The shops often are staffed by local surfers who will offer some pointers and directions to the safer surf spots. The average winter visitor might not get that lucky, but chances are you'll see at least two marine mammal species if you're patient. At present, gray whales are at the tail end of the southern migration to Baja for breeding. In February, you can see them coming and going. The last of the southern migrating gray whales cross paths with the first of the northern migrating whales, returning home to their Arctic feeding grounds, said Mary Jane Schramm of the Oceanic Society.
Gray whales are among the most easily observed of west coast whales.
Sometimes elephant seals will show up among them even though there isn't a stable population. Every once in awhile a group of elephant seals will show up, either molting or because they're confused about where they're going. One juvenile came a few years ago and was hanging around with the harbor seals. A group of volunteers stands guard over the seals near Jenner, encouraging beach-walkers to keep a distance for the safety of the seals and for their own safety. The rule of thumb is to stay 50 yards away, Grady said.