California Elephant Seals, California Coastside, Elephant Seal Habitat, Ano Nuevo State Park, Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Elephant Seals, Elephant Seal Tours, Elephant Seal Guided Walks, Mating Season at Ano Nuevo State Park, Breeding Season at Ano Nuevo, Birds of the Wetlands, Birdwatching at Ano Nuevo, South of Half Moon Bay Attractions, Half Moon Bay Coastside Attractions, Elephant Seal Research Web Site

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Ano Nuevo
State Reserve

Elephant Seal Guided Walking Tours

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S.F. Bay Area — No. California
California Coastside
California Coastside Attractions
Año Nuevo State Reserve
— Elephant Seal Habitat

Ano Nuevo State Reserve - Elephant Seal Habitat

Google Map of Ano Nuevo

Elephant Seal Colony
Año Nuevo State Reserve is located west of Highway 1, about 25 miles south of Half Moon Bay (between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz).

The Reserve is the largest mainland breeding colony of Elephant Seals and the only Natural Seal Habitat in North America. Today, over 3,000 Elephant Seals come here annually to "Birth," "Breed" and "Molt."

Wild Elephant Seal Colony at Ano Nuevo State Reserve - it's the largest mainland breeding colony of Elephant Seals and the only Natural Seal Habitat in North America

Male Elephant Seal and Bird at Ano Nuevo State Park, California

Birds of the Wetlands
— Pond at Ano Nuevo
Bird life at the reserve is extraordinarily varied and interesting during every season.

Besides the Elephant Seals, "Bird life" is another popular attraction at Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Birds of the Wetlants include: Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Eastern Kingbirds, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Mallard Ducks, American Coots, Brown Pelicans, Black Phoebes, Yellowthroats, Violet-green Swallows and Marsh Wrens.

Picnic Tables at Ano Nuevo State Reserve are available for use before or after guided walks

Picnic Tables
Food and beverages are not sold at the Reserve, but picnic tables are available for use before or after guided walks.

Restaurants / Resorts/ Inns
near Ano Nuevo
Costanoa Resort
Davenport Roadhouse & Inn
Gazos Grill

More info
Ano Nuevo State Park
650-879-0227 (Recorded Info)
800-444-4445 (Reservations)
916-414-8400 ext. 4100 (Intl)

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Scenic Coastal views from Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Close-up of Wild Elephant Seal at Ano Nuevo State Reserve Beach

December-March
Elephant Seal Guided Walks
Special Elephant Seal Guided Walks are available during "Breeding Season" — from early December through March. Advanced tickets are required.

Walking over Sand Dunes at Ano Nuevo State Reserve during Elephant Seal Guided Tour

Click here for More Info & Pics of Elephant Seal Guided Walks

April-November
Self-Guided Walks
During the rest of the year (April-November) self-guided walks are free. Hike only in areas designated by ropes and signs.

Ano Nuevo Visitor Permit
Entrance to Ano Nuevo is by Visitor Permit only — all year round. The entrance fee to the Reserve is on a per vehicle basis ($6) and must be paid at the entrance station.

Elephant Seals vs Sea Lions
Unlike San Francisco's Pier 39 Sea Lions which grow to between 350-1,000 lbs, Elephant Seals can weigh between 3,000-5,000 lbs each and reach up to 16 feet.

According to Wikipedia.com, Male Elephant Seals reach a length of
18 ft (5.5 m) and a weight of 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg), which are much larger than the females that usually measure about 10 ft (3 m) in length.

The largest known Male Elephant Seal measured 30 ft (6.7 m) in length and weighed 7,490 lbs (3400 kg).

Scenic Coastal views from Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Ano Nuevo Hours
650-879-0227 (recorded info)
Open daily 8am-Sunset.
Special hour restrictions for Seal Viewing Area.

Directions To Ano Nuevo
Año Nuevo State Reserve is located west of Highway 1, between the cities of Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz — about 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco.

Ano Nuevo State Reserve is located approximately 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay

Take Hwy 1 (south of Half Moon Bay) for about 25 miles. Turn right at Ano Nuevo State Park entrance.

Picnic Tables at Ano Nuevo State Reserve are available for use before or after guided walks

Walking Tour Tips, Recommended Dress, Photography Tips and more...

"Mating & Birthing" Elephant Seal Pictures

Elephant Seal Pictures

Elephant Seal
Skull & Bone Pictures

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