From beautiful orange county in southern california view dolphin seals sea lions and our gentle giants the grey whale. Juvenile gray whale is heading north after a day thrilling onlookers in southern california. The humpbacks are on their way back south now meet them in the. Whale watching used to end in april but this is no longer true. Gray whale migration winterspring 2020 the official travel. This southern migration takes place from mid december through february, with the peak in about mid january. From december to march april they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. In march, i found myself 450 miles 720 km south of the international border. In the exact same spot at the exact same time in 2010, nearly 200 whales surfaced along the southern california coastline in search of their favorite food, a tiny shrimp called krill. The gray whale eschrichtius robustus, also known as the grey whale, gray back whale, pacific gray whale, or california gray whale, is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. Southern california is no stranger to huge numbers of whales.
Whale watching in dana point book now at captain daves. We will be driving the coast from san diego to point reyes. From december to april, they treat the tropical waters off the baja california as their winter quarters. See allday whale watch trips in killer whale season for details. Dead whale towed off california beach and back to sea after. Pdf timing of the gray whale southbound migration researchgate. Whale watching santa barbara visitors newport landing whale watching santa barbara visitors, was designed for residents and visitors who are looking to take a whale watching excursion. A diverse group of unpaid volunteersnetwork members and partners include biologists, conservationists, ecologists, fishermen, whale watchi.
Every year, california gray whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the waters off alaska to their breeding grounds in the warmer waters near baja california. From december to marchapril they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. They are only found in the pacific ocean and their numbers have dwindled down to about 26,000 in total. In california, whale watching is a popular thing for tourists to do, and its no wonder why. The area is known to have one of the largest population dolphins and. Gray whale makes visit to shallow waters in california upi. With reports of entangled whales dramatically increasing in recent years, california whale rescue was founded to organize, unify, and advance the entangled whale response network in california, with a focus on best practices, prevention, and safety. Beginning in february you begin seeing whales migrating back to alaska with their newborn babies by their sides. Now you can make your dreams a reality with captain daves dolphin and whale watching safari in dana point. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Southern california is one of the best places in the world to spot gray whales and is arguably where whale watching ecotourism was born, diane alps of. Photo courtesy of newport landing whale watching the best places to go whale watching in california balboanewport beach.
Mar 19, 2017 whale watching in southern california palos verdes peninsula whale watching watching whales near point vicente where to go to watch whales in so. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. There is sometimes what appears to be an overlap in migration patterns with some whales still heading south while others are moving north. Focal follows n10 are instances where data was available for both with and without whalewatching boats for one whale. Trips depart several times a day yearround from beautiful newport beach, and allow for great opportunities to view marine life in their natural habitat. Point cabrillo point cabrillo light station whale festival march 78 and march 2122, 2020 fort bragg joins in the mendocino coast celebration of whale festival. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Correlating whale strandings with navy exercises off southern california.
The second gray whale, who was captured in 1972 from the same lagoon, was named gigi ii and was released a year later after becoming too large for the facilities. One of the highestrated whale watching companies in southern california, we offer yearround boat tours and educational whale watching field. Record number of gray whales spotted migrating south malibu. Looking for the best places to go whale watching in california. The waters just outside newport bay at newport beach are considered some of the most fertile in california. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whale watching. You may download the appchoices app at to opt out in. Dec 25, 20 one of my very favorite things to do is to go whale watching.
Tickets whale watching cruise harbor breeze cruises. Record number of gray whales spotted migrating south. Its not all just kangaroos and koalas in australia, but also a great place to meet humpbacks, southern right whales and blue whales. Seeing on on a whale watching adventure is a treat. California whale rescue is a network of trained individuals and organizations, working together to save entangled whales and prevent future whale entanglements. Harbor breeze cruises 100 aquarium way long beach, ca 90802 562 4324900. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. All observations include focal follows as well as instances where one whale was observed for a substantial amount of time either with n14 or without n16 whalewatching boats in the area. Rare video and photos show orcas catching a sea lion off. At the whalewatching museum, volunteers sit out on the terrace and monitor the whales by counting all the whales they spot, marking down the type, number. We have two seasons for whale watching in addition to pelagic seabird trips on selected dates.
California has got everything, including very good whalewatching locations. We will be in monterey in midoctober, and were wondering if any board experts or readers had an opinion on whale trips then. The whale watching season officially starts on 15 th december with february being the peak month for sighting whales. Endangered fin whale found dead near long beach port. Whale watching southern california newport landing whale watching southern california is a site that was created with residents and visitors in mind who are looking to go whale watching. Whale watching in southern california santa barbara marks the southern end of california s central coast, with pristine weather yearround, beautiful beaches and topnotch dining spots. During grey whale season, typically from december through april, crew members will.
Fall giant blue whale watching the official travel. With over a half dozen different types of whales and several varieties of dolphin, newport beach has become one of the top whale watching destinations in the world. The websites promise all sorts of whales then, but we were hoping for an independent opinion. A record number of gray whales have been spotted along the california coast since the beginning of december. December to early february the california gray whales are migrating south. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. Whalewatching cruises are available from most of the. The southbound migration of the eastern north pacific stock of gray whales. Whale watching in october monterey forum tripadvisor.
Correlating whale strandings with navy exercises off southern. Whale watching in southern california how was your day. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. The tags deployed in october transmitted from 11 to 94 days, while those. Because of my obsession, we used to go on one of the fantastic whale watching tours each year. We had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. After 14 months, she was released because she also grew too. California free summer concerts list includes the cities, address, bands and musicians performing, and the musical themes at concerts provided free. 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.
Whale watching in california pacific coast highway travel. Jul 02, 2016 dead whale towed off california beach and back to sea after big stink. Endangered fin whale found dead near long beach port 89. May 29, 2015 southern california is no stranger to huge numbers of whales. If you prefer it more crisp and wintry, norway and iceland are the perfect options. Jan 10, 2014 its been an exciting season for whale watchers in southern california. If you are on a cliff overlooking the ocean it is very possible to see whales migrating. Record variety of whales seen off southern california coast.
At that time, thousands of them can be found off the california coast. Ive been lucky to see them when sailing for the past few years, although we go in august, but i think you will probably have good odds in september. Rare video and photos show orcas catching a sea lion off the. In winter, you can find them leaving from harbors and marinas along the entire california coast. Whale watching the end of december california forum tripadvisor. Winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes. Its been an exciting season for whale watchers in southern california. The list features cities in california where you will find summer concerts series in. Select from several whale watching cruise times daily and year round. A dead whale washed ashore at point reyes national seashore on christmas eve. Nearly half of the migrating gray whale population follows the coast of southern california, many come close to shore at dana point. We are delighted to inform you about our fun, informative, and exciting blue and gray whale watching cruises. Whale watching in newport beach is ranked as one of the top activities in southern california.
Along with the traditional grey whale migration from december through april, the appearance of huge numbers of giant blue whales during the. Fin whales are an endangered that live off the coast of southern california. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. The whaleplanner november a whale watching infographic. Over 20000 gray whales migrate annually from the summer feeding grounds in. Summer west winds subside in the fall making for perfect ocean conditions to go along with large numbers of whales present, making for outstanding whale watching conditions. Humpback whales gorge in monterey bay the mercury news. You can do everything in california in december from surfing on a socal beach to snow skiing in the mountains. You have a good chance of seeing blue whales there as well. One of my very favorite things to do is to go whale watching.
Winter and early spring january to march whale watch for gray whales and dolphins. Rare video and photos show orcas catching a sea lion off the southern california coast share this. Where would be the most likely place to see whales. California the most beautiful beaches, the wildest coastlines and the most beautiful parks. The area is known to have one of the largest population dolphins and blue whales in the world. Whale watching in santa barbara, california usa today. New zealand norway nunavut oregon quebec south africa washington. Mar 28, 2016 whale watching in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. This article first appeared in the 2018 california visitors guide. Most of the december events in california are related to christmas or new years eve and are listed in the guides above, but there are a few others. From december to april, blue whales give birth to their calves in the gulf of.
Newport landing whale watching offers whale watching cruises open to the general public viewing california grey whales, blue whales, all types of dolphins, and more. Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are the themes of the day. The peak of whale watching season is still december through april when tens of thousands of california gray whales come within a few miles of the san diego coast on their 5,000mile southern voyage, the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis. One great one is capt daves dolphin safari out of dana point harbor this is during gray whale migration. Dead whale towed off california beach and back to sea. Whales of southern california earthwatch institute. Gray whale watching cruise december march this is the time of year when you get the chance to see the mighty gray whale. Some stay local while others migrate during winter months.
Most of the whale watching trips are seeing blue whales on. Check the whale migration season california calendar and schedule your cruise. All whale watching and harbor tour excursions are canceled until at least may 15th due to the safer at home order. The southern california coastline has more than just the pacific blue and gray whales.
Dec 27, 2017 dead whale washes ashore in northern california. Blue whales swim and feed off the california coast from midjune through october when krill is abundant. 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. Trips depart at multiple intervals daily throughout the year providing tourists and locals of southern california with a great opportunity to view marine. To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and save. Jan 06, 2012 record number of gray whales spotted migrating south. California sea lions are mentioned only if numbers or behavior are of interest. Check the california whale migration season calendar and schedule your cruise.
Asking a few questions may help you find one that best meets your needs. May 03, 2017 southern california is one of the best places in the world to spot gray whales and is arguably where whale watching ecotourism was born, diane alps of the american cetacean society acs. Dead whale washes ashore in northern california cbs news. Southern california whale watching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Whale watching santa barbara visitors newport landing. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. With some of the worlds largest mammals migrating past coastal points, feeding near the coast and swimming in inlets, youll find plenty of ocean creatures to see. Newport landing whale watching offers year round whale watching cruises multiple times daily departing from beautiful newport bay in newport beach. Special trips emphasizing killer whales take place in april and may. The last whale that washed ashore near point reyes was in may. Beginning in february you begin seeing whales migrating back to alaska with their. Dozens of blue whales surface off the coast of southern california, drawing hundreds of tourists and locals.
Jul, 2017 with record numbers of whales being spotted up and down the coast, now is the ideal time to embark on a whale watching adventure. Whale watching cruises range from a twohour jaunt out of a local harbor to multiday cruises to baja, mexico. According to the annual gray whale census and behavior project. It was a blue whale that had been struck by a ship. The wonders of whale watching in california california. Whale watching southern california is a site that was created with residents and visitors in mind who are looking to go whale watching.
Newport landing offers company whale watching cruises in the greater southern california area. Movements of north pacific blue whales during the feeding season. Our company offers whale watching trips throughout the year and often times we are asked when the best time is to see the animals. 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. The best time for whale watching in california daveys locker. Newport landing whale watching offers whale watch trips open to the general public as well as private cruises. Through the end of april, visitors can take a 2 to 2 12 hour boat ride where the possibility of. Gray whales can be seen in southern california in record numbers as they head toward baja mexico in a journey that began in alaska. 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. Fall giant blue whale watching blue whales, finback whales, much more. The whale that washed up is not the same one spotted earlier in the week off southern california tangled in crab pot lines.
Whale watching cruises are available from most of the. Scheduled on selected days during the summerfall season. Blue whales feed off the california coast between bodega bay and san diego. Whale watchers are spotting record numbers of gray. Other species like fin or blue happen at different times of year. Baja california lagoons, and back again, along the southern california coast. In the summer time you will see the blue whales off of the oc coastline.
Newport beach whale watchers in southern california were treated to a rare sighting of eastern tropical pacific killer whales. Record variety of whales seen off southern california. During peak season, december through march, 40 to 50 whales pass by dana point every day, making dana point harbor one of the best places to whale watch in southern california. In addition to coordination of disentanglement efforts, we work to increase public awareness of the issue of. Harbor seals and southern sea otters, which are seen on all whale watching trips, are not included in the list. Late spring, summer and fall april to december whale watch for humpback whales, blue whales and dolphins. California whale festivals see california vacation. Newport beach, ca whale watching is popular among visitors and locals. From december to april they use the tropical waters off the baja california as their winter quarters. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Jan 26, 2020 celebrate the california gray whale and their successful return from the brink of extinction. Each month the sightings from the previous month are moved to a monthly summary list. Best time for whale watching in california condor express.
Company booking information call 949 6750551 request rental date. Monterey bay whale watch latest marine mammal sightings. The best time for whale watching in california reserve your trip online or call 949 6731434 to schedule. Welcome to harbor breezes california blue whale website. An animal with a heart as big as a car, a length of perhaps four school buses, and proximity to the coast of southern california. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales.