Late December means it's the start of whale-watching season off the California coast. The National Park Service has reported seeing the first California Gray Whales passing by the Point Reyes lighthouse, so it's a great time to head out to the coast and check out the whales' annual southern migration. We still continue our tradition of never actually spotting one, but that won't stop us from dusting off the binoculars and trying again. Every year, California Gray Whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the waters off Alaska to their breeding grounds in the warmer waters near Baja California. This southern migration takes place from late December through February, with the peak in about mid January. The return trip north happens in March through May, with the peak watching time in mid March; late April and early May are great times to see mother whales swimming with their calves.
Probably the best place to see the whale migration is at the Point Reyes Lighthouse, since it's at the point where the Point Reyes Peninsula juts farthest into the Pacific Ocean. Chimney Rock, on the opposite side of the ridge from the lighthouse, is another good place to observe. Due to the popularity of these spots, the Park Service operates a winter shuttle bus program in the area on weekends and holidays from late December through mid April. During this time, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is closed from Point Reyes Beach South, and the lighthouse and Chimney Rock are accessible only by shuttle bus, foot, and bicycle. The bus runs from 9 am to approximately 5:30 pm, and costs $5 per person, although children under 16 are free. The buses operate in a loop from and to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drake's Beach, with stops at the lighthouse and Chimney Rock parking lots.
Other good spots to watch for whales in the Bay Area include the Marin Headlands, Bodega Head, Jenner, Fort Ross, Point Montara, and Año Nuevo State Reserve.
What to Bring
Those familiar with the Point Reyes National Seashore know that weather can be unpredicatable there. The lighthouse, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the windiest and foggiest places on Earth! Dress in layers and make sure you have a wind-resistant parka or shell. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are a must, since the whale viewing areas are located at some distance from the parking lots. Also, a pair of decent binoculars or a spotting scope are a must, although whale watchers are a friendly bunch and people will often let you look through their binoculars if you don't have any. There's food available at the Drake's Beach Cafe, located adjacent to the Kenneth Patrick Visitor Center, but not at the lighthouse or Chimney Rock.
How to Get There
Head out to Point Reyes Station via Highway 1 or Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Head west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in the direction of Inverness. Follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard out onto the Point Reyes Peninsula. Turn left onto Drake's Beach Road to go to Drake's Beach. If the road's open, you can continue on Sir Francis Drake all the way to the lighthouse and Chimney Rock.
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