Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Overview

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary is managed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is located near San Francisco, California. An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world. This sanctuary shelters a diverse collection of marine habitats and supports an abundance of life, including many threatened or endangered species. Located 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Farallon Islands are a national wildlife refuge that offers resting and breeding sites for marine mammals and seabirds. Camping, tidepooling, and surfing are activities visitors can enjoy to see each of these protected wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources. To learn more about this sanctuary, visitors should stop by the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.