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Seal Adventure Saturday 2012
Is Sold Out

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For one day only you can have extraordinary access to view hundreds of northern elephant seals at the peak of the breeding season on the beaches at Año Nuevo State Park.

Thousands of visitors come to Año Nuevo at this time of the year to watch these incredible creatures, as 2-ton male elephant seals battle for access to females, and pregnant females give birth to their pups.

Normally, seal viewing time is limited to accommodate the large crowds of people. On one day—Seal Adventure Saturday—the number of reservations will be restricted and visitors will be allowed the full morning (8:30-12:00) or the full afternoon (1:00-4:30).

This is a rare opportunity, one that can be enjoyed by everyone—from families to avid wildlife photographers.

Your visit begins with a 1 ½ mile walk over bluff trails and rolling sand dunes to the elephant seal viewing area. On the way you will see views of the ocean and Año Nuevo Island, observe the birds and other wildlife, and hear the guttural sound of the bull elephant seals in the distance.

Arriving at the viewing area, be prepared for a memorable experience as you survey the beach crowded with hundreds and hundreds of elephant seals—the males sparring among themselves, females giving birth and nursing their newly born pups, and seals mating after the pups are weaned. Volunteer naturalists and park staff will be there to answer questions about the seals and the park.

Before and after your time with the seals, you may want to explore historic ranch buildings dating back to the 19th century, visit the Año Nuevo Bookstore and Marine Education Center, and enjoy free refreshments in an old horse barn that now serves as a classroom and meeting area.

Cost:  $50/person, children 2 and under free

Time:  Morning adventure, 8:30-noon, Afternoon adventure 1:00-4:30

Logistics:  Seal Adventure Saturday will happen rain or shine. Prepare for an outdoor hiking adventure that may include wind, rain, and cold. Recommended clothing includes hooded rain gear, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. For safety reasons, umbrellas and baby strollers are not permitted.

Seal Adventure Saturday is sponsored by the San Mateo Coast Natural History Association (SMCNHA) and California State Parks to raise money to support interpretive and educational programs at Año Nuevo and other state parks on the San Mateo coast. SMCNHA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the cost of Seal Adventure Saturday tickets is tax deductible to the fullest extent allow by law.

Participants will be given SMCNHA memberships with benefits including invitations to members-only events, emailed news about state parks on the coast, and a 15% discount on purchases in SMCNHA bookstores at Año Nuevo, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Half Moon Bay State Beach.