Seasons in the Sanctuary

July

Fog diminishes near midsummer. Underwater visibility increases.

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) pupping and breeding season (May through July).

Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus), Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and Sei Whales (Balaenoptera borealis) can be observed in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary feeding on krill from the nutrient rich, upwelled water (late-May through September).

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaengliae) feed in rich, upwelled waters of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (May through August).

Pink-Footed Shearwaters (Puffinus creatopus) and Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) visit the Santa Barbara Channel from the southern hemisphere (May through October).

Ashy Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma homochroa) and Black Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma melania) visit the Santa Barbara Channel (mid-May to mid-October).

Endangered Least Terns (Sterna antillarum browni) can be seen in the Channel Islands region (May through August).

Xantus’s Murrelets (Synthiboramphus hypoleucus) breed and nest on the Channel Islands (March through July).