What time of year can you see whales in San Francisco?
4 min read
Asked by: Willie Griffin
The best time for whale watching in San Francisco is from December – May, as you’ll have the best opportunity to see more than one type of whale. That said, you can spot other species during different months, so you shouldn’t discount an opportunity just because it doesn’t fall within this time frame.
Are there whales in the San Francisco Bay?
San Francisco is a great place to go whale watching. Just a few miles off the shore are cool waters that offer the perfect feeding ground for several varieties of whales including grays, blues, and humpbacks. Different whales migrate through this area at different times of the year.
When can you whale watch in the Bay Area?
California’s coastline is the perfect spot to catch several whale migration seasons – gray whales from January through April, orcas between February and May, and humpbacks between April and December. Even from land, you’re likely to see them spouting, slapping their tails (known as “lobtailing”) or even breaching.
What is the best month for whale watching in California?
In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.
Can you see whales in San Francisco in July?
Best Time for Whale Watching in San Francisco
The kind of whales you’re most likely to see depends on the season: May through November: humpback whales. December through May: gray whales and killer whales. July through October: blue whales.
Do great white sharks live in the San Francisco Bay?
While there is a sizeable population of great white sharks close to the Farallon Islands and Monterey Bay, they rarely enter San Francisco Bay itself. There have been great white spotted close to Alcatraz Island, however.
Can you see whales from the Golden Gate Bridge?
If you want to view whales without getting on a boat, then the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco may be the way to go. Several humpback whales were spotting enjoying the water under the bridge in one of California’s most iconic bays.
What months do whales migrate?
All along the coast, gray whales can be seen from November to April as they make their way southward, with peak migration usually occurring around January. They head north again in spring, but are generally too far out to sea to spot from land, making winter the best time to catch a glimpse from shore.
When can you see whales in Half Moon Bay?
Beginning in January through the end of March, thousands of gray whales travel over 5,000 miles along the California coast from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska down to Baja California in Mexico.
Can you see whales from Muir Beach?
Muir Beach Overlook is one of the many spots along the parks’ coast for whale lovers to catch a glimpse of these giant marine mammals as they swim by during their winter migrations. Watch for whales and other wildlife from the Muir Beach Overlook. All Ages are welcome to watch for whales!
Does San Francisco Bay have sharks?
Sharks of San Franscisco Bay Area
Around 11 species of Sharks are found in the Bay itself – including Leopard Shark, Pacific Angel Shark, Brown Smoothhound, Broadnose Sevengill, Soupfin Shark. The Leopard Shark is the most common in the Bay. Small Spiny Dogfish are found swimming on the bottom of the Bay.
Where can I go whale watching in the Bay Area?
Guide: Where to watch gray whales this spring
- Bodega Head. …
- Point Reyes Lighthouse. …
- Muir Beach Overlook. …
- Point Bonita. …
- Fort Funston. …
- Lands End Lookout. …
- Devil’s Slide Trail.
How deep is the San Francisco Bay?
The deepest part of the bay is under and out of the Golden Gate Bridge, at 372 ft (113 m).
Why is the water in San Francisco Bay so cold?
The water along the coast of California is cold for a couple of reasons. First, the California Current brings cold water from Alaska southward along the coast. And second, cold water from the deep ocean comes up to the surface through a process called upwelling.
Can you swim in the San Francisco Bay?
Top 10 Places to Swim in San Francisco Bay. Our beloved bay isn’t known as a swimmer’s destination. But if you know where to look, you can find all kinds of sheltered coves, sandy beaches and picturesque parks right on the water and perfect for dipping a toe.
