Where to Go Whale Watching on the Sonoma Coast

Gualala Point Regional Park

Twice each year, some 20,000 gray whales pass along the California coast as they swim south to breeding lagoons on the west coast of Baja California during winter months, then back to their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic’s Bering Sea in spring. The round trip for these sea giants is roughly 12,000 miles and is considered one of the longest among mammals.

If you’d like to witness this epic journey, you can in Sonoma County! The peak months for whale watching here are January through May. If the weather is good, whales can be seen within a few hundred yards of coastal headlands. During spring migration, even little whales are a big deal, as the recently born calves cavort with their mothers on their way back to colder waters. Bring binoculars for a spectacular sighting.

PLEASE NOTE: Always read and obey warning signs along the coast. Ocean conditions can change quickly, and the absence of a particular sign does not mean there is no threat of hazardous conditions. Always keep a safe distance to the ocean and be careful when looking through binoculars and taking photos.

Gualala Point Regional Park

Gualala Point Regional Park
Gualala Point Regional Park

Bordering the Gualala River and Mendocino County, this oceanfront park marks the northernmost point on the Sonoma Coast. During whale migration season, many visitors will head to Whale Watch Point, which offers excellent views of the ocean, weather permitting. Parking is $7; free for regional park members. 42401 CA-1, Gualala. 

Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails

Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails
Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)

Just south of Gualala, The Sea Ranch extends for 10 miles along the Sonoma Coast. The headlands here offer views of the sea, the rugged coastline, and — if you’re lucky — migrating whales. The Sea Ranch is a private community but six public access trails, managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks, give visitors a chance to experience this area and catch a glimpse of its wildlife. 

Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Jenner

Stillwater Cove Regional Park
Stillwater Cove Regional Park (Charles LaKamp/Shutterstock)

Just 15 miles south of The Sea Ranch, Stillwater Cove features hiking trails through redwood forest and along ocean bluffs. Just north of the cove, the Stillwater Bluff Trail curves above the rocky coastline and offers views of the Pacific and a vista point for whale watching. Parking is $7; free for regional park members. 22455 Highway 1, Jenner. 

Bodega Head

Bodega Head
Bodega Head

One of the prime whale-watching spots in Sonoma County, the steep and rocky bluffs of this peninsula offer sweeping views of the ocean. January through May, volunteers from the Whale Watch public education program are stationed in this part of the Sonoma Coast State Park on weekends (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to answer questions and share their knowledge about whales. 

Whale Watch from a Boat, Bodega Bay

Whale
Whale out on Bodega Bay (Joe Morris/Shutterstock)

For a chance to get closer to the whales, while remaining at a safe distance, book a whale watching tour with a local fishing charter company. Companies like Bodega Bay Sportfishing and Miss Vic Sportfishing offer tours departing from Bodega Bay. Rates range from $100 per person for a half day to $1,200 for an entire boat for 1 day. 


Written by Sonoma Magazine Staff

You Might Also Like

Hamel Family Wines, wine tasting and non-alcoholic tasting
Wineries

With a massive flood of zero-proof beverages recently hitting the market, it’s become fairly easy to find nonalcoholic alternatives on…

Madeline Sone Wildlife Preserve, Sebastopol
Outdoor/Nature

Visits to Sonoma County allow for personalized experiences, unhurried itineraries, and a chance to explore the county’s unexpected charms.  Here…

Fort Ross Coast Line
Outdoor/Nature

More than just a premier Wine Country destination, Sonoma County can have a profound impact on a traveler’s emotional wellbeing,…

handmade pizza at Glen Ellen Star
Trip Itineraries

As a Sonoma local, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Sonoma County’s finest offerings and generally end up with the…

Movie Prop Car On Display at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Occidental
Activities

As you meander the wee 60-yard block of downtown, strolling its wooden sidewalks past 19th-century, false-front buildings, you’ll feel as…

Winter scenery at Luther Burbank in Sebastopol CA
Outdoor Activities

Lush greenery, foggy coastlines, seasonal harvests and unique wildlife sightings – Sonoma County in winter is a place where visitors…

Hot air balloon ride in sonoma county
Sightseeing & Tours

Without a doubt, Wine Country is one of the world’s most breathtaking regions to travel through whether you are looking…

Girls Getaway in Sonoma County
Food & Wine

Winter might be considered the off-season for many of the world’s hottest travel destinations, but a Wine Country visit between…

Wine tasting at sunset.
Trip Itineraries

Fall is a busy time in Sonoma County — from colorful hikes to the perfect pumpkin patch, discover what locals…

Pig at Charlie's Acres
Sustainable Travel

Need a pick-me-up? These nonprofits offer ways to spend time with cute animals — you could even try some goat…

See What’s Happening

Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp