Elephant Seal Guided Tour at Ano Nuevo State Park- SOLD OUT

Join us on one of the more curious adventures in the Bay, touring Ano Nuevo Reserve to see the giant elephant seals.

 

This is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. Here, the males battle for mates on the beaches and the females give birth to their pups on the dunes. It has become so popular to watch the elephant seals that the state limits the number of hikers, requiring reservations be made 2 months in advance and a ranger/naturalist guides this walk. So, we booked a private tour for just the Outdoor Adventure Club.

 

Some education regarding the elephant seals of Ano Nuevo:

The Elephant Seal viewing area is closed except for official guided walks from December 1 - March 31. Similar closures and guided walk programs since 1975 have allowed a natural development of the elephant seal herd. The mainland herd has increased during that time from only 35 males to more than 5,400 animals, including the birth of more than 1,700 pups.

 

Adult seals begin arriving on the beaches by mid-December. Bulls weighing up to 5,000 pounds engage in battles for breeding access to the females. Pregnant females come ashore to have pups beginning in mid-December, with births reaching a peak by late January. Mothers nurse their pups for about a month before weaning them, mating, and departing back to sea. Birthing and mating activity peak by mid-February; and by early March, most adult seals have returned to the sea. During March, hundreds of weaned pups remain behind to rest in the dunes and learn to swim in the tide pools.

 

Specifics for elephant seal walk:
This walk over rolling sand dunes, lasts about 2.5 hours and is considered moderately strenuous, covering about 3 miles. During the guided walks, the volunteer naturalists and park staff will lead us among the huge marine mammals and explain both the story of the elephant seals and the other natural and cultural history of the area. We will see adult seals arriving to shore and bulls engage in battles for breeding access to females. Pregnant females come ashore to have pups beginning in mid-December.

 

Winter weather at Año Nuevo can be extreme and unpredictable. Be prepared for windy, rainy conditions, as well as muddy trails. This trip happens rain or shine (rangers say the seals are more active when it is wet and cold), so bring rain gear (umbrellas are not allowed on the trail), warm layered clothing, sturdy footwear and bottled water for drinking on the trail.

 

Following the hike, the OAC will provide delicious picnic lunch at a nearby beach. Our tour starts at 10:00am sharp so plan to arrive at Año Nuevo State Park at least 15 minutes early, as the guide swill not be able to wait for late arrivers.