Ano Nuevo Elephant Seals

I was in grammar school when the first Elephant seals arrived at Ano Nuevo Island, just off the main beach. It wasn’t until after I graduated from high school that the Ano Nuevo Elephant Seals comfortably made their way to the Beach on the mainland.

Most of the San Mateo Coastline is now part of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Back then you could walk out to the Ano Nuevo Elephant Seals without restriction. Now you can do self-guided walking tours only after you get a permit at the entrance station.

During the months of December to March, access is restricted to ranger and docent guided tours only. Don’t even think of sneaking in! This is when the Elephant seal are most sensitive and harmed by disturbances, people, and overuse of the area.

As a teenager I remember the enormous size of these animals. Easily as large as my car. They can reach 16 feet long, weigh over 5,000 pounds, and travel 5,000 miles a year. While the pups grow to 200 pounds very quickly and can hold their breath for 12 minutes, the adults can spend two hours underwater and dive to depths of one mile.

Although they are still a protected species, they are illegal to hunt and have been taken off the endangered species list. In the 1800’s they were thought to be extinct from over hunting. Be prepared to walk at least 3 miles round trip and give yourself 2-3 hours.

Also consider visiting the nearby Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for some of the best tide pools in California.