---

Ano Nuevo State Reserve Policies

---

Being a State Reserve, the elephant seal colonies on Ano Nuevo mainland and Island are protected under Reserve policies. A summary of their policies are listed below. To order tickets or to find out more about this rookery please visit there web site.

Non-Breeding Season

Between April and November every year, people are able to walk freely around the mainland and view the molting elephant seals, as long as you obtain a Visitor Permit. This permit lists all of the regulations surrounding elephant seals that need to be followed. Hikers must carry the permit at all times during their hike. The regulations are as follows:

1. Ano Nuevo State Reserve is open from 8am to Sunset, except for the Wildlife Protection Area at Ano Nuevo Point.

2. Wildlife Protection Area hours are as follows:

- April-September: Permits issued between 8:30am and 3:30pm. Area closes at 5:00pm.

- October-November: Permits issued between 8:30am-3:00pm. Area closes at 4:00pm.

- December-March: Entry via Guided Walks only.

3. Hiking only allowed on designated trails and you must stay within areas designated by rope fencing and signs.

4. Stay back at least 25 feet from all elephant seals.

5. Harassment or disturbance of wildlife is prohibited. Avoid loud noises and maintain your distance.

6. All features are protected. No collection of shells, rocks, etc.

7. Ano Nuevo Island is closed to access.

8. No dogs are permitted.

9. No smoking or picnicking.

Breeding Season

Between December 15 and March 31 the elephant seals come back to the rookeries to breed. During this time access to the elephant seals is only permitted via guided walks. Two types of walks are offered, they are outlined below:

School Group Seal Walks

- These are only offered for 1-12 grade only.

- Tickets for school group seal walks go on sale the first saturday of October.

- Ticket price is $21per school group ticket. This ticket allows entry fro up to 20 students and two chaperones, for a total group of 22. Two adult chaperones are required per ticket.

- Groups without the required number of chaperones will not be admitted on the school group walk.

- Each caller may purchase up to 4 school group walk tickets.

Public Seal Walks

-These are offered daily with a maximum of 20 people per walk.

- Public Seal Walk tickets go on sale as early as 56 days in advance and up to one day before an arrival date. For example, tickets for December 15 go on sale October 20.

- Ticket price is $4 per person. Children 3 and younger are free.

- Children age 17 and younger require one adult chaperone per 10 children.

- Chaperones must be included in the maximum capacity of 20 per walk.

To learn more about the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, refer to the links below.

All policy information obtained from Ano Nuevo State Reserve pamphlets. Permission to use information granted by Ranger Paul Keel.

Back Main Map Ano Nuevo State Reserve Home Page