How to View the Nesting Elephant Seals in Cambria, California
Approximately 250 miles up the California coast from Los Angeles is the small coastal hamlet of Cambria. Just north of Cambria and for several miles, the beaches become nesting grounds for the California elephant seal. From late autumn to spring, thousands of these mammals can be spotted maneuvering over each other for that perfect location to bask in the sand. The males clamor for territory and superiority, the females are steadfastly protective and the pups mostly play.
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Instructions
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Plan a visit during the early part of the year. Check with local authorities in the Cambria area about the best month to visit (see Resources below).
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Visit in the afternoon. Winter mornings on the central coast are damp and cold. On many mornings, inclement weather can seriously affect seal viewing. The coastal fog takes most of the morning to burn off.
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Drive north from Cambria toward San Simeon and the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Look for directional signs for the elephant seal parking areas.
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Access the boardwalk provided by the state of California for seal viewing. The boardwalk serves as a deterrent to keep visitors from accessing other parts of this protected beach. Going beyond the boardwalk will result in fines.
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Expect to see dead and thus abandoned pups. Any pups that naturally die while on shore are simply avoided by the rest of the seals. Apart from the stillness, they will be defined by the vacant area of sand around them.
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Expect to see battles between adult males seeking dominance. The roars are seldom more than a threat, but the disagreements are fun to watch.
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Look beyond the beach to see many more seals diving and playing among the craggy rocks just off shore. Some adolescents use the ocean to test their independence.
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Take extra time if photographing the seals, especially if sunlight is minimal. The grayness of the fog induced day and the grayness of the seals against the colorless damp sand may require some serious framing. Consider close-ups. The dark rocks offshore may help.
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Tips & Warnings
Make reservations early at any of the seaside hotels in Cambria. San Luis Obispo is only a few miles south and offers a wide variety of lodging accommodations for any travel budget.
Plan a visit to Hearst Castle nearby.
Expect a strong coastal breeze in the afternoon. The wind is partially responsible for blowing away the fog. The downside however is that it has a biting crispness. Dress warm.
Resources
- Photo Credit James Barnett
