WELCOME TO THE CARPINTERIA HARBOR SEAL ROOKERY
The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery is a special place that offers critical safety and rest for the marine mammals that spend much of their time in the water. For this reason, it’s imperative that members of the public avoid disturbing the animals even during the June-through-November period when the beach is open.
Please use the bluff top trail, keep dogs on leash, and generally stay far away from the Casitas Pier. The seals can be viewed (quietly) from the bluff above the rookery which is easily accessible via the Coastal Vista Trail (see map below).
The Federal Marine Protection Act prohibits approaching marine mammals at all times, year round.
Location
The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery overlook can be accessed by the Carpinteria Coastal Vista Trail.
Parking is available at 499 Linden Ave – See the map below.
The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery area beach is CLOSED from December 1st through May 31st. By the Carpinteria City Ordinance #470, the Rookery area beach is closed to protect the colony during pupping season – Extending approximately 750 feet to the East and West, and 1,000 feet out of sea.
The Harbor Seal Rookery OPENS to the public 30-minutes before SUNRISE and CLOSES 30-minutes after SUNSET.
Carpinteria Seal Watch Information
About Carpinteria Seal Watch:
Carpinteria Seal Watch is a dedicated team of volunteers marking its 33rd year here at the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery. The City of Carpinteria closes the beach from December 1 through May 31 of each year during the pupping season. The Federal Marine Mammal Act also imposes a fine for disturbing the seals. Volunteers monitor rookery activities to divert any human or dog encroachments to prevent, or minimize, the intensity of any disturbance. Data is collected that includes multiple daily counts of both adult and pups, any disturbances to the rookery, injured animals and the number of visitors observing the seals. To learn more, visit the Carpinteria Seal Watch website: https://carpinteriasealwatch.org/
Join the 2025 Seal Watch
Harbor Seal Protection
The Federal Marine Protection Act prohibits approaching marine mammals at all times. For complete regulations on the protection of harbor seals see Chapter 12.24.090 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code.
Carpinteria City Ordinance #470 closes the Harbor Seal Rookery beach area for pupping season from December 1st through May 31st, annually. The beach closure extends approximately 750 feet to the East & West from Casitas Pier and 1,000 feet out to sea.
Disturbing the seals is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and may result in fines up to $10,000 per occurrence. For more information, contact the City of Carpinteria at (805) 684-5405.
Thank you for helping us protect our local harbor seals.
Found a stranded marine mammal?
Please visit the Marine Mammal Rescue & Reporting webpage to find out more about the necessary steps needed to protect our marine mammals.
Contact/More Information
Jeanette Gant
Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
(805) 755-4449
jeanetteg@carpinteriaca.gov
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