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National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

National Marine Sanctuary

Greater Farallones

Designated January 16, 1981 Area 3,295 mi²

About this sanctuary

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, located north and west of San Francisco Bay, is both an extraordinarily diverse marine habitat and a dynamic hub where research and conservation, tourism and recreation, exploration, and learning thrive. In 2015, Greater Farallones expanded to more than double its original size.

The ecosystem supports 36 marine mammal species and also one of the most significant white shark populations on the planet. The sanctuary is also home to blue, gray, and humpback whales; seals and sea lions; dolphins; and more than 250,000 seabirds.

Travel guide coming soon

The Foundation is actively expanding sanctuary content. This page will grow as the Foundation publishes travel guide entries, related stories, and event calendars for Greater Farallones.

In the meantime, you can support this sanctuary directly, sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new content is published, or take action on current advocacy campaigns.