Point Reyes National Seashore - Viewing Elephant Seals (U.S. National Park Service)

Click on the following links to find out more about viewing opportunities for these species and to learn about their habitats and behaviors:

Birds | Coho Salmon | Elephant Seals | Tule Elk | Whales

Bull Elephant Seal

After being absent for more than 150 years, elephant seals returned to the sandy Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s. In 1981, the first breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock. Since then, researchers have found that the colony is growing at a dramatic annual average rate of 16 percent. Fanning out from their initial secluded spot, the seals have expanded to popular beaches.

From December through March a breeding colony of elephant seals can be observed from Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above beautiful Drakes Bay. The males are the first to arrive here, in December, to stake out a claim on the beach. Then pregnant females begin to arrive and soon give birth to a single pup. Subadult and juvenile animals arrive and the colony can number close to one hundred animals.

From the Overlook you can witness the fascinating behavior of these animals, including male dominance contests, birthing of pups and the interactions of mothers and pups. You will hear the distinctive vocalizations of females, pups and the powerful trumpeting of the adult males (bulls) which can be heard for over a mile.

Check out our Weekly Elephant Seal updates to learn the latest news.

During weekends and holidays, highly trained docents staff the Overlook. They have binoculars, spotting scopes, and a wealth of information to share with you.

For more information, check out our Elephant Seals page or our Elephant Seals Resource Newsletter (330 KB PDF - Adobe® Acrobat Reader® is needed to view PDF documents).

Important Note:
Due to the high volume of traffic out to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas during the elephant seal and gray whale migration, the park will be operating 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). Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from South Beach to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas WILL BE CLOSED during shuttle operating hours. For more information call the Bear Valley Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100.

Seal viewing tips:

For your own safety, always observe elephant seals from a distance. Use binoculars and spotting scopes. If a seal becomes alert or nervous and begins to move away, you are too close.
Stay at least 100 feet from any marine mammal.
Do not come between a cow and pup, a bull and a group of cows, or two bulls challenging each other.
Watch quietly; whisper. Move slowly.
Bring your pets only where they are allowed.
Observe beach closures and restrictions.

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