Best time to visit San Francisco

Point Reyes Whale Watching in San Francisco

Those who venture along the rocky trails will be rewarded with the sight of rare gray whales

Best time: late December–January (south) | mid-March–April (north)

Point Reyes Whale Watching
Point Reyes Whale Watching
Point Reyes Whale Watching
Point Reyes Whale Watching

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. Nowadays, gray whales belong to rare marine species. The hotspots for whale watching are located around Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse at Point Reyes. To get there you will​ have to walk along the cliffs, but the spectacle is worth it. You will need a warm coat and appropriate shoes. You can also see humpback and orca whales from the viewpoint.

Usually late December to January is the right time to spot whales on their southern migration, and in about mid-March, they head back north to the Alaskan waters. In April, you might even spot some mother whales with calves along the shore.

Another option is to watch whales from a boat. The best place for that is the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The Farallon Islands lie at about 30 miles (48 km) west of the Golden Gate Bridge, serving as a breeding site for marine mammals, fish, and birds. Whale watching boat trips and individual tours leave from Bodega Bay, Sausalito, and San Francisco Bay.

Practical info

When is the best time to see gray whales in San Francisco?

Gray whales can be seen in San Francisco at their best during two periods of the year. You can observe them migrating south from late December - January, and north from mid-March - April when heading back to Alaskan waters. Fogs that are usually present in the warm season clear out during these months, offering an amazing view of the whales. Mother whales with calves can also be spotted in April. Show more

Where are the hotspots for whale watching in San Francisco?

If you want to spot whales, Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse at Point Reyes are the hotspots for whale watching in San Francisco. The area is a bit remote and requires walking along the cliffs, but it is worth the stunning scenery. You can bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes. Alternatively, you can opt for whale watching boat trips and individual tours that leave from Bodega Bay, Sausalito, and San Francisco Bay. Show more

What kind of whales can be seen from the viewpoint at Point Reyes?

At the viewpoint in Point Reyes during winter months when the gray whales migrate, California whales and humpback and orca whales can be seen besides the regular gray whales. The spot is located at the connection point between the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay, creating a great environment for various types of marine species to thrive. Show more

Where can I go on a boat tour to see whales in San Francisco?

If you take the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary boat tour located about 30 miles (48 km) west of the Golden Gate Bridge, you will have an excellent opportunity to spot whales in San Francisco. Bodega Bay, Sausalito, and San Francisco Bay are excellent locations for whale watching boat trips and individual tours. The sanctuary is home to several marine mammals, fish, and birds. Show more

What other marine species can be found near the Farallon Islands?

Apart from white sharks, the Farallon Islands serve as a breeding ground for other marine species. You will find the Northern elephant seals, California sea lions, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals there. Ashy storm-petrel, Brandt's cormorant, and seabirds can also be found in the area, making it an important ecosystem for different types of marine species. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin