Best places for whale watching from shore in southern california. Lodging for the popular best of bajas whales, dolphins and sea lions includes a bed and breakfast stay on the pacific ocean, as well as time spent at our famous las animas ecolodge, where you can experience sea lions, dolphins, and more whales. Our military decommissioned rigid hull inflatable boats r. From the far north to the mexican border, californias pristine waters play center stage to muchloved visitors such as humpbacks and orcas, as well as gray whales, who follow the entire coast on their yearly migration. Download our handy guide to creating a special and very memorable. Welcome to harbor breezes california blue whale website. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation of marine wildlife in their natural environment. San diego whale watch offers the premier whale watching experience in southern california. Can anyone recommend which area to go from or who to use for a trip. Jul, 2017 harbor breeze cruises 100 aquarium way long beach, ca 90802 562 4324900. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. Our experienced crew knows exactly how to track down and show you the spectacular wildlife the pacific ocean has to offer. From november to february they pass california on the way south and again. My family ventured to the charming beach town of dana point, california to do just that on a chilly, drizzly october saturday.
August 2018 great trip, great crew and views of loads of wildlife humpbacks, fin whales even a brief glimpse of a blue whale. Whale watching charter boats that run between the ventura coast and the channel islands are practically guaranteed to be successful. Gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, minke, finback, and blue whales migrate off the california coast throughout the year, so youre sure to spot at least one species on. Whale watching in dana point book now at captain daves. Southern california we have cruises yearround, every day. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Jan 22, 2020 best time to go whale watching california. One of the highestrated whale watching companies in southern california, we offer yearround boat tours and educational whale watching field trips for an ocean adventure youll never forget. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. May 01, 2020 now you can make your dreams a reality with captain daves dolphin and whale watching safari in dana point. Hi, will be over in california for 2 weeks in the middle of march.
One year of whale watching in just one infographic. Gray whales are one of the most commonlyseen whales along the california coast. Newport landing offers company whale watching cruises in the greater southern california area. We are collecting noninvasive data aboard these trips that contribute greatly to our longterm orca project and have officially formed our nonprofit called california killer whale project. Monterey bay whale watch is owned and operated by nancy black, the marine biologist who accompanies most trips. An adult pacific gray whale can be 45 feet long and weigh up to 33 tons. You will not get as up close as a whale watching but you dont need to worry about getting seasick. Whale watching has a long tradition in california with the first tours taking place. Nancy has a masters of marine science degree from moss landing marine laboratories, has worked with whales and dolphins in the region for over 25 years, and has become an expert in the biology of killer whales off the california coast. Snorkeling with southern right whales in patagonia big fish. Through the end of april, visitors can take a 2 to 2 12 hour boat ride where the possibility of. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Come and experience californias yearround whale fest. Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching in.
About 15 million people are doing a whale watching trip each year, numbers steadily increasing. We had so much fun, got to the dolphins and whales much faster than the. Otters, sealions, jelly fish, albatross etc etc great boat big enough to be stable a. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whale watching. During whale watching season in southern california, which takes place along the coast from santa barbara to san diego, youll find plenty of ways to see the migration. Browse the web version and easily learn where to go. Whale watching in newport beach visit newport beach. So, i do not believe there is a best time of year to come out whale watching in southern california. Watching and charter cruise venue along the coast of southern california.
Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile9,656km journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. We did some research to find the best places to look for these massive mammals without a boat. Southern california is a wonderful place to see whales at their finest. Newport beach, ca whale watching is popular among visitors and locals. Blue whale watching on long beach whale watching tours is an incredibly breathtaking experience and an exciting mustsee attraction for both tourists and long beach locals alike. California the best tips for whale watching in california whaletrips. Dec 25, 20 i was lucky enough to grow up in southern california, in an area that happened to be on the migratory path of the majestic gray whale. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet, and also relatively easy for humans to witness, especially if you join a guided. From beautiful orange county in southern california view dolphin seals sea lions and our gentle giants. Whale watching trips are a great way to test sea legs, have a chance to ride on a sportfishing vessel youve been meaning to try all while having a relaxing and fact filled day on the.
The 2011 population of california gray whales was thought to number around 28,000, and they all pass the coast as they migrate. Gray whale watching tours in baja california on the sea of cortez. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Newport landing whale watching southern california school. Whale watching on the california coast california beaches. Whale watching field tripsschool field trips daveys locker. Mar 28, 2016 i have done many whale watching trips around the california coast but for years i have wanted to visit the whales breeding and birthing grounds. Betsy has been writing about california for nearly more than two decades as tripsavvys expert on the state. Newport landing whale watching offers whale watch trips open to the general public as well as private cruises. Southern california whale watching trips whale watching. In march, i found myself 450 miles 720 km south of the international border. Nov 06, 2012 whale and dolphin watching with dana wharf. The same southern california sportfishing landings that offer deep sea fishing trips offer whale watching trips often on the same boats during their off season. Whale watching expeditions leave from nearly every harbor in southern california.
During whale watching season in southern california, which takes place along the coast from santa barbara to san diego, youll find plenty of. I also recommend for parking to download and use the parkmobile app its. Taking a whale watching cruise off the coast of southern california is exhilarating and gives you a high likelihood of seeing gray whales up close, but its fun to watch them from shore too. Southern california whale watching was the birthplace for whale watching throughout the globe. Then dinner, good company, downloading images, sleep and repeat weather permitting, you can expect to enjoy five full days at sea in the company of abundant, approachable whales. Your whale watching cruise is available at an affordable price on our historic boat, the privateer. The channel islands national marine sanctuary is a beautiful place where 29 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been seen. The spectacle proved popular, attracting 10,000 visitors in its first year and many more in subsequent years. Southern california whale watching tours depart from most harbors along the coast.
Gray whales migrate 10,000 miles round trip every year, traveling between their winter calving lagoons in mexico and summer feeding grounds in the arctic. Sometimes people have to see something with their own eyes. A long beach whale watching cruise can also give you the amazing opportunity to see a blue whale in long beach. Southern california offers numerous spots where you can go whale watching from shore. We are delighted to inform you about our fun, informative, and exciting blue and gray whale watching cruises. Best whale watching spots in southern california california. Dana point is situated in the southern part of orange county between laguna beach and san clemente. Trips depart at multiple intervals daily throughout the year providing tourists and locals of southern california with a great opportunity to view marine life in their natural habitat. Each winter, an estimated 20,000 gray whales travel the 6,000 miles from the chilly waters of alaska to the balmy bays of mexico. Company booking information call 949 6750551 request rental date. Providing southern california students with an exceptional whale watching experience for over 20 years. Since 2006, we have been recognized as the first, premier, year round whale watching company in san diego, california. Whale watching southern california is a site that was created with residents and visitors in mind who are looking to go whale watching.
Come spring, when the water warms, the whales travel back north again. Up to 23% off whale watching at sea goddess whale watching. Whale watching cruises range from a twohour jaunt out of a local harbor to multiday cruises to baja, mexico. Where to go whale watching in california socal field trips. Whale watching in southern california how was your day. These whales travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico.
Tickets whale watching cruise harbor breeze cruises. Best time for whale watching in california condor express. Seeing these gentle giants in the wild seems to be a life goal for quite a lot of people. At the whalewatching museum, volunteers sit out on the terrace and monitor the whales by counting all the. Along the californian coast, there are quite good chances of seeing blue whales best from june to september. Because of my obsession, we used to go on one of the fantastic whale watching tours each year. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. If we have any weather days, you are invited to join us on a wildlife tour of peninsula valdez. Bring along some binoculars for the best view, although in some cases you can view whales with the naked eye.
My husband and kids would love to go whale watching and i have seen plenty of companies offering these tours. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. The whaleplanner july a whale watching infographic. Whale watching in newport beach is ranked as one of the top activities in southern california.
And if whale watching is done right, it can be a memorable and truly eye opening experience. On an ecofriendly catamaran, glide through san francisco bay and under the golden gate bridge to reach the open pacific, where youll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Harbor breeze cruises 100 aquarium way long beach, ca 90802 562 4324900. It has a beautiful harbor, and a fine afternoon can be spent looking at the. Vacation whale watching activities in california expedia. Check the whale migration season california calendar and schedule your cruise. In winter, you can find them leaving from harbors and marinas along the entire california coast. Swim with dolphins in mexico, caribbean and jamaica at dolphin discovery up to 39% off. Make sure the boat is coast guardcertified and look for operators that belong to the responsible whale. We published the first california killer whale catalog in 1997 and now have an updated version with family histories over four generations.
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