Last updated: January 28th, 2024
Golden Gate Bridge seen in morning, departing San Francisco Marina.
Alcatraz Island seen departing from San Francisco Marina.
Point Bonita Lighthouse and San Francisco seen from departing San Francisco Bay.
Humpback Whale fin
Southeast Farallon Islands
Humpback Whale fluke with sea Sea Lions
A group of Sea Lions looking for food
Humpback Whale fin and Sea Lions
Humpback Whale Fluke
Humpback Whale Fluke with barnacles and North Farallon Islands
Sea Lion and Humpback Whale Fin
Sea Lions and Humpback Whale Fluke
Humpback Whale Fluke
Humpback Whale Fluke
Rainbow in mist of Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale Fluke with birds
Humpback Whale Flukes with birds
Humpback Whale Fluke with birds
Sea Lions swimming with South East Farallons in background
Sea Lions swimming and birds above with South East Farallons in background
Whale fluke with birds
Birds and Sea Lions with South East Farallon Islands in background
Humpback Whale spout with South East Farallon Islands in background
Humpback Whale fin with South East Farallon Islands in background
Humpback Whale fin
Jellyfish
Humpback Whale Fluke and bird with South East Farallon Islands in background
North Farallon Islands
Farallon Islands
Farallon Islands
Farallon Islands
Sunfish
Farallon Islands seen near Continental Shelf
Farallon Islands High Point, solar powered station with person and walkway
Farallon Islands
Building on Farallon Islands
Sea Lions on rocks of Farallon Islands
Sea Lions in water of Farallon Islands
Farallon sign
Caves in Farallon Islands
Alternative loading zone on Farallon Islands
Rocks of Farallon Islands
Rocks of Farallon Islands
Pelicans standing on rocks with droppings
Rocks of Farallon Islands
Rocks of Farallon Islands
Rocks of Farallon Islands with high point in background
Golden Gate Bridge seen returning to San Francisco in the afternoon
Impression
On September 30th, 2018, I went whale watching on the way to and from California's Farallon Islands with Oceanic Society. The naturalists said we saw 56 Humpback Whales during the trip. The ocean was calm and because of this, we were able to get to the Continental Shelf, where the sea floor goes from 300 to 3,000 feet, dramatically. The entire boat trip from the San Francisco Marina and back was approximately 7 hours.
It was important to be prepared for the trip. This meant expecting cold wind and moderate waves while onboard. To prevent seasickness, do not drink alcohol before the trip, take motion sickness medication and eat a high protein breakfast. Prepare for cold weather with layers and waterproof materials, when possible. There may be kelp flies which stay on the boat for quite a while.
Overall, properly preparing for Farallon Islands paid off. We were able to get out to the Continental Shelf, saw Humpback Whales diving, Sea Lions swimming, the Farallon Islands up close and got back without issues.
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