The Farallon Islands
Welcome To America's Deadliest Islands
The Farallon islands are a rare sight. Usually, they're hidden by a curtain of fog, but on clear day, you can see their ominous silhouette in the distance. Onlya few brave researchers live on the islands, which are now a wildlife refuge. Aside from them, the Farallon Islands are off limits to the public—and not just to protect the animals.
Let's find out why they call these islands the "Devil’s Teeth".
The Islands Of The Dead
Before they were called the Farallon Islands, Native Americans called themthe “Islands of the Dead”. They believed the islands were haunted and avoided going there.
In more recent times, the Farallon Islands have been called the “Devil’s Teeth Islands” because of all the dangerous, sharp shoals beneath the water.
Where Are They?
The Farallon Islands are a group of 20 islets in the Gulf of the Farallones. They are about 30 miles from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and 20 miles from Point Reyes, a popular tourist destination.
The Largest Island
Southeast Farallon Island is the largest island, spanning an area of more than 95 acres. The island is shaped like a pyramid and rises 357 feet above sea level.
Who Discovered The Islands?
Sir Francis Drake was the first European to step foot on the islands and record his visit. In July 1579, Drake’s crew went ashore on the islands to hunt seals and collect bird eggs to eat.
Drake named the archipelago the Islands of St. James, but only one of the islets carries that name now.
