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 are a couple companies in San Francisco Bay (like this one) that run boats out into the Gulf of the Farallones. You can even coordinate a white shark cage dive if you are feeling extra frisky!
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?
Wow, I never knew about these islands and I used to live in San Francisco!
Unfortunately they are easy to miss and many are unaware of their existence! Maybe you’ll get a chance to make up for the lost opportunity one day 🙂
Sounds like an awesome place to visit!
Absolutely! Hopefully you get a chance to see it someday. Be sure to check out the live webcam and virtual tour 🙂
I loved reading this. Sounds like such a fantastic day trip with so much to do & see. I’m from Australia so was very excited to read about the webcam & virtual tour.
Very well written
Thanks Michelle! Hopefully you get a chance to check it out. We’ve visited the webcam site regularly since our trip, even just to watch the sun set over the island. It’s definitely a great feature.
Wow – this sounds like an incredible place to visit. I also love your seasick remedies — I didn’t think about bland snacks, but they do help.
It truly is Alison! If you ever find yourself in the San Francisco area, be sure to check it out. It is a memorable experience for all! Stay well.
This looks like such a beautiful island filled with life. Very cool that there is a webcam to experience the island from home, especially now when traveling is limited. Going to try a virtual excursion today.
Yes Jen, it is a truly incredible and unique location! Hope you enjoyed your virtual tour and that you were fortunate enough to see something of interest!
Wow! So cool, I love hearing about these spots I never knew existed. You thought of everything, like having a tour guide with me!
Thanks Triple B! We really make an effort to introduce folks to new and unique destinations when we can. So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
This looks like such a magical place to spend a day… I have been spending sometime virtually ‘escaping’ right now with everything going on in the world, and this webcam is a great opportunity to do just that. At least then I can feel like I’m heading somewhere fun for a short moment while daydreaming about where I’ll travel when all of this is behind us.
Yay!! So glad you discovered the webcam Britt!! Hopefully you catch a glimpse of something fun. What other venues have you been exploring in an effort to ‘escape’ virtually? We’d love to hear ’em!
I’ve never heard of these and I am from the U.S.! I will definitely have to remember this location for later!
Don’t feel bad Cherrod, they are pretty well hidden 😉 If you ever find yourself in the San Francisco area, definitely make it a point to check them out!
I lived in CA for awhile and never knew this was a place to visit. 100% added it to our list for future family travel trips! Thanks for this post!
Lauren Kidd
http://www.AtHomeEntrepreneur.com
You are most welcome Lauren! Always happy to inspire 🙂 Would really love to hear about your experience some time. Safe travels!
Great Job! Thanks for sharing your travelling experience !
Thanks so much Ath! Really appreciate your kind and thoughtful feedback. Hope you are staying well.
Wow! It’s odd that I’ve never heard of this place. I also didn’t have a huge amount of time available the last time I was in the area, so this will definitely be on my list when we’re able to travel again. You don’t need a National Parks pass or State Parks pass or anything to visit here, right?
Don’t sweat it Josh, it is most certainly a hidden gem! You are correct that there are no passes needed. You just need to purchase the boat tour ticket that will get you out there (or buy a case of beer for your buddy that owns a boat and will take you 😉 Happy exploring!!
What a cool place! I never even knew these islands existed, but it looks like a really neat place to visit. As someone who gets super seasick, your tips for that are great. Ginger and saltine crackers are my go-to’s. But for now, I think I’ll check out the webcam!
Sorry to hear about the seasickness Kait! Kat is prone to it as well so we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve (Phil has never experienced it). Anyway, the webcam is perfect for pandemic times as well. Enjoy!
Hi, this is amazing ! Been to SanFrancisco but never heard Farallon island ! Your tips are amazing ! I will be going next year and I would be following your tips especially avoiding the greasy breakfast, having bland snacks and ginger things! I am also interested to know more about Devil’s Teeth book! I will check it out ! Also I think it’s better to go during fall season, I wanted to see White Sharks!
Anyways loved reading your blog! 🙂 stay safe during this pandemic !
Hi there Miss Relaxed! So glad to hear you found value in the post 🙂 Truly hope you get a chance to make it out to the islands, they are an incredible sight to see. Safe travels!
Oh wow this place looks so fun and awesome!! Hope to visit one day. Thanks for all the tips!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
You bet Katie! Always happy to inspire and assist. Feel free to reach out if you make the trip and have any questions!
This looks really neat! I would love to check it out if/when I visit the area because Iove wildlife. The pictures of the seals are just too cute!
And there are soooooo many seals to be seen Becky! Really hope you get a chance to check it out!
How cool is this?! I really can’t wait to get back outdoors.
https://www.simplysmallblog.com
Couldn’t agree with you more Jerrieal, on all accounts. It is a very cool place and the perfect way to get outdoors!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!?
I’m not from the US but I have been planning on a trip! Before that though I’ll be checking out that webcam!! Those islands sound amazing🤩
Where are you planning to visit when you come over to the US? There are so many wonderful destinations, but this one is definitely tops! Safe travels Elaine!
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