Why are the Farallon Islands known as the Galapagos of California?

Farallon Islands. Located near the edge of the continental shelf, the Farallons are known as the "Galapagos of California" because of its rich diversity of sea life.

Read rest of the answer. Similarly, why are the Farallon Islands off limits?

The refuge is closed to the public because of the sensitivity of habitat and to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. The seabirds and marine mammals live in abundance on the islands because they are free from human disturbance. The steep, rocky slopes also limit safe access onto the island.

Subsequently, question is, how far is the Farallon Islands from San Francisco? 27 miles

In this manner, does anyone live on the Farallon Islands?

No one but scientists and Fish and Wildlife representatives are allowed on the island, and they live in one of the remaining houses dating back to the 1870s. Congress designated all the islands except Southeast Farallon Island as the Farallon Wilderness Area in 1974, completely off limits to all people.

What does Farallon mean?

The Farallon Islands, or Farallones (from the Spanish farallón meaning "pillar" or "sea cliff"), are a group of islands and sea stacks in the Gulf of the Farallones, off the coast of San Francisco, California, United States.