The Monterey Bay area is the largest marine sanctuary in the United States and over a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species have been recorded over the years here. The offshore underwater  canyon teems with marine life in the water whilst thousands of seabirds are also attracted to the area to feed on and above it. Our week will be packed with trips out onto the sea in search of this amazing wildlife spectacle. As always on the oceans, each day is different and we anticipate not only some of the large whales but thousands of dolphins too. Humpbacks are encountered most days in these waters at this time of year and Orcas are frequently seen too. If we are lucky we could still see a late Blue Whale but anything is possible, a pod of Baird’s Beaked Whales being seen in 2007 being just one example! The expected dolphins include Northern Rightwhale,  sometimes over 1000 animals together, this area being one of the best places to see these ‘black torpedoes’ in the world. We should also encounter the amazing Dall’s Porpoise too, another North Pacific species, a fast and active beast, constantly changing direction. Other regular species include Pacific White-sided, Risso’s and Common Dolphins, Northern Minke Whales  plus Harbour Porpoise. Our last planned trip out onto the ocean will be to the Farallone Islands (from San Francisco) for more whales and dolphins plus a great chance of the endangered  Steller’s Sea Lion, Northern Fur Seal and good chances of seeing sharks which could include Blue Shark and the infamous Great White.  Other marine mammals we can expect on this tour include the ever popular Southern Sea Otter, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. We will use a variety of boat operators during the week  and enjoy the company and expertise of some of the most famous naturalists of this magic coastline.

 

The list of potential seabirds is also rather mouth-watering.  Headed by Black-footed Albatross, the tubenoses could include Pink-footed, Flesh-footed, Buller’s, Short-tailed and Sooty Shearwaters,  Wilson’s, Fork-tailed, Ashy and Black Storm-Petrels. We can also expect Brown Pelicans, cormorants, phalaropes, skuas including South Polar, gulls and terns plus a variety of alcids such as Pigeon Guillemot, Cassin’s Auklet and Rhinoceros Auklet. We should also see Tufted Puffins on our trip to the Farallones, most of which should still be in full breeding plumage. We will also see a variety of shorebirds and a good selection of land birds during the week too. We will also look for Californian Condors down the coast, a species recently saved from extinction.

 

We will spend some time on land, we plan to visit the Ano Nuevo State Reserve to see the  Northern Elephant Seals hauled out on the beaches plus a variety of shore and other coastal birds. We will also take a walk in the wonderful Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park under the magnificent trees. There will even be a bit of time to explore the historic cities of Monterey and San Francisco themselves. 

 

The guide

 

Kevin Morgan grew up in SW London and has spent many days at sea since. The co-author of Sealife – A complete  guide to the Marine Environment, Kevin has seen over 40 species of cetacean too date and is a keen birder and a good all round naturalist.  He has led many trips to the West Coast before and is very enthusiastic about his subjects.

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive San Francisco and overnight. Welcome briefing.

Day 2: An early start this morning as we drive down to Monterey via the Henry Cowell State Park. Our first half day boat trip out onto the ocean in the afternoon.

Days 3-5:  We will take two whole day boat trips and one half day. We will also drive down to Big Sur.

Day 6: Morning boat trip, afternoon drive back to San Francisco via Ano Nuevo State Reserve.

Day 7. A whole day boat trip to the Farralone Islands. Farewell dinner.

Day 8: Morning visits to wildlife sites in the Bay area including crossing the Golden Gate bridge. Depart San Francisco.

 

Holiday Information

Dates:                          14th – 21st  September  2008

Leaders:                       Kevin Morgan and local guides on the boats.

Cost :                           Sharing twin room £1459

Single supplement:      £399

Deposit:                       10%

Group size:                  Maximum number of participants will be 8 plus leader.

 

Price includes: Hotel accommodation in San Francisco and Monterey on a room only basis in twin bedded rooms with private facilities, final night dinner, boat trips and land excursions as described, ground transport by air-conditioned van, services of WildWings leader, local guides and boat crews, pre-tour information pack plus mammal and bird check list.

 

Price excludes: Flights (UK – San Francisco from £525 return), travel insurance, meals (except last night dinner) , drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, laundry charges and other items of a personal nature.