Hiking on Angel Island is an inspiring way to take in the sights of San Francisco Bay step by step. San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary on the west coasts of North and South America! Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems playing critical roles as fish nurseries and providing habitat for many bird species.
It was an invigorating day full of variety and outdoor exploration for everyone onboard the inaugural voyage of National Geographic Venture! Angel Island served as a backdrop to our water activities; buildings from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s reminding us of the island’s history with its military garrisons, old hospitals, guard houses, and quarantine and immigration stations. Later, we put our legs to work and hiked all over Angel Island, taking in 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay: the Golden Gate Bridge, city skyline, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Marin Headlands, and so much more. Red-tailed hawks soared overhead and vultures rode thermals over the coastline. Black-tailed deer were completely at peace with our presence as we shared their trails amongst eucalyptus and oak. Angel Island is truly a jewel in the backyard of San Francisco with its incredible views, abundant wildlife, and rich history.