Whale watching season in San Diego traditionally occurs from December through April when California gray whales journey from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California.
Guests on a winter cruise can witness thousands of California gray whales come within a few miles of the San Diego coastline on their 5,000-mile southern voyage passage as these “peaceful giants of the sea” swim to warmer climates to birth and rear their young. Their journey is one of nature’s most extraordinary events and is the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis.
In the fall and summer months, whale watching excursions also tout the opportunity to see humpback, fin and minke whales, along with frequent year-round sightings of bottlenose, pacific white-sided and common dolphins. With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes an ideal location for viewing this impressive parade of marine life.
Whale Watching for “Land-Lubbers”
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla celebrates the gray whale season with educational activities and whale exhibits. The aquarium’s outdoor tide-pool plaza, overlooking La Jolla’s shoreline and the Pacific Ocean, offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the gray whale’s epic journey.
The 5th annual Big Bay Whale Days and Whale Festival on January 25, 2014, offer family fun and entertainment along San Diego Bay’s downtown waterfront Embarcadero. Throughout the month of January, guests can also celebrate with “Whale of a Deal” packages that provide discounts and coupons for whale watching excursions, restaurants and museums located along the Embarcadero.
Cabrillo National Monument overlooks the ocean and provides a spectacular coastline to discover marine life. Located on the panoramic Point Loma peninsula, the park offers a glass-enclosed observatory for whale watching; guests can also explore whale exhibits and listen to a taped narration describing characteristics of these popular animals. Cabrillo’s 27th annual Whale Watch Weekend and Intertidal Life Festival occurs January 11-12, 2014 and features presentations, exhibits and films. Rangers are also on hand throughout the weekend to assist visitors in spotting whales in the ocean and explore the park’s magnificent tide pools. Admission is $5 per private vehicle.
Whale Watching Day Excursions
From December 15, 2013 through April 14, 2014, Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are offering the first “No Seasickness Guarantee” unique whale watching experience aboard the yacht America , a historic replica of the world’s first America’s Cup winner. The 139-ft. long sailing yacht is perfectly suited for whale watching due to its low sleek lines, deep keel for stability and the ability to quietly approach the whales under sail without using noisy engine power. The 4-hour whale watching excursion departs daily at 11 a.m. from the Maritime Museum, located at the downtown waterfront along San Diego Bay. Excursions cost $79 for adults and $39.50 for children (ages 12 years old and under) on weekdays and $89 for adults and $44.50 for children (ages 12 years old and under) on weekends. The price includes admission to the Maritime Museum, soft beverages, snacks and a narration about whale migration habits and the history of the America.
From December 26, 2013 through April 13, 2014, naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps partner with Flagship Cruises & Events to venture out on twice-daily public cruises from San Diego Bay to locate gray whales. Two 3.5-hour cruises depart daily at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Birch Aquarium naturalists narrate the tours while guests receive gray whale fact sheets. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and a full galley is onboard. Ticket prices are $37 for adults on weekdays and $42 for adults on weekends, and $18.50 for children (4-12) on weekdays and $21 children on weekends. Reservations are recommended.
From December 14, 2013 through April 27, 2014, Hornblower Cruises and Events offers 3.5-hour deluxe whale watching adventure cruises in partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum. Passengers receive a professional narration on the whales’ migration and other marine life, and the boat features snack bars, binocular rentals, climate-controlled indoor seating and a museum-curated whale exhibit with fossils and video. Expeditions depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; ticket prices are $38 per person on weekdays and $43 per person on weekends. Children (4-12 years old) cruise for 50% off. Discounts are available for seniors, groups and military personnel. Hornblower guarantees to take guests out to sea again for free if no whales are spotted.
For more information on other ways to view whales including kayak tours, private yacht charters and Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B) rides, click here.
Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org or call (619) 236-1212.
