Can’t jet off to the Galapagos? Head to the Farallon Islands instead
Michelle Bigley
San Francisco Examiner
04/23/2009
OK, I’ll admit getting to the Farallon Islands is a trek. Cold, rough waters make the 8-hour boat excursion (often accompanied by the sweet smell of vomit) unpleasant. And Bay Area “summer” conditions are far from the idyllic sunny boat trip we pine for when we trek to, say, Hawaii. Top it off with the fact that you can’t actually step onto the islands, and many wonder: What’s the fuss all about?
Located on the boundary zone between two of the Earth’s major tectonic plates, the Farallon Islands are more than mere granite peaks. Surrounded by underwater valleys reaching depths of 6000 feet, the wealth of animals that call this region home bring a goofy smile to most marine biologists’ faces.
Just past the Golden Gate lies a rich feeding area for seals, elephant seals, sea lions, sharks, dolphins, and whales. And bird watchers will get all starry-eyed over the 12 species of breeding seabirds, including Common Muires, Cassins, Rhinoceros Guillemots, and Tufted Puffins.
Unlike many boat excursions, year round you get to spot animals out there. Though you might want to note that fall is the best time to view great white sharks and winter is the ideal season for grey whales.
So pop some Dramamine, bring a winter coat, and be ok leaving the kids at home (since they must be 10 years old to go along). Trips go out from May-November weekends (and some Friday and Mondays).
In case you hate boats: As an added bonus, to get us geared up for the start of the season, the nonprofit Oceanic Society and the San Francisco Public Library are offering a free screening of The Farallon Islands, Past Present and Future. This 40-minute film provides an intimate, glimpse of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge (a much different view than you will get if you sail out here). In addition, the film documents the return visit to the islands by former residents the Jackson family (they last stepped on the islands in 1953).
