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Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

San Francisco, California · San Francisco County

An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world. This sanctuary shelters a diverse collection of marine habitats and supports an abundanc…

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About Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world. This sanctuary shelters a diverse collection of marine habitats and supports an abundance of life, including many threatened or endangered species. Located 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Farallon Islands are a national wildlife refuge that offers resting and breeding sites for marine mammals and seabirds. Camping, tidepooling, and surfing are activities visitors can enjoy to see each of these protected wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources. To learn more about this sanctuary, visitors should stop by the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.

Plan Your Visit to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Heading to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary?

No central reservation system listed for Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3071) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary?

Off the California coast, 26 miles west of San Francisco and 12 miles south of Point Arena.

How do I contact Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary?

You can reach the park at phone: (415) 561-6622 or email: farallones@noaa.gov.