Docents on the Bluff

Interpreting Elephant Seal Behavior

Each day you will find knowledgeable docents in their blue jackets who are available to talk with you about what the elephant seals are doing, educate you on what’s happening at the rookery, and provide guidelines and tips for your visit. Docents also present Seal Science exhibits and more!

Take the BFF Pledge in the Elephant Seal Visitor Center

Visit The Rookery at the Elephant Seal Visitor Center

The Rookery at the Friends of the Elephant Seal, Visitor Center offers a special area for kids, with opportunities to explore elephant seal books, color, draw, solve marine life puzzles, play with plush marine life and make new friends.  The free FES Adventure Guide is available in both English and Spanish and provides hours of fun for kids of all ages.

Join us in the BFF Pledge:  "As a BFF of the Elephant Seal, I promise to treat elephant seals and all other living creatures with respect, care and kindness, here at home and around the world."

University Research

Colony Observations

Cal Poly researchers, under the direction of Dr. Heather Liwanag, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, began pilot research on the Piedras Blancas northern elephant seal colony in 2017-2018.

Internships

Hands-On Experience

The William J. Goodger Memorial internship is an exciting opportunity for students who are interested in increasing their hands-on experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and related research.

Community Science

Collaborate With Elephant Seal Scientists

The Friends of the Elephant Seal Community Science team contributes to data collection, dissemination and interpretation of scientific knowledge. You may see them looking for flipper tags and short-term dye marks or doing annual census counts.

Speakers Bureau

Presentations By Docents

The Speakers Bureau is coordinated through California State Parks and provides free presentations about elephant seals to service organizations, clubs, libraries and annual gatherings of statewide groups, reaching hundreds of individuals each year.

Group Tours

Guided interpretive Rookery Tours

Request a dedicated docent/guide to provide a tour for your community organization, tour group or large family group.  Recommended for groups >10 individuals. Complimentary docent-guided tours are a benefit for our Members at the Best Friend and Best Friend for Life levels and Business partners at the Corporate Beachmaster and Corporate Voyager levels. 

B.A.R.K. Ranger

For Dog Moms and Dog Dads

Beaches and parks in the San Simeon area are exciting places for pets to visit with their families.  Both locals and visitors enjoy the gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, beaches, breaking waves and breath-taking sunsets. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a park or beach.