Cordell Bank is a unique wildlife watching destination at any time. The late summer
and fall are the best time of the year to go out to the bank because of the abundant wildlife. From June until
November, humpback and blue whales may be seen in the Sanctuary eagerly feeding. Throughout the year, seabirds
from near and far feed in these bountiful waters. This attracts birders and whale watchers from around the
world, to see species rarely seen so close to shore.
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Humpback whales and Black-footed Albatross are two of several
highly migratory animals that can be seen in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
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Cordell Bank Wildlife Watching Seminar
In collaboration with Point Reyes
National Seashore Association's Field Seminars, the
Sanctuary hosts an annual wildlife watching seminar to introduce participants to the offshore wildlife that
makes Cordell Bank so special.
Check our events
calender for dates.
Field Seminar Description:
Learn how to identify shearwaters, petrels, albatrosses and other pelagic seabirds.
Find out why and how marine mammals and seabirds come from so far away to feed in this region. Discover why
Cordell Bank has one of the largest concentrations of blue whales in the world. Pelagic wildlife expeditions to
the Sanctuary will be led by experienced on the water naturalists/marine biologist. As we cruise out to the
Bank, we may encounter pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall's porpoise, blue and humpback whales,
California and Steller sea lions, elephant seals and numerous seabirds. We will enjoy and learn about whatever
the ocean offers that day, be it seabirds, marine mammals, blue sharks, jellies, or more! While visiting the
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, we should all have opportunities to make memorable connections with
much of the wildlife that make this sanctuary so special.
Classroom seminar is an opportunity to get acquainted with the sanctuary and learn
how to identify seabirds and marine mammals that we may encounter at sea.
The Boat trip is a full day excursion. NOTE: The boat leaves from Bodega Bay early
in the morning and we will travel almost 100 miles in 9 hours. This is an open ocean excursion and the
condition of the surface of the sea may be rough. PERSONAL DISCRETION IS HIGHLY ADVISED!!!
National Marine Sanctuary Program's Ocean Etiquette Program
Learn about the National Marine Sanctuary Program's Ocean Etiquette program by
clicking here.
Download Marine Mammals of Cordell Bank information (used during Field Seminar). These
descriptions were compiled by the Marine Mammal Center, and provide background information on mammals that
could be seen at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
California Sea Lion
Cetaceans: Whales, Dolphins and
Porpoises
Gray Whale
Harbor Seal
Humpback Whale
Northern Elephant Seal
Orca or Killer Whale
The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and
Walruses