Whale Watching

After coming up empty on whale sightings the week before, the whales made a welcome return. With gray whale season appearing to have wrapped up, we skipped our usual stop inside the bay and headed straight for the Golden Gate in search of humpback whales. The journey out was full of wildlife. Harbor porpoises were everywhere, popping up alongside the boat throughout the trip. We also spotted a few harbor seals and several California sea lions enjoying the morning. As we cruis

Not every whale watching trip includes a whale, and that's part of what makes wildlife encounters so special. Our Fourth of July Whales of the Bay cruise took us on a beautiful journey across San Francisco Bay and beyond the Golden Gate in search of humpback whales. Captain Evan began the morning with scenic views of Alcatraz and Angel Island before making our way to "cetacean station," where we've had recent whale sightings. After spending time scanning the horizon, we conti

Another Saturday, another incredible morning on the water. This week's Whales of the Bay cruise delivered an unforgettable surprise with sightings of four humpback whales just outside the Golden Gate. We began the morning at what Captain Mike calls "cetacean station," where we've been spotting gray whales over the past month. While the gray whales didn't make an appearance this time, Captain Mike decided it was the perfect day to head toward Mile Rock, where humpback whales h

Sometimes the wildlife comes to us, and this past Saturday was one of those days. Just 5 to 10 minutes after departing Fisherman's Wharf, a gray whale was spotted just north of Alcatraz. We quickly made our way over and were rewarded with an incredible encounter. The whale was large, active, and seemed content to spend time in the area. For the next 30 to 40 minutes, guests enjoyed repeated close views as it surfaced around the boat. The highlight of the encounter came when t

This past Saturday's Whales of the Bay Cruise delivered sunshine, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable lineup of San Francisco Bay marine wildlife. The highlight of the day was three separate gray whale sightings — with some coming remarkably close to the vessel. At one point, we found ourselves surrounded on both sides by a pod of harbor porpoises, one of those magical moments that reminds you just how alive the Bay truly is. A curious sea lion even joined us for part of t

This recent Saturday was another fun filled Whales of the Bay cruise. With gorgeous weather and two gray whale sightings. In between Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge, we spent a good amount of time marveling at the two friends who came up to say hi. With our naturalist, Ben, estimating that the second of the two whales was between 40-50 feet long. There were also plenty of sea lions feeding nearby the whales, showing a great peek at how these creatures interact with one an

Naturalist, Casey reports that they had a fantastic day out on the Bay with wildlife sightings from start to finish. Not long after leaving the dock, Captain Mike headed for his favorite spot, where they were quickly greeted by a large solitary gray whale. Later, after passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and heading toward the Pacific, we spotted another blow in the distance. As we got closer, we discovered it was a humpback whale. It appeared to be focused on feeding, calml

This past Saturday’s Whales of the Bay cruise was packed with wildlife from start to finish. We spotted at least four separate gray whales, including several beautiful fluke sightings as they dove beneath the surface. Along the way, guests also enjoyed views of feeding sea lions and harbor porpoises, harbor seals hauled out and sunning themselves, plus plenty of birdlife including brown pelicans, cormorants, murres, and more. Another unforgettable day exploring the wild side

Last Saturday’s Whales of the Bay cruise delivered an exciting morning on San Francisco Bay. Guests spotted three whales east of Angel Island, along with several playful harbor porpoises making appearances throughout the trip. We also encountered an energetic feeding frenzy, with flocks of seabirds diving into the water alongside two sea lions joining in on the action. A perfect reminder that the Bay is full of wild surprises this time of year.

Today’s Whales of the Bay cruise gave guests another unforgettable look at local marine life. We spent time watching a gray whale feeding in the Bay between Treasure Island and Angel Island, then spotted a sea lion floating along with flippers raised, soaking up the sunshine. Along the way, we also saw several cormorants diving and gliding across the water. We even went in search of Chonkers at Pier 39, but word is he has moved on to his next adventure.

Our second Whales of the Bay cruise brought even more incredible wildlife sightings. Guests were treated to four gray whales in the Bay, harbor porpoises swimming alongside us, sea lions frolicking in the water, Brown Pelicans soaring overhead, and a lucky sighting of Chonkers, the famous Steller sea lion, relaxing at Pier 39. Another unforgettable day exploring the wild side of San Francisco Bay.

Our inaugural Whales of the Bay cruise was one to remember. Guests spotted three whales, along with harbor porpoises moving through the water, sea lions lounging and seabirds filling the Bay and sky overhead. It was a powerful reminder of just how alive and dynamic the San Francisco Bay is.