Whale Watch began in as a response to the public's growing concern and awareness of the fragile relationship with the dwindling population of remaining whales and also as a celebration of one of nature's grand events - the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale.

The whales begin their journey at their summer feeding grounds off Arctic waters of the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. They travel down along the Pacific Coast to their winter calving lagoons off Baja California, Mexico. The whales return after breeding or with their young via the same route, usually closer to shore with the mothers on the outside and the calves closer inland for protection.

Our Whale Mother, Bea Brunn has coordinated this program since it's inception in 1986. Volunteers are available at Bodega Head on weekends from January through Mother's Day weekend to share their knowledge of the cetacean migration with State Park visitors.

Groups of 10 or more can book private naturaliist or docent-led Whale Watch programs (reservations at least 2 weeks in advance are recommended). To do so, simply register online by filling out our Online Reservation Form for Groups. Fees vary and help us continue to provide free docent-led environmental education programs for school groups through our School Group Education Programs. Click here to book School Group Reservations online.

For more information on any of Stewards' educational opportunities, please contact: Sukey Robb-Wilder, Programs Manager, at sukeyrw@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.

Whale Watching EcoAdventures for groups are also available for a fee. Click the related link below for more information.