Watching Grey Whales in San Diego
See California’s Biggest Tourist Attraction
No vacation in San Diego, California would be complete without a whale watching cruise.The chances of seeing whales are so high between January and March that some boat charter operators offer a free trip if none are spotted during a particular cruise. The reason they are so confident is that one of nature’s most spectacular mass migrations runs within a few miles of the San Diego coastline each year.
The California Grey Whale
An estimated 26,000 grey whales migrate between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and the lagoons of Baja, California where they breed and calf. The grey whales, (Eschrichtius robustus), can grow as big as 50 feet in length and weigh as much as thirty five tons.
The predictability which makes tour operators so confident was very nearly the downfall of the California grey. Hunted almost to extinction by whalers who knew just where to look for these magnificent mammals, the survival of the species is one of nature conservation’s greatest victories.
The grey is a good whale for whale watchers. Not only does it come very close to shore, (it can often be spotted from land around San Diego), but it swims slowly. The key to successfully tracking these huge beasts is to tune into their breathing. Greys breathe at regular intervals, making between three and five shallow dives before, ‘Sounding’, raising its tail out of the water and making a deep dive which may last as long as five minutes.
Whale Watching Options
Whereas various boats operate out of San Diego, most are of a good size and if the weather is bad out in the bay, the trip won’t run. Of course, anyone susceptible to sea sickness should take the usual precautions, but visitors of a delicate disposition should be ok to do the trip. For the more adventurous, whale watching aboard racing yachts like the Stars and Stripes USA II, which competed in the Americas Cup is available.
Most of the whale watching trips operating out of San Diego harbour offer similar schedules. The trip lasts half a day and includes a tour of the harbour, taking time out to view the seals and sea lions that frequent pontoons and buoys. The cruise is also a good chance to get a close look at the USS Midway, the famous aircraft carrier.
While sailing out into the bay, naturalists give a running commentary on what can be seen and what is likely to be seen, giving background information on the whales, their physiology, habits and migration paths. There are usually handouts for children and one of the crew will wander around the boat with some exhibits.
Whale Watching in the Baja Lagoons
Several operators run longer expeditions out to the mating and calving grounds of the Baja lagoons. Visitors who are looking for a more hands on and intimate whale watching experience can spend time in the lagoons with trained marine experts.
These eco tourism trips to the Baja Peninsular, which run for between a week and eleven days vary in style from on-board accommodation to camping on shore. Visitors have the opportunity to get closer to the whales on smaller boats, often within touching distance! Other activities available when not whale watching, including hiking, sea kayaking and exploring the mangrove swamps.
Whatever the level of your interest in these wonderful creatures, San Diego is a good base for your whale watching adventure.
Whale Watching in San Diego
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Seals in San Diego
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