Farallon Islands Eco Tours

The Gulf of the Farallones is a rugged and natural archipelago of rocky outcrops and small islands of bare, solid rock on the California Coast near San Francisco and Marin County.

You are certain to see a volume of marine life.

The apex predator in the Farallon Islands is the Great White Shark. It hunts the Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals that congregate in larger numbers on the undisturbed shores.

Fur seals were wiped out through hunting a century ago. Only recently, a small breeding colony has managed to establish itself in a prime territory on the North side of the island.

Sea Otters are infrequent visitors either  return to the mainland or become a tiny snack for ever present great white sharks.

There are also hundreds if not thousands of migrating whales here in San Francisco waters; Humpback Whales are among the more common with Gray Whales, Minke Whales, Blue Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales) all possible whale watching targets. Many species of dolphins can be found from the Golden Gate to the islands.

The main island is home to dozens of species of seabirds, sometimes near one hundred species at any given time. You never know when an Albatross or Puffin will come within camera reach.

In addition to all of this marine life nature viewing, you have the greatest chance of seeing Great white Sharks up close and personal on an eco tour boat around the Farallon Islands.

If nature watching or nature photography are of interest, this trip offers California's wildest coast. A portion of the island is inhabited by a rare newer colony of fur seals; it is the most guarded natural treasure that San Francisco, California or the entire Unites States has to offer..! Even the island's few residents must get a very special federal permit to enter the area...

Our Farallon Eco Tours are very special nature trips at any time of year! Let us know when you want to go:

• Shark "Season" peeks around late summer through Autumn.
• Whale watching lasts for most of the year, depending on species.
• Pelagic birds and migratory waterfowl all have their schedules.
• Sea mammals are easiest to view during breeding season.

Under the right conditions, giant waves can come out of the distant Pacific Ocean and create a huge surf that crashes ashore with a ferocity that rivals the famous Maverick's surf in Half Moon Bay (though no one would want to surf here at the islands...). Both big wave locations offer incredible photography opportunities!

During different fishing seasons, we may also do a little fishing for king salmon, rock cod, lingcod or Dungeness crabs.

The Golden Gate Bridge with the City behind it glowing in the afternoon sun or better yet the glorious San Francisco Sunset make for a uniquely Bay Area photo op.

Don't forget your camera along with warm clothes (in layers), sunglasses, sunscreen, food and drinks for the day and the adult beverages of your choice.