News Release

Shuttles for Whale Watching at the Point Reyes Headlands

Date: December 23, 1996
Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-663-8522 x226

Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that Point Reyes National Seashore will be offering free shuttle rides on weekends and holidays from January through March at the Point Reyes Headlands. These shuttles are provided by a grant through Chevron to accommodate the increased visitation during this season.

From January through March, several spectacular natural history events occur, drawing thousands of visitors to the Point Reyes Headlands. First, the annual migration of the gray whale from Alaska to Mexico brings these giant leviathans past the Point Reyes Lighthouse. During the peak of the southern migration, in mid-January, as many as 150 whales have been seen in one day. Their return trip in March coincides with the peak of our coastal wildflowers providing visitors the opportunity to see both whales and wildflowers along the magnificent Headlands.

A third dramatic event occurs as the elephant seals come to shore to breed and pup during this same time period. Last year, over 300 pups were born along the Point Reyes Headlands, and their total population at Point Reyes was nearly 1,000 animals! This colony has spilled over to Chimney Rock and presents an easily accessible vantage point to witness the sparring of the bull seals and the birth of the young.

With all of these wonderful events occurring within a three-month period, the National Park Service recommends going to the Point Reyes Headlands on weekdays when the crowds are much smaller in size and the traffic delays are typically non-existent.

Since the popularity of the Headlands has grown over the years, the National Park Service has instituted the free shuttle system with the assistance from Chevron. The vans will operate, as needed, from 11:30 am to 5 pm, weekends and holidays. When the shuttle is operating, Sir Francis Drake beyond South Beach will be open only to bicyclists or private vehicles when parking is available. For more information, call 415-663-1092.

-NPS-