Farallones Sanctuary Wildlife Expedition
Visit the Waters of the Devils Teeth Join marine biologist David McGuire on a unique exploration into the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, observing, photographing and recording marine wildlife from seabirds to whales, and maybe even a great white shark! We lead these unique trips each Sharktober when the white sharks return from their amazing migration of over 4000 miles round trip to forage in our National Marine Sanctuary. As part of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary White Shark Stewardship program, we collect data using photographs and encourage our guests to add observations on whales, seabirds and white sharks while educating the public on the importance of white sharks and all life in the ocean.
These unique natural history trips to the Devil’s Teeth, (the Island of the Great White Shark) focus on the history, geology and biology of the Greater Farallones and San Francisco Bay. We only book in fall when the white sharks return and the weather is clement for our passengers and students. We focus on shark conservation and the health of the entire marine ecosystem in our sanctuary. Although we will watch whales and seabirds, and seek sharks- these trips are conservation and outdoor marine education and are not shark specifically watching of diving trips- but we often see sharks!
ABOUT THESE EXPEDITIONS These events are surface viewing on a US Coast Guard inspected vessel, the AMIGO, departing from San Francisco near the Fisherman's Wharf. Fish and Wildlife Regulations prohibit landing in the Refuge. This is not explicitly a white shark or SE Farallon Island Trip. It is a wildlife adventure into the Sanctuary.
We meet at the Vessel AMIGO at Fisherman's Wharf (not Pier 39) by 0730 to begin boarding for an 0800 departure. Return is by 4:30PM- but can go longer by as much as an hour of we are onto something spectacular so please plan accordingly. These are Gulf of the Farallones-ecocentric expeditions.* We focus on sharks and shark conservation, and the marine wildlife in the Gulf of the Farallones but we learn about seabirds, whales, jellyfish and all the amazing marine life in our Sanctuary. We are shark specialists and conservationists, not a commercial enterprise, but lead these specialized conservation and education trips during what we call "Sharktober."
NOTE: our trips are ecosystem, conservation and education wildlife trips and not explicitly shark watching trips. We are one of the few outfits permitted under NOAA's White Shark Stewardship Program. However, we visit island waters in "the zone" at Shark Alley where the sharks prey on unsuspecting elephant seals and the chance of a predation event is higher than just about anywhere in the world
We do not spend all day searching for sharks but we do visit the feeding gruonds and spend several hours in peak foraging habitat. While we focus on shark biology and behavior and if at the island we may possibly see a predation or dorsal fin, these are not shark attractant trips. If you want to join a shark viewing/cage diving trip please visit the NOAA site for conditions and recommended operators.
ROUTE:
Once leaving the Bay our mission is to travel up the Marin shoreline seeking feeding humpback whales and seeking white sharks to surface view, but there is no guarantee. Conditions may change and alter the destination in the Gulf of the Farallones to areas with wildlife along the Marin coastline and in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. On this trip we will investigate the Marin County shoreline as far as Drakes Bay and into deeper waters for whales and wildlife. Refunds are not available once we have passed beneath the Golden Gate.
DIRECTIONS The vessel is berthed along the historic Fisherman’s wharf waterfront between Castagnolas and Tarantino’s restaurants. Look for the EAT CRAB sign across the street. Parking is located on surface streets as marked ( free on Sundays as marked-) or at the Anchor street Garage on Beach and Jones. We encourage and advise public transportation. Please join us on the Vessel by 0730 to begin boarding for an 0800 departure.
NATURAL HISTORY In the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 36 species of marine mammals, including 18 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins ) are found, most frequently gray whales, blue whales, and humpback whales. Five species of pinniped come to shore on the islands to feed, and in some cases breed and give birth. These include the northern elephant seal, harbor seal, Steller's sea lion, California sea lion, and the northern fur seal (many like the rhinoceros auklet, brown pelican were locally extinct and are now returning to the island after protection). Occasionally we see the smaller Guadalupe fur seal and we hope one day to see the return of the Southern sea otter. As part of the Fish and Wildlife Refuge system, the Farallon Islands are an important reserve protecting a huge seabird colony. The islands' position in the highly productive California Current and Eastern Pacific upwelling region, as well as the absence of other large islands that would provide suitable nesting grounds, result in a seabird population of over 250,000. Twelve species of seabird and shorebird nest on the islands; Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Cassin's Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Black Oystercatcher,Rhinoceros Auklet, Ashy Storm-petrel, and Leach's Storm-petrel. * These exclusive trips explore and explain the natural history of the Great White Shark and other local species. Although it is highly likely we will see many amazing species of wildlife, there is NO GUARANTEE of seeing sharks, whales or other specific wildlife. This is Nature- but lucky for us there is a lot of it out there and we have never been disappointed. This is not a Shark Viewing trip, but a shark conservation and wildlife appreciation experience. As wildlife viewing and timing allow, we may visit the Continental Shelf to view pelagic species!
DETAILS
DEPARTURE Join us at the Vessel by 0730 to begin check in and boarding for an 0800 departure. The boat cannot wait for latecomers. We may depart in fog, light rain or small craft warnings (very unusual this time of year) at the captain's discretion, but the boat must leave on time. We will return to the Bay about 4:00-4:30 p.m. Allow for delays, especially if unusual wildlife is encountered. Trips may be truncated or rescheduled if weather conditions deteriorate. See departure and refund details below.
Age and Physical Requirements Youth are welcome but trips are limited to ages 8 and above due to the fatiguing nature of an all day trip. Parents or guardians must accompany minors and sign a waiver in their behalf. This vessel requires boarding by ladder and mobility is necessary. Please contact us for accommodations or special needs that we will attempt to accommodate.
Covid Policy**. We monitor and observe the most recent advisories submitted by the Department of Health and CDC. If you are sick, or have fever or signs of illness, do not attend for the safety and welfare of the other passengers, the captain, and crew.
** Weather & Trip Rescheduling Although this is the best time of year to cross the Gulf, weather can be a problem outside of the San Francisco Bay. Light rain or fog generally do not result in cancellations. Decisions regarding cancellation may be made on the morning of the trip in unusual conditions, but we make every effort to decide the evening before based on the most current weather report. We will make our best estimate of weather conditions the evening before and if conditions warrant a cancellation may be made. Notification will be provided via Universe.
Call into 415 350-3790 for a recorded message at 8:00 PM the evening before. We will make every attempt to inform you by email or this site beforehand but cannot personally contact the entire passenger list by telephone. For passenger safety and comfort, once the vessel has left the Golden Gate the final destination will be determined by the Captain. If conditions deteriorate this may become a coastal trip and the Gulf will only be crossed at the Captain's discretion. There is still plenty of wildlife viewing at Drakes Bay or Pacifica in more sheltered waters. No refunds can be given once the boat has left the dock.
Vessel, Safety and Access. We will obey all vaccination, masking and other COVID requirements as made by the City of San Francisco and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at the time of the event.
ACCOMODATIONS The vessel is seaworthy with all safety equipment, and US Coast Guard approved. Boarding requires climbing up and down a six foot ladder. The vessel cannot safely accommodate wheelchairs or persons on crutches or persons with mobility problems due to conditions at sea. Special accommodations may be made at the Captain/Owner's discretion but advance notice is required. The vessel is equipped with all required US Coast Guard life safety equipment including communications, fire extinguishers, first aid and man overboard equipment. For your safety, persons with leg or other injuries, immobility or pregnancy are discouraged.There is a marine bathroom onboard. To avoid clogging nothing that does not go into your mouth and through your system should go down the toilet. * Note- this is a wildlife experience. Although it is highly likely we will see many amazing species of wildlife, there is no guarantee of seeing sharks, whales or other specific wildlife. This is Nature.
Children This is a long day in the elements. Young children and babies are not allowed by the Captain. Youth over 8 accompanied by parents are encouraged! Please consult with us for making a reservation for anyone under the age of 8 years.
Sea Sickness The Gulf of the Farallones can have rough waters. Seasick remedies are highly recommended, and they must be consum