Ever hear of the Farallon Islands?? You should DEFINITELY check them out! Keep reading for everything you need to know about planning your Farallon Islands day trip.
Nearly thirty miles off the San Francisco coast lies an archipelago known as Los Farallones, a seemingly barren looking collective of islands managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge, known as “the Devil’s Teeth”, consists of rocks that protrude from the ocean as jagged, triangular formations. They are visible from the California coast on the clearest days and can be seen from an airplane as you prepare to land at SFO from any Northern destination. For hundreds of years, people have stared out at these islands wondering what inhabits them and what goes on. Once known as the “Islands of the Dead”, the islands have a very rich history.
Island History
Over the years, the islands have seen various inhabitants and the natural flora and fauna have taken a real licking. The Russian fur trade (early 1800s) and the San Francisco Egg War (late 1800ss) lead to drastic devastation of native island species. In 1968, Point Blue Conservation Science paired up with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect this islands and now have one of the longest running data sets on an untouched wildlife preserve. Today, the islands are full of life and remain closed to the public. Anyone interested in seeing these beautiful structures and the wildlife they behold can do so by taking a day trip by boat from San Francisco.
How to get There
There is never a dull moment as you embark on this wonder filled day trip. Starting at one of many San Francisco piers, you’ll move past Alcatraz Island (another great stop if you have some extra time in the Bay area). Keep an eye out for sea lions as your wildlife adventure starts before you pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. Once out of the bay look for harbor porpoises and various species of a sea bird. Farther out and depending on the season, grey, humpback, killer and even blue whales lurk in these waters.
Your boat will head for the southern most island in the cluster, known as Southeast Farallon Island (or SEFI to the cool kids). As it begins to grow on the horizon, you’ll be overwhelmed by a Jurassic Park like wonder as you begin to notice all of the activity going on with nary a human in sight. If you happen upon an individual of the Homo sapien kind, it’s likely one of the resident researchers committed to the current field season. Yes, they are aware that you are there, and if you get so lucky, you may even get one communicating with the Captain over your boat’s radio! As you get even nearer, all of the various species will start to materialize.
What You’ll See
The first part of the island that you’ll notice is Lighthouse Hill, the central mound topped by a lighthouse. This fully functional beacon is solar powered and maintained by the coastguard. It also serves as the best vantage point for researchers to conduct daily whale watches and monitor the surrounding waters for shark attacks. As you make your way around the Island in a counter clockwise direction you’ll cruise past Saddle Rock (aka Seal Rock) and Mirounga Bay. This is where you’ll catch a glimpse of the only houses on the island, the Coast Guard House (right) and the PRBO house (left) – this is where the researchers live!
There are only a handful of other buildings on the island: the Powerhouse (where the solar energy is harvested and stored), the Carp[entry] Shop, the Pump House, a couple sheds and observation stations or “blinds”. You’ll continue around West End where you’ll see Great Arch and pass Maintop Bay. Next you’ll come upon the islets on the North end of the island, each of which is named: Finger Rock, Arch Rock, Chocolate Chip and Sugar Loaf. You’ll round off the island as you pass Fishermen’s Bay and Shubrick Point.
Depending on the time of year, there are several different species to see. The spring is the man bird nesting season. You’ll see hundreds to thousands to hundreds of thousands of cormorants, puffins, auklets and petrels to name a few. The fall is when the white sharks are most abundant, though catching a glimpse of one of them is uncommon. And in the winter, the island is heavily populated by Northern elephant seals in their breeding season.
Farallon Islands Day Trip Packing List
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- LAYERS!! – It’s so much easier to prepare for cold, wet weather than warm, sunny conditions. You can easily readjust once offshore. It just isn’t worth being uncomfortable and missing out on this amazing experience. Even packing a blanket is a good idea!
- Good footwear – No, you don’t need to wear rainboots, but comfortable, non-skid shoes that you are OK with possibly getting wet are best.
- Snacks – whether you plan to bring along a whole baked chicken or PB & J sandwiches, be sure to pack plenty of hunger satiating items (FARALLON TIP: packing watery snacks like fruit and vegetables are helpful in keeping you hydrated and keeping seasickness at bay)
- Water – you’ll absolutely need to fill up a large reusable beverage container (or two!) with water for the trip. Staying hydrated is essential to fighting seasickness and spending a day in the sun.
- Neck pillow – whether you plan to nap on the way out (though the anticipation is plenty to keep you awake) or nap on the way in, a day offshore can take a lot out of you!
- Binoculars – there are so many different sets out there! If you don’t already own a pair, it’s a worth while investment. We recommend this pair as far as “bang for your buck”.
- A good camera – again, many options here. Check out this super reasonably priced camera we purchased for our trip to the Farallons. (FARALLON TIP: Don’t forget to charge it the night before!)
- Sun glasses – you want to take in the WHOLE experience so no sense squinting your way through!
- Sun screen
- Mint gum – mint is said to soothe the stomach and helps get rid of the taste if you do get sick 😉
- Seasick Preventatives (see below for more)
Things to Leave at Home
- Your hangover – sailing hungover is rarely a pleasant experience, TRUST US! Try to refrain from overindulgence the night before your trip.
- Fishing gear – there will be NO FISHING on this trip. The islands are a Wildlife Refuge and are strictly protected from any type of harvest.
- Drones – many people own one of these small crafts, armed with photographic capabilities. They are not permitted in the air space surrounding the island so don’t even think about it.
- A poor attitude – this is such a fantastic opportunity and experience for any one involved. Be sure to pack a smiling face and a positive attitude 🙂
Books to Read/Bring Along
In anticipation of your Farallon Islands day trip, here are a couple books that are worth checking out!
- Wildlife guides – some of our favourites: Marine Mammals of the World and Sibley’s Guide to Birds, both great editions to any collection as they can be used on the east coast of the US also.
- The Devil’s Teeth by Susan Casey – this is a fun read to familiarize yourself with the island’s layout and some of it’s history.
- Neighbourhood Sharks by Katherine Roy (not me) – Great for kids (and adults too!) The beautiful artwork in this book presents stunning recreations of the island’s most voracious predator/prey interactions
Seasick Preparedness
For the love of all that is sacred PREPARE TO BE SEASICK on your Farallon Islands day trip!! And if you aren’t, all the better! Being seasick SUCKS! It doesn’t happen to everyone, but It isn’t worth crying out on the money you spent for this trip. Even if you have been on a boat before and haven’t had issues, you’ve never been on THIS boat in THESE conditions. There are so many options to prevent seasickness in this day and age, it’s silly not to prepare!
- Pills – Dramamine (the less-drowsy one), Bonine, or if you have prescription strength, bring those! (FARALLON TIP: take them the night before to ensure it’s in your system and that you are ready to seize day)
- Sea bands – while we have never used these, we have heard great things about them
- Gingery things – ginger beer, ginger chews, ginger gum, ginger tea, ginger pills…the list goes on!
- Sea Pop – this all natural, herbal elixir created by Les Claypool is available at various locations in the Bay area
- STAY HYDRATED!!!
- Bland snacks – plain Triscuits, Wasa crackers or good ol’ sliced bread will help keep something in your stomach
- Have a good, light breakfast – it’s a common misconception that you won’t throw up if there’s nothing to throw up. On the contrary – you are actually more likely to feel nauseas on an empty stomach. So be sure to grab a bite before you hit the dock. (FARALLON TIP: try to avoid a heavy, greasy breakfast and coffee if you can bear it)
Alternate Options
Not the sea faring type? If getting on a boat or traveling to San Francisco isn’t in the cards, you can log into the island webcam. The camera overlooks the island from the lighthouse, and you can control it from the comfort of your own home. You can also check out this interactive map to explore the refuge and it’s wonderful features on a virtual tour! The researchers also contribute to a blog, so check in regularly for updates on the islands goings on. Still can’t get enough? The island recruits volunteers for each of their island research seasons. That’s how Kat spent her 2017/18 Winter (blog post coming soon!). Until then, check out the epic road trip that ensued…
Have you ever visited a National Wildlife Refuge? Would you go on a Farallon Islands day trip?
