Wildlife Encounters
From the dynamic waters of the San Francisco Bay to the open ocean beyond the Golden Gate, Blue Giants encounters a remarkable diversity of marine life. These are some of the species we see most often — each offering insight into the changing conditions of our coast and the intricate balance of this marine ecosystem.
Humpback Whale
From late spring through fall humpback whales migrate to the California coast to feed on anchovies and krill. The waters off San Francisco are among the best places to witness their incredible feeding behaviors, especially when schools of fish gather nearshore around Pacifica and the outer Bay. Here, humpbacks often surface close to shore, breach, and lunge-feed in shallow water, offering some of the most spectacular whale encounters on the West Coast. Each whale’s fluke is unique, allowing us to identify individuals and follow their movements throughout the season.
Gray Whale
From March through June, gray whales are a regular presence along the California coast and in recent years, they’ve been venturing into the San Francisco Bay more often to feed. Seeing them here is truly unforgettable. We often witness these giants feed as they filter sediment through their baleen, leaving plumes of cloudy water behind. The close, extended viewing these encounters provide is unlike anything possible along their offshore migration routes.
While these experiences are incredible to witness, they also highlight the need for vessel awareness and slower speeds to keep whales safe in this busy waterway. In 2025, we documented more gray whales inside the Bay than ever before — a reminder of how changing ocean conditions continue to shape where and how these giants find food.
Harbor Porpoise
Small, shy, and often mistaken for dolphins, harbor porpoises are actually one of the most fascinating success stories in the Bay. Once absent for more than 60 years, they returned to San Francisco Bay around 2009 and have been seen regularly ever since. These compact cetaceans prefer cool, productive waters and are most often spotted near the Golden Gate and along the Marin Headlands, surfacing quietly in pairs or small groups. Their return is a hopeful sign that the Bay’s ecosystem is recovering — and a reminder of how quickly wildlife can respond when conditions improve.
Harbor Seal
Playful and curious, harbor seals are year-round residents of the Bay. Often called the “puppies of the sea,” they rest on beaches and rocks between dives for fish and invertebrates — always watching with calm, inquisitive eyes.
California Sea Lion
One of the fastest marine mammals, sea lions can reach speeds over 20 mph — but they’re just as happy lounging on buoys and jetties around the Bay. Their lively barks and playful nature make them an unmistakable part of the coastline.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Once uncommon in central California, bottlenose dolphins have expanded their range northward in recent years, likely due to warming ocean temperatures. We occasionally see them along the coast and get treated to them riding our bow.
Brown Pelican
Once nearly lost to pesticide use, Brown Pelicans have made a remarkable recovery along the California coast. They’re often seen gliding low over the waves or plunging dramatically into the water to catch fish — a symbol of resilience and the vitality of our coastal ecosystem.
Cormorant
Brandt’s, Double Crested, and Pelagic Cormorants are regular sights around the Golden Gate and along the Marin Headlands. Skilled divers, they chase fish underwater with powerful kicks, surfacing suddenly with their catch. Often perched on cliffs or buoys with wings outstretched to dry, these sleek seabirds are a familiar part of the coastal landscape.
Elegant Tern
True to their name, Elegant Terns hover gracefully before diving for anchovies and small fish near the Bay’s mouth and along the coast. Their distinctive orange bills and sharp calls add color and sound to the lively summer skies above the ocean.
Endless Possibilities
The ocean is full of surprises, and every trip brings something new. Alongside the wildlife we most often encounter, there’s always the chance to see even more — especially on our longer excursions. In this biodiverse hotspot, we may come across blue and fin whales, fur seals, Risso’s dolphins, puffins, thousands of migrating sooty shearwaters, and much more. Whether close to shore or farther along the coast, no two days on the water are ever the same.