Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Whale Watching at Point Reyes National Seashore
NPS / A. Kopshever
Where can I see whales?
The Point Reyes Peninsula juts 10 miles (16 kilometers) into the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors on land to get closer to migrating whales than most other places along the California coast. When the weather is clear, there is a chance of spotting whales from any section of coastline in the park, but the best viewing opportunities are from the very tip of this peninsula, otherwise known as the Point Reyes Headlands. Popular spots in this area include the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock.
When can I see whales?
The most common whale seen off the coast of Point Reyes is the California gray whale. Driven by their food sources and warmer waters for the cows (e.g., female whales) to give birth, gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal. They travel over 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) from Alaska to Baja and, fortunately for us, swim right by Point Reyes on the way! Visit in December or January to catch the southern migration and come back in March, April, or May to see them on their return north! Late April and early May is the best time to see mothers and calves that tend to swim even closer to shore.
Due to the high volume of traffic out to the Point Reyes Headlands during the gray whale migration, the park operates a shuttle bus system from the Drakes Beach parking lot (usually from New Year's to Easter each year on weekends and holidays—weather permitting). When the shuttle bus is operating, there is no private vehicle access to the Point Reyes Lighthouse or Chimney Rock—this includes bicycles. Check the "Shuttles, Whales, and Elephant Seals" recording at 415-464-5100 x2 x3 x1 for updates on whether shuttles are operating.
Visiting in summer or fall?
Don't fret! While Point Reyes is most well-known as a spot for watching the gray whale migration, there are plenty of other marine creatures to be seen from this unique vantage point! The waters off of Point Reyes, which are protected within the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, are some of the most diverse and productive in the world. After the gray whale, the humpback whale is the next most sighted whale at Point Reyes. Humpback whales migrate north from their winter waters off of Mexico and Central America to the Gulf of the Farallones off the shore of Point Reyes where they feed during the summer and fall.
Extremely lucky visitors might even get to see blue, fin, or minke whales. Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and harbor porpoises can also frequently be seen, with orcas irregularly making an appearance.
To learn more about whales, whale watching, and locations for watching for them beyond Point Reyes, visit our Whale Watching page. Check the park calendar for current ranger-led whale watching programs.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Age(s)
All ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are prohibited at most of the best whale watching locations, including the lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas. Visit the park's Pets page to learn more about where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California
While it is possible to see whales from any coastal trail or beach, the Point Reyes Headlands (e.g., the immediate area around the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock) offer some of the finest locations to view whales along the California coast (weather permitting).
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Gray whales are usually observed migrating south past the Point Reyes National Seashore from December through mid-February and migrating north from mid-February through May. Humpback whales and some other species of cetaceans are frequently observed feeding in the waters surrounding Point Reyes in the summer and fall.
Winter
The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool.
Spring
Most spring days are windy and this area frequently experiences fresh to strong breezes. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant, even warm.
Summer
Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog throughout the day in July, August and September with temperatures at the Point Reyes Headlands often in the 60°s F (16–21°C).
Fall
The coastal areas of Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales.
Time of Day
Day
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day use from 6 am to midnight, although whales are unlikely to be seen before dawn or after dusk.
Accessibility Information
The Point Reyes Lighthouse area provides some of the best, accessible whale watching opportunities. The lighthouse area's accessible parking lot is located 0.4 miles (0.6 km) beyond (to the west of) the lighthouse shuttle stop and main visitor parking lot. Individuals with a Disabled Person parking placard or plate may open the gate at the west end of the roundabout at the shuttle stop and drive to the accessible parking lot (be sure to close the gate after you've passed through). Please drive slowly and carefully since this section of the sixteen-foot-wide service road doubles as the pedestrian path from the main parking lot to the lighthouse. The accessible parking lot is on the right/north side of the road just beyond the cypress trees. If you start to drive up a steep hill via an eight-foot wide driveway to the garages, you are going too far.
The ~400-foot (~120 m) long path from the accessible parking lot to the Lighthouse Visitor Center and the observation deck at the top of the stairs is wheelchair-accessible. The visitor center and observation deck are also accessible. Accessible restrooms are located at the east end of the green garages that are located approximately 100 yards (~90 meters) to the east of the Lighthouse Visitor Center. To get to them, follow the accessible path from the accessible parking lot toward the Lighthouse Visitor Center for about 290 feet (~90 meters) and make a very sharp left to follow the accessible path leading to the garage.
