2006 Whale Sightings: Gray Whales

Oceanic Society's Gray Whale Migration Sightings Log

WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 25-26, 06

Trip Report: Our San Francisco trip first encountered 15 harbor porpoises just outside the Golden Gate bridge. Near the Farallons we also came across three gray whales about 200 yards from the boat with lots of blows and flukes visible. Other marine mammal sightings included California sea lions, steller sea lions, elephant and harbor seals. Birds sighting included loons, grebes, fulmers, shearwaters, cormorants, scoters, Oyster Catchers, gulls, murres, guillemonts and aukeets.

Our trip from Half Moon Bay saw 10-15 gray whales in groups of 2-3 animals, some coming as close as 30 yards from the boat and remaining with us for over an hour. Bird sighting included loons, grebes, fulmers, cormorants, gulls and murres.

Gray Whale migration trips depart Saturdays and Sundays (with select Fridays departures) through May from San Francisco and Half Moon Bay. Saturday/Sunday half-day trips from Bodega Bay through April. For reservations call: (415) 474-3385.