Farallon Island Whale Watching from San Francisco

TRIP INFORMATION

Full-day whale watching cruises depart from San Francisco at 8:00am, and from Sausalito at 7:15 aboard the 56-foot Salty Lady Coast Guard certified vessel on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-May through November. Free parking from both departure points.

Farallon Islands whale watching participants will receive a free DVD, Farallon Islands: Past, Present and Future. Produced by the Oceanic Society in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , and award-winning Earthviews productions, the 40-minute film provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge. A virtual walking tour of the islands, this production introduces the viewer to the islands' researchers, refuge staff and former residents as they provide first-hand insights about the wildlife, history , and current conservation efforts. The DVD will be distributed aboard the vessel.

Departure:

San Francisco Yacht Harbor/Marina Green, just outside the Harbormaster's office (please do not enter the building or disturb the harbormaster). Reminder: Check-in time is 7:30 am, boat leaves 8:00 a.m.

OR

Sausalito Clipper Yacht Harbor on Harbor Drive.Reminder check-in time is at 7:00am, boat leaves at 7:15am.

Free parking at both sites.

Duration: Approximately 8 hours. Inclues the Continental Shelf a known hot spot for dolphins and whales.

Itinerary:

Under the Golden Gate Bridge and west to the Farallon Islands. Weather permitting, we visit the Continental Shelf to search for deep water whales and dolphins.

Vessel:

Certified 56-foot Salty Lady. Our whale watching vessel offers an observation deck, indoor seating salon (limited indoor seating) and bathroom. Our captains have worked on Oceanic Society nature cruises for 20 years.

Passenger maximum: 48.

Clothing:

Warm, layered with water-proof outerwear for sea spray recommended.

Parking: Free off-street parking.

Food & Refreshments: Bring lunch and beverages.

Age Restrictions:

Age minimum 10; an adult must accompany youths under 15.

TRIPS GO RAIN OR SHINE!

Most trips will benefit from the participation of a Cascadia Research Collective researcher who will be on board to collect data on humpback and blue distribution. Cascadia's work on blue whales was recently featured in National Geographic Society's Magazine.

The Oceanic Society, a nonprofit organization, was commended by the California State Senate for its public education service through Whale Watch and Farallon Islands programs. In cooperation with Cascadia Research, the Oceanic Society sponsors long-term humpack whale research in the Gulf of the Farallones. Since 1972, Oceanic Society has sponsored educational natural history encounters for over 140,000 people. Program revenues benefit the environmental education and conservation research.