Point Reyes Whale Watching in San Francisco 2024-2025

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)

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. At Point Reyes, guests can see humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales in summer and fall, gray whales in winter and spring, and minke whales and orcas year-round.

Best times for whale watching at Point Reyes

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.

Best place to watch whale at Point Reyes

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.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Lighthouse at Point Reyes is a 10-mile (16 km) building constructed in 1870 and served for 105 years. In 1975, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was retired from service. One of the best spots is the Observation Deck, located at the top of the 313 steps leading down to the lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy great whale and bird-watching opportunities from this area. Additionally, it is the first point from which guests can see the Lighthouse and enjoy sunset views.

Observation Deck is open until around 11:45 pm daily. The descent to the lighthouse via the stairs takes about 5 to 10 minutes, while the ascent takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Parking space at the Point Reyes Lighthouse is very limited, mostly in the afternoon, with a capacity for only 38 vehicles. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located at the westernmost end of the Point Reyes Headlands and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.

Chimney Rock

The Chimney Rock area is another popular destination for viewing elephant seals, birds, wildflowers, and whales. The 1.75-mile (2.8-km) round-trip Chimney Rock Trail offers astonishing views of Drakes Bay and the coastline. Guests also have a chance to visit the historic Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station, where they can dive into the challenging work of rescuing crew and passengers.

Chimney Rock is located at the easternmost end of the Point Reyes Headlands, about 19 miles (30 km) west along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The parking lot at the Chimney Rock Trailhead has a capacity of only twenty vehicles. So, parking space availability is very limited, especially in the afternoon hours.

You can also visit Tomales Point, Pierce Ranch, and Tule Elk to try and catch a glimpse of these alluring creatures.

The Farallon Islands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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