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Whale Watching in San Diego (cont.)

San Diego's coastline is ideal to watch the annual gray whale migration.

By , About.com Guide

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.

San Diego Whale Watching,Wildlife and Dolphin Tours
Tours generally run 3 to 3.5 hours on the Western Explorer. Every tour is guided by an experienced naturalist who interacts directly with you to answer your questions and provide interesting and insightful information about the whales, dolphins, wildlife and islands we encounter. The Coronado Islands, gray whales, and dolphins are usually the primary focus of our whale watching tours. However, you may also see humpback whales, California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and harbor seals. $85-$100 adults.

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