Are there dolphins in san francisco bay

But the, time of day is key: You're most likely to see dolphins entering back into the Bay from early morning feedings in the Pacific sometime around dawn. Because of Horseshoe Bay's calm waters and rich baitfish populations, this is a favorite feeding ground amongst Bay Area dolphin pods, making Point Cavallo the most likely place to see dolphins actively hunting.

Pro tip: Dolphins rely heavily on their ability to hear in order to navigate the world around them. Heavy boat traffic interferes with their ability to echolocate, and will definitely lessen your odds of a sighting. Richardson Bay is unique in that both bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises bump flippers here.

And, with all three Richardson Bay harbors within walking distance of one another, there are plenty of places to watch. Pro tip: Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch dolphins at their prime, breaching and traveling in synchrony. Of these viewpoints, Rodeo Beach offers the most encompassing dolphin-watching experience.

Sink your feet in the sand, bring a drink, and marvel at the marine-mammal acrobatics happening directly in front of you. Rodeo Beach is also a whale-watching hotspot, with fairly common sightings of both humpback and gray whales Be sure to check weather conditions—rough, murky waters will leave even the bravest of cetaceans searching for calmer sea.

Dolphins sport a contrasting white, creamy stomach to their dark, gray dorsal colorings, helping them sneak-up on prey from below. Common bottlenose dolphins, although social, will go out on solo outings from time-to-time. Stay up to date with the latest developments. Learn more. To the delight of animal lovers and cetacean researchers, harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins have found new habitats in San Francisco Bay and are now regularly seen foraging for fish and body-surfing in boat wakes under the Golden Gate Bridge.

The appearance of the bottlenose dolphins in , in contrast, is believed to be associated with a range expansion of the species. About individuals have been identified by their scars and pigmentation patterns. Similar photographic cataloging has not been possible in other parts of the world. A net under the Golden Gate Bridge from blocked submarines, torpedoes and wildlife movement. And the Richmond Whaling Station, which operated until , hunted nearby Humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales.

The City should build on these lessons to address other environmental challenges, such as kicking fossil fuels. Few may remember that the San Francisco Bay was home to the last remnant of the once profitable and powerful whaling industry. Former President Richard Nixon established legal protections for certain marine mammals and the station was then ordered closed. After centuries of relying on whales for various uses, such as lighting, industrial lubrication, fashion and food, the tide turned.

Those who depended on the business had to find new employment. Pratt Peterson, who worked at the Richmond station as a gunner, recalled finding a new job quickly, in a UC Berkeley oral history account. But marine life and the sustainable economy it supports continue to face risks. The federal government is currently researching the high number of Gray whale death s along the West Coast.