How, When and Where to go Whale Watching off the California Coast
Whale watching California is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction all the way along the Pacific coast from Washington DC down to sunny California. It is not surprising that the call of the whale draws us into its world.
Gray whale watching California
Many different species of whale and dolphin migrate close to land, feeding off the California coast and venturing inland along deep harbor inlets allowing many California whale watching opportunities throughout the entire year.
Whale Watching Season California Coast
The best whale watching California season is from early Decemeber right through to late Febraury Grey whales can be found off the California coast. During this time the population of Grey whales in the many thousands migrate south from Alaska all the way to the warm waters of Mexico. They swim past the pacific coast twice a year between thier summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas.
This allows for close up, exciting whale watching california coast excursions and is enjoyed by many thousands of whale enthusiasts. The Grey whale has nursery and breeding grounds in Baja California, watching them frolic and surface is an experience you will never forget. The chance to see young whales during this time are good.
California Whale Watching February Through April
Orca whale jumping orca whale watching california
During this period the grey whales are heading north from Mexico to Alaska on thier reverse migration. This is the prime time to see mothers with thier calves in tow. The mothers and calves always travel at the rear of the pod, moving at a sedate pace near to the coastline which affords the best whale watching in california.
Whale Watching California May Through October
This is Blue whale and Humpback whale season for Blue whale watching california cruise trips. Both species can be seen in large pods all the way along the Big Sur coast and also can be spotted around the Channel Islands close to shore. Blue whales can be up to 90 feet long, the largest mammals on earth and impressive to see on any best whale watching California excursion.
Humpbacks can measure up to 50 feet long and thier distinctive hump near the nose identifies them from a distance as they crest the surface. from April through to Decemeber whale watch tours in california can be taken from the central california coast.
Orcas wrongly labelled as killer whales are rarely seen on whale watching tours off the california coast. But they can be found around the san Juan islands near to Seattle and are a favorite for whale enthusiasts.
Whale Watching Off California Coast Cruises
For whale watching california best time of year trips are between the california coast and the Channel islands. You will experience close up Blue whales and humpback whales and occassionally the rare Minke whale which is being driven to extinction by japanese whale hunters.
Whale watch cruise boats run out of Ventura and Santa Barbara regularly. Whale watching California May onwards is the best time to catch different species of whale and dolphin at the same time. Whale watching in california from san diego and bodega bay are also popular departure points.
Whale watching northern california coast, southern coast, and whale watching central coast california are the main cruise hubs for this popular activity. Most large coastal communities will run a whale watching tour for the public. Shop around for the best price as competition is fairly strong and deals can be made.
What To Look For In A Whale Watching Cruise California
A whale watching cruise california can range from a short two hour cruise out of many local harbors, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Monterey bay are some of the most popular departure points, to multiple day and night cruises that take you all the way up to Baja, Mexico and include many other activities and sightseeing opportunities for the avid whale watch fan.
During the winter there is still whale watching in california. Cruises depart from central marinas and harbors down the central, southern and northern califonia coast. what you get from your whale watch cruise depends on the research you put into choosing a cruise service, here are some tips to make your choice the best possible cruise you can have.
. Do they utilise a sighting network for up to date sightings?
. Is the cruise boat certified by the coast guard?
. Will there be a naturalist or trained guide onboard?
. What is the length of the cruise?
. Is the cruise family friendly?
. Does the boat meet required safety regulations?
. Is the skipper licensed?
. Are there any extras involved in the price, food etc?
. Are there any restrictions you should know about?
. Do they have group discounts? Slow day discounts?
. Do they belong to the whale watching operators association?
. Do they guarantee sightings? If not do you get a free trip?
What You Should Bring And Wear
On your whale watching california cruise you should dress warmly even in summer because the temperature drops the further out to sea you get, also bring waterproof gear with you to keep off the sea spray. Be sure to dress extra warmly in autumn and winter it will be much much colder out to sea.
Where sunglasses on your california whale watching cruise as the sunlight reflects harshly off the water surface, sunglasses also make for a clearer visual experience. Put a cap or visor on the kids and yourself for shade and protection from the hot sun.
The earlier you depart on your whale watching cruise the calmer the sea will be, as the day advances the sea usually gets choppier and if you have delicate stomach an early trip is advisable, also make sure to bring sea sickness remedies with you, someone is bound to feel a bit queasy, specially children and sea sickness will ruin the whole day.
Make sure you and the kids have a good sunscreen on as even in winter the sea reflects the sun concentrating it and easilly leading to sunburn. If your kids bore easilly, it happens even on whale watching cruises! bring something along to keep them entertained or they will be hanging off your arm and ruining your experience.
One more thing make sure to enjoy your whale watching california cruise. It will remain a cherished life long memory watching these magnificent, intelligent mammals in thier natural habitat. Consider it a rare privilege because your childrens children may only experience it from your videos or pictures.