Each year, around 26,000 gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) make the 10,000 mile journey from the Arctic Sea south to Baja and back. In fact, the gray whale's trip is the longest migration undertaken by any mammal.
Whale watching is a fun and memorable activity for anyone, young or old. To spot a gray whale swimming off our coastline is one of those awe-inspiring sights that makes you appreciate these gentle giants. Watching a whale breach (propelling their length out of the water, then crashing down) and spyhop (popping their heads up vertically for a good look around) is a sure way to appreciate the size and agility of these creatures, especially from up close.
According to the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, gray whales are most frequently seen off San Diego from late December through March. They generally travel alone or in pods of two or three; at the peak of migration, a dozen or more individuals may be seen together. Grays are relatively slow swimmers, cruising at an average speed of five knots (about six miles per hour). While swimming, they typically dive to a depth of about 100 feet for three to five minutes, then surface and blow, followed by a series of three to five shallow dives and blows before they dive deeply again. Figuring out the breathing and diving rhythm of a particular whale or pod of whales is the key to successful whale watching.
Although it is common to view and spot gray whales from strategic shoreline vantage points such as Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma or from the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach, nothing matches the experience of seeing the grays aboard a whale watching cruise. Here are some of the local operators which give you the best chance of spotting our mammal friends.
Hornblower whale-watching cruises
Hornblower Cruises & Events will take you on a three-and-a-half hour whale watching excursion. $30-$35 adults.
Whale watching with Harbor Excursions and Birch Aquarium
Join the Birch Aquarium and San Diego Harbor Excursions team for an educational whale-watching experience. $27-$30 adults.
Whale watching with H&M Landing
From December to March, H&M offers whale watches embarking from San Diego Bay. $20 for three-hour cruise.
Hike Bike Kayak San Diego
See migrating whales at eye level with this unique whale watching tour. Hike Bike Kayak offers guided kayak trips to observe whales and the gorgeous sights of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and coastline. $55-$65.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching Tours
Two hour fully narrated cruises on comfortable boats. About an hour north of San Diego, Dana Point is ideally located and is said to be a reference landmark for the whales by many ocean naturalists. $25 adults.
