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Farallon Sanctuary Expeditions
December 9, 2018 @ 11:00 pm - November 30, 2019 @ 8:30 am
We will resume our Farallon Island expeditions in September. Follow this site or on Facebook for booking details.
It’s Sharktober! Join Shark Conservationist and Naturalist David McGuire and other wildlife specialists celebrating sharks and all ocean life on a life-changing expedition into the Gulf of the Farallones for whales, wildlife and our finny friends.
Read our 2019 Expedition Blog for images and excerpts.
Join us exiting beneath the Golden Gate for amazing photo and wildlife opportunities entering the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary on a modern day Natural History expedition.
These are Farallon Island -ecocentric expeditions. We focus on sharks and shark conservation, and the marine wildlife of the Gulf of the Farallones but we learn about seabirds, whales, jellyfish and all the amazing marine life in our Sanctuary. We are shark specialists and conservationists, not a commercial enterprise, but lead these specialized conservation and education trips during what we call “Sharktober.”
Join Shark Stewards celebrating sharks in a life-changing experience searching the Gulf of the Farallones for whales, wildlife and our finny friends. Exit the Golden Gate for an amazing photo and wildlife opportunities entering the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary on a modern day wildlife expedition. These trips leave from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and are all day excursions. Private charters are available. We have scheduled trips each Sunday on the months of September-November 2019.
Read about our trip in the Washington Post and the full description of the experience, what to bring and terms here.
Contact us for information and how to get listed on our unique 2019 Sharktober expeditions.
If there is interest, we will run one final trip December 8.
Directions & Information
These events are on the US Coast Guard inspected vessel Silver Fox, departing from San Francisco. 286 Jefferson Street next to Catagnola’s restaurant. MAP.
IMPORTANT
These trips take us out onto the ocean and passengers must be able and prepared for uncomfortable conditions. We monitor weather in real time up to the evening of departure and may postpone the trip up to 6PM the evening before if conditions exceed US Coast Guard advisories. Please read the entire list of what to expect, bring and wear as well as prepare for a full day on the ocean, as well as our postponement and refund policy.
These are Gulf or the Farallones -ecocentric expeditions. We focus on sharks and shark conservation, and the marine wildlife of the Gulf of the Farallones. We are shark specialists and conservationists, not a commercial enterprise, and lead specialized education and conservation experiences during what we call “Sharktober.” These trips also engage citizen-scientists observing whale and wildlife behavior and their habitat in the Gulf and record data in our State MPAs. We use an onboard ROV as part of the National Geographic Open Explorer project for a live topside view of bottom habitat and fish.
NOTE: our trips are ecosystem, conservation, and education wildlife trips and not explicitly shark watching trips. We see whales, seabirds and other mysterious denizens of the deeps- and at times we do see sharks. We are one of the few outfits permitted under NOAA”s White Shark Stewardship Program to deploy a decoy and we may do so. However, attracting white sharks is explicitly forbidden and we do not spend all day at the island searching for sharks. While we focus on shark biology and behavior while at the island and may possibly see a predation or dorsal fin when lucky. There is no guarantee of seeing sharks. If you want to join a shark viewing/cage diving trip please visit the NOAA site for conditions and recommended operators.
**Now with the Trident ROV with live submarine viewing. Read about our National Geographic Farallon Expeditions on Open Explorer
NOTE: our trips are ecosystem, conservation and education wildlife trips and not explicitly shark watching trips. We are one of the few outfits permitted under NOAA”s White Shark Stewardship Program to deploy a decoy and we may do so. However, we do not spend all day at the island searching for sharks. While we focus on shark biology and behavior while at the island and may possibly see a predation or dorsal fin, these are not shark attractant trips. If you want to join a shark viewing/cage diving trip please visit the NOAA site for conditions and recommended operators.
Once leaving the Bay our mission is to make the islands. Conditions may change and alter the destination in the Gulf of the Farallones to areas with wildlife along the Marin coastline and in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Occasionally conditions prohibit crossing the Gulf after entering the Sanctuary. In that case we will investigate the Marin County shoreline as far as Drakes Bay and into deeper waters for whales and wildlife. Refunds are not available nce we have passed beneath the Golden Gate.
Read more in our Expedition blog posts.
Departure
Join us at the Vessel by 0730 to begin check in and boarding for an 0800 departure.
The boat cannot wait for latecomers. We will go out in fog, light rain or small craft warnings (very unusual this time of year) at the captain’s discretion but the boat needs to leave on time. We will return to the Bay about 4:00-4:30 p.m. Allow for delays, especially if unusual wildlife is encountered. Trips may be truncated or rescheduled if weather conditions deteriorate. See departure and refund details below.
Weather & Trip Rescheduling
Although this is the best time of year to cross the Gulf, weather can be a problem outside of the San Francisco Bay. Light rain or fog generally do not result in cancellations. Decisions regarding cancellation may be made on the morning of the trip in unusual conditions, or the evening before based on the most current weather report. We will make our best estimate of weather conditions the evening before and if conditions warrant a cancellation may be made. Notification will be provided via Universe.
Call into 415 350-3790 for a recorded message at 8:00 PM the evening before. We will make every attempt to inform you by email or this site beforehand but cannot personally contact the entire passenger list by telephone.
For passenger safety and comfort, once the vessel has left the Golden Gate routes up or down coast will be determined by the Captain. If conditions deteriorate this may be a coastal trip and the Gulf will be crossed at the Captain’s discretion. There is still plenty of wildlife viewing at Drakes Bay or Pacifica in more sheltered waters. No refunds can be given once the boat has left the dock.
Safety and Access
Boarding requires climbing up and down a six foot ladder. The vessel cannot safely accommodate wheelchairs or persons on crutches or persons with mobility problems due to conditions at sea. Special accommodations may be made at the Captain/Owner’s discretion but advance notice is required. The vessel is equipped with all required US Coast Guard life safety equipment including communications, fire extinguishers, first aid and man overboard equipment. For your safety, persons with leg or other injuries, immobility or pregnancy are discouraged.
* Note- this is a wildlife experience. Although it is highly likely we will see many amazing species of wildlife, there is no guarantee of seeing sharks, whales or other specific wildlife. This is Nature. This is not a Shark Viewing trip, but a shark conservation experience.
Contact the organizer for more details or questions.
This is a long day in the elements. Young children and babies are not allowed by the Captain. Youth over 10 accompanied by parents are encouraged! Please consult with us for making a reservation for anyone under the age of 10 years.
Sea Sickness
The Gulf of the Farallones can have rough waters. Seasick remedies are highly recommended, and they must be consumed prior to boarding to be effective. If you have not used these in the past please check with your doctor first, and read the directions on the label. A full night’s rest the night before is important. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages the night prior to your trip and eat a healthy meal before boarding. Please avoid colognes and perfumes or other scents or food that may make you or other passengers queasy. Remedies like dried ginger have results for many. Other remedies include over-the-counter drugs, like Dramamine and Bonine, and prescription products like scopolamine patches. A new A new FDA-approved device, called the ReliefBand, sends a small electrical current through the same spot and has had positive reviews.
We do not endorse any specific remedies, but no alcohol and rest the night before, a good breakfast (low grease or fat,) hydration and healthy snacks are all recommended. Here is a good survey article on motion seasickness.
What to Bring
- Bring layers of clothing. Sweaters and sweatshirts covered by a waterproof jacket or rain slicker work best. Long pants, hats and gloves are helpful. Wind on the water can cool the temperatures significantly.
- No sandals or open toed shoes. Soft soled deck shoes, sneakers or sea boots are desirable.
- Cameras and binoculars. Covers, towels or plastic bags can protect your equipment from spray.
- Field guides. We will have a one page handout and some references and displays aboard but you may want your own.
- Hats and sunscreen. You can still get a sunburn even in the fog.
- Food, Water and Drink. There is some tap water aboard but please bring plenty of food, snacks and liquids. Water bottles- please keep it green and bring reusable bottles. Sharktober bottles and shark shirts will be available for purchase on board. Food is not available on board. Pretzels, crackers and carbonated beverages during the trip can be helpful to settle your stomach. Alcohol is discouraged. Smoking is Prohibited onboard.
- Please no coolers or large items- space is limited!
FAQs
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
yes- at [email protected]
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes- with prior notice to the operator- no transfers or changes within 48 hours of departure.
Can I update my registration information?
yes
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
A print out is helpful-but we will have a printed manifest.
What is the refund policy?
The captain and operator will make the determination to depart, generally the evening before based on the current forecast. Trips may be canceled in advance due to undersubscription, hazardous weather conditions, Acts of God or emergency. If the trip is canceled for any of these reasons, we will honor your ticket on another trip. If desired, you will receive a refund, less a $15 processing fee, within 30 days of cancellation.
An advance refund is allowed if received by email or through Universe more than 7 days from the departure date. You must have confirmation for the return to be valid minus a $15 processing fee for each canceled reservation. You may reschedule for one of our other trips within the calendar year at no fee, or transfer tickets to another passenger provided you notify us.
Cancellation within 7 days of the scheduled departure time cannot be refunded. You will have the option to attend a trip at a later date at no penalty provided there is space. Due to boat booking we cannot accommodate repeat scheduling changes. We cannot honor reservations or refunds once the calendar year has ended.
In no event shall our liability exceed the obligation to refund more than the amount you paid to us. If you should miss your trip due to airline changes, cancellations, terrorist acts, acts of war, or related incidents, your fee will not be refundable. There are no exceptions to this policy. Once the boat has left the dock, no refunds can be given.
Other
Illegal drugs, smoking or vaping tobacco are not permitted on the boat. To be present to this adventure we request that you please turn off cell phones and pagers while on the boat. This is a green, low impact trip so please plan on minimizing plastic or other single use containers and hang onto anything that might enter the ocean.
We cannot be liable for loss or damage to your personal property while onboard the vessel.
Acknowledgement and Liability
Receipt of this contract via ticket purchase acknowledges your acceptance of the above conditions. The leaders and Shark Stewards assume no responsibility for personal injury or loss.