pod of killer whales surfed playfully around their vessel. The san francisco whale tours ecotour 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. Once the boat was halfway across the bay, we saw some. May 08, 2018 monterey cbs sf at least a dozen orcas put on quite a show for a boat full of whale watchers out on monterey bay last saturday. This is a pretty warm city, so there will be companies who offer whale watching services almost. Gray whales, on their annual migratory path along the pacific coast to their summer.
There isnt really one specific season for whale watching in san francisco, because whales frequent this area throughout the year. Our booth is the second one on the right when you enter the pier, just after the hard rock cafe. Join us on a whale watching trip from san francisco or half moon bay. After the end of whaling in monterey bay in the mid1900s, the gray whale population was all but extinct.
They offer a 5hour coastal and a 6hour farallons tour they offer a 5hour coastal and a 6hour farallons tour oceanic society cruises. Whale watching san francisco whale tours, san francisco. 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. Jul 11, 2017 a humpback whale jumps out of the water in front of the golden gate bridge. San jose whale watching deals in san jose, ca groupon. An autopsy of the most recent whale found dead concluded that the animal had been killed after striking a ship, as it showed multiple skull fractures and substantial bruising. Each trip is a unique experience dont miss the boat. San francisco bay to reduce the risk of collisions between whales and ships within.
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