The Whale Watch Public Education Program was started in 1986 by our Whale Mother, Bea Brunn, as a response to the public's growing concern and awareness of the fragile relationship with the dwindling population of remaining whales.

The whales begin their journey at their summer feeding grounds off Arctic waters of the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, to their winter calving lagoons off Baja California, Mexico, traveling south along the coast. They 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.

State Parks Volunteer Docents are stationed at Bodega Head on weekends from January through Mother's Day weekend in May. Potential docents are required to attend one of the three General Orientation Sessions, as well as the Whale Watch Docent Training.

Orientation Sessions

If you would like more information about Whale Watch, other VIP Programs or to register for orientations, please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.