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blog home Destinations Whale Watching at the Farallon Islands

Whale Watching at the Farallon Islands

By San Francisco Limousine Specialist on January 29, 2016

Twenty-seven miles west of San Francisco lies the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary – one of the world’s most unique ecosystems teeming with diverse marine life. While the rocky islands themselves are somewhat mysterious (closed to the public and inhabited only by scientists and researchers from Point Blue Conservation Science and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), there are several tour and charter vessels that travel out to these islands nearly everyday year round for one very exciting purpose – to view a wide array of wildlife and most importantly, spot a breaching whale.

Among the several migratory whale species spotted in the Pacific waters off the coast of San Francisco, gray whales and humpback whales are the most common, but blue whales and orcas are also known to make appearances. These unique excursions also offer guests the opportunity to view a variety of other marine wildlife such as dolphins, sharks, seals and sea lions, sea turtles, tufted puffins and more than twenty other seabird species.

How To See The Whales

To get your glimpse of these unique islands and their extraordinary inhabitants, call or visit one of these charter services to schedule a tour.

What To Bring

The vessels leave around 7-8 a.m. and return in the early afternoon, so you’ll want to prepare for a full-day excursion with the possibility of several weather conditions.

  • Layer your clothing so that you have something warm to wear but can easily take off when the afternoon sun comes in.
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket with a hood.
  • Hat and Gloves
  • Non-Slip Shoes
  • Lunch, Snacks, and Beverages
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  • Camera and Binoculars
  • Small Picnic Blanket
  • Sea Sickness Medication if needed (the vessel will have a first-aid kit).

When To Go

June-October is typically referred to as "whale watching season" as this is the time when most of the migratory paths for marine mammals meet. But any time of year is suitable for whale watching. October-January is when you’ll see the gray whales, and some of the species including many of the seabird colonies, sea lions and dolphins can be seen year-round.

Allow Nationwide Limousine Service to make your trip even more memorable. We’ll drop you off just in time to catch the vessel and be there waiting for you upon return, so you can focus on making memories instead of rushing through traffic and finding parking. Call us today at 800-339-8936 to book your ride for your whale watching excursion and all other travel destinations while visiting the Bay Area.

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