Equal Access Tours

GUIDED ELEPHANT SEAL TOURS CANCELLED
FOR REMAINDER OF SEASON.

Año Nuevo State Park has closed public access to the elephant seal viewing areas for the remainder of the season after receiving confirmation that seven weaned elephant seal pups have tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Tours have been cancelled with full refunds being issued through Reserve California. The park will continue working with partners and will rely on experts to determine when it is safe to reopen closed areas.

Our Marine Education Center, Horse Barn Movie Theater and 3/4mi of the Año Nuevo Point Trail will remain open at this time.

 

Persons requiring mobility assistance may make reservations
for special docent-led Equal Access Guided Walks.

EA Tour with docent

 

To accommodate visitors who require mobile assistance, the park offers a 2-hour tour for visitors to access the natural preserve and view the elephant seals. Qualified persons include those that require mobility assistance and cannot walk the 3-mile hike on the Año Nuevo Point Trail. An ADA wheelchair accessible van transports visitors to an accessible boardwalk that leads to where the elephant seals may be seen. Each person in need of mobility assistance may bring up to 3 additional people on the tour.

The Equal Access Boardwalk is a quarter-mile (.25) from where the van parks to the elephant seal viewing area.

What Should I Bring on the Tour? 

Elephant seal tours are conducted rain or shine. Winter weather can be very cold and windy, even on sunny summer days. 

Rain is frequent and the trail may be muddy with small puddles.

  • Visitors should bring hooded rain gear,a warm jacket, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. 
  • Cameras and binoculars are welcome!
  • For safety reasons, use of umbrellas are not permitted on the tours. 
  • No food is allowed on the tour, but you may picnic in designated areas before or after the guided tour.
  • Pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.
  • Three guests are allowed with each person qualifying for an EA Guided Tour. Each guest must purchase a ticket.