Our experienced crew knows exactly how to track down and show you the spectacular wildlife the pacific ocean has to offer. With a large kelp forest just offshore that attracts the oceangoing. Inland, discover surprising mountain towns like julian, known for orchards and apple pie. During the whale watching season, there are plenty of ways to see the migration in san diego and you dont have to go. A california gray whale en route north showed its tale. Cast off from san diego harbor and head into the waters of san diego bay in search of the majestic california gray whale. Where to go whale watching in san diego we are in the throes of the perfect time to go whale watching in san diego. In january, as many as eight grays can be seen every hour. The gray whale migration lasts from january through may, peaking in march. Whale species around san diego original san diego boat tours. During the high season, whales are typically observed along with a variety of marine wildlife, some rare and endangered. San diego harbor police initially saw the whale by the sweetwater channel. Whether youre looking to get up close and personal or witness whales from the shore, there are tons of ways to enjoy these magnificent creatures here in california s beach city.
The 15 best things to do in san diego 2020 with photos. Even without lots of whales on this trip, it was a gorgeous sail up and down the coast. Should conditions at sea cause your excursion to end early, we will return to port and provide you with a voucher. Top 5 things to know about newport landing whale watching. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation of marine wildlife in their natural environment.
So whale watching is in the area is available nearly all year round. This humpback whale, tangled in fishing net and ropes, was spotted struggling. Vacation whale watching activities in california expedia. Gray whales are best sighted from dec through april when 20,000 gray whales migrate from alaska to baja california to give birth to their calves. Betsy has been writing about california for nearly more than two decades as tripsavvys expert on the state. With over 70 miles of coastline to offer, its little wonder that whale watching in san diego is so popular. San diego whale watching pacific coast highway travel. For reservations, directions, or questions you can call them at 619. Traditionally, whale watching season runs from december through april. San diego lifeguards found a 30footlong dead whale off the shore near mission.
The san diego show has usually ended with a hangglider landing at or near the stadium. San diego whale watching california travel travelingmom. Whether by land or by sea, san diego is one of californias best spots for whale watching. Checking in at the marina, for our san diego whale watching tour. Our military decommissioned rigid hull inflatable boats r. Jan 08, 2017 seaworld in san diego will host its last killer whale performance on sunday, the culmination of its promise to phase out the decadesold show after criticism of its treatment of the captive marine. The weather in the san diego region is of the most favorable on our planet. Encounter some of earths most magnificent creatures on a 3hour whalewatching cruise in san diego. Take a 3hour exploration adventure with our us coast guard licensed and marine naturalistexperts. The warm welcoming waters of the san diego coastline are also home to. Get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, pelagic sea birds and migrating whales on this 3. Whale watching in southern california san diego beach.
San diego whale watch 2020 all you need to know before you. Legacy whale watch 1717 quivira rd san diego, ca boats. Last day for seaworld killer whale show in california reuters. Our tour puts you alongside the migration path of the gray whales. San diego boat tours offers whale watching charters with an experienced and knowledgeable captain for private group excursions in the pacific ocean near san diego. Nov 21, 2017 san diego, ca a small gray whale was spotted monday morning in the san diego bay, according to the port of san diego. Below is a list of the nearest beaches to whale watching in san diego. Newport landing whale watching has provided san diego residents and visitors a year round whale watching cruise option from newport beach just a short drive north of san diego. San diego whale watch 1617 quivira rd, san diego, california 92109 rated 4.
On their return trip, northbound whales swim further out, up to 912 miles off the coast. Download fox 5 zoom backgrounds our team fox 5 tv schedule. Corky ii is a female captive orca or killer whale from the a5 pod in british columbia, canada. San diego is a beautiful city in southern california, which is often overlooked by travelers. However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at.
December through april, over 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile roundtrip journey from alaska to the lagoons of baja california, where the females give birth to their calves. A killer whale undergoing trained, voluntary artificial insemination at. San diego wildlife photographers and a seaworld rescue team were. And these are 11 things not to miss when visiting san diego a practical travel guide with map. If youre interested in going whale watching in san diego, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out into the open ocean. At that time, thousands of them can be found off the california coast. What is the best month for whale watching in san diego. Watch the seasonal migration of california grey whales and blue whales off the san diego coast up close and personal. Whale watching in san diego from december through april, visitors to san diego have the unique opportunity to glimpse one of natures most extraordinary eventsthe migration of california gray whales from the chilly alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons.
Best place for whale watching in san diego, california. San diego whale watching charters san diego boat tours. Whale watching off the coronado coast coronado times. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in san diego, california on tripadvisor. Whale watching in san diego the official travel resource. Check the california whale migration season calendar and. Why are so many whales washing up on west coast beaches. Off the beautiful, sandy beaches of coronado the california gray whales are heading south to the warm waters of baja mexico. Shorelines and offshore islands provide homes to harbor seals, california sea lions, and sea otters, as well as. Your whale watching cruise is available at an affordable price on our historic boat, the privateer. During the summer and fall, san diego whale watching companies and charters invite visitors and locals to marvel at pods of migrating massive blue whales.
At the height of the whale watching season there can be a few hundred whales passing through these waters on a single day. Enjoy live educational narration from the captains and a trained naturalist from the san diego natural history museum. San diego whale watching cruise go whalewatching from san diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the worlds first americas cup sailing competition in 1851. The beautiful coastline around san diego is a yearround attraction for locals and visitors alike. May through november brings sea animals such as blue whales, finback whales, dolphin pods that number in the thousands, seals, orca whales, sharks and so many more. When you book a trip with us, you are getting the premier dolphin and whale watching experience in san diego. It is also one of the most beautiful yachts in the world. To locate the whale watching in san diego just select the map tab above. San diego and the point loma region have become a premier global destination for viewing marine wildlife.
Im a local but i have no idea when is a good time to go whale watching, hoping someone out there knows more than i do 7 comments. Gray whales are baleen whales that migrate from the icy alaskan. Whale mountain san diego county, california wikipedia. This is an abbreviated description and listing of some of the whale species that can be seen around san diego. San diego offers some of the best whale watching in the country. Every winter, more than 20,000 pacific gray whales travel 10,000 miles roundtrip the longest migration of any mammal on earth from alaska to the lagoons of baja california. Apply to store manager, urologist, brand ambassador and more. Get up close and personal with californias majestic pacific gray whales during this 3hour whalewatching excursion from san diego. Reaching lengths of nearly 100 feet, the blue whale is a sight to behold as it breaches the waters of the pacific ocean.
The blue whale is the largest mammal in the world with an average length of over 80 feet. Off san francisco and monterey bay, humpback and blue whales appear yearround, while blue, sperm, beaked, minke whales and orcas appear seasonally. While were there, wed like to go on a whale watching trip. They offer upcloseandpersonal experiences with these beautiful creatures, many of which can last up to 3. The san diego area has become a world class destination for viewing marine wildlife. For the first half of our trip, we are staying on coronado island, then were heading up to anaheim for a few days. Blue whales, the largest mammal and possibly the largest animal to ever inhabit earth, can be spotted swimming and feeding off the coast of california during the. The nat blue whale watching san diego natural history. During the summer and fall months, blue whales migrate from their. Gray whale watching season begins december 14, 2019. Whale and dolphin watching tour or sunset couples cruise from tailwalker sportfishing up to 67% off.
Click here to learn more about san diego whale watching. This is roughly from december to marchapril, when about 22,000 or so gray whales head south to the warmer waters of baja california. Seaworlds shamu believe show when trainers were allowed in. The voyage departs right from mission bay, so youll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Experience the magic of migrating whales yearround off the coast of san diego. Rides, our year round private dolphin and whale watching san diego excursions get you up close to the action while enjoying the breathtaking scenery as you race along the water in our safe and stable authentic navy s. Ballena takes its name from the mountain, ballena being spanish for whale. San diego, ca a small gray whale was spotted monday morning in the san diego bay, according to the port of san diego. See magnificent california gray whales on their annual journey from the arctic to californias baja coast on a whale watching cruise from san diego. One of the best aspects of this is the abundance of animal activity. Whale mountain is a 3,043foot 928 m, summit in the northwestern cuyamaca mountains, in san diego county, california. From our daily whale watching reports to photos and video, this is the spot for our favorite marine mammals. Learn about the areas gray whales, dolphins and other marine animals in details, along with secrets about the us navy sites you pass as you head out on the.
When you book a trip with us, prepare for the best whale watching in san diego. Cabrillo national monument on point loma peninsula is the most popular observation post. This magnificent marine mammal weighs in at over 300,000 pounds and each blue whale must consume 4 to 6 tons of krill each day. San diego weather information whale watching san diego. And near the historic lighthouse at cabrillo national monument, the. Best time for whale watching in california condor express. Whether you are from the southern california area or coming from any location around the world, it is well worth the trip for this whale watching tour that never goes out of season. Feel the exhilaration of seeing some of the oceans largest and most magnificent creatures. Blue whales swim and feed off the california coast from midjune through october when krill is abundant. But if you visit california i highly recommend spending at least a few days in san diego. Whale watching report in san diego whale sightings.
A guide to whale watching in san diego go city card. Shamu is the name used for several seaworld orca killer whale shows and is the stage name. Blue whales feed off the california coast between bodega bay and san diego. If you are planning on going on a whale watching tour, we highly recommend doing the all day tour to maximize your chances to see them. See the california gray whale annual migration, giant blue whales, finback whales and more. It is located between ramona, and santa ysabel, near ballena valley. Tripadvisor san diego winter whale watching expedition. During the summer and fall, marvel at pods of migrating blue whales, plus gray whales, dolphin and other sea life, as they pass by san diego s coastline. This video was filmed in san diego aboard the adventure hornblower whale watching boat which departs from downtown. San diego a good place see oceanfaring mammals at their finest. Today, unfortunately, was not a typical san diego day. San diego, california, is a fantastic place to whale watch, and it was at the top of my familys mustdo list for our recent visit to california. San diego, the states second largest city, is home to the san diego zoo in balboa park, one of the worlds great urban parks. Whale said is a hand crafted gifts business local to san diego california.
Seaworld in san diego is fighting ab 2140, the california captive orca. Whalewatching cruises are available from most of the. Nov 11, 2012 whale watching off the coast of san diego is exciting and fun for the whole family. San diego whale watching tours whale cruises with hornblower. Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching.
Whale watching in california watch whales from newport. For family fun, play at seaworld san diego and legoland california. By far the most common is the california gray whale, which can be seen during their annual migration down the west coast from alaska to baja, mexico and back again, providing many unique viewing opportunities. Blue whales, the largest mammal and possibly the largest animal to ever inhabit earth, can be spotted swimming and feeding off the coast of california from.
Gray whales migrate winter to spring from feeding grounds in alaskan waters to calving lagoons in baja california and back. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Whale watching in san diego, san diego, ca california beaches. Whale sightings today san diego whale watching reports. Witness the majestic blue and grey whales migrate past the shores of southern california while on a whale watching cruise departing daily from san diego. Jennn fusion, leaf group updated february 14, 2018. In fact, roughly 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000mile roundtrip journey from alaska to baja california each year. Covid19 berkshire hathaway homeservices california properties is holding steadfast to our commitment to assist you in your real estate transactions even at this difficult time. Learn more about our california real estate agents. Carlsbad whale watching deals in carlsbad, ca groupon. Whale species around san diego original san diego boat.
Pro tips for a san diego whale watching tour expedia. This month features whale watch weekend programs with kids activities and special educational presentations. Whale watching cruises are available from most of the. Whether by land or by sea, san diego is one of california s best spots for whale watching. San diego whale watch offers the premier whale watching experience in southern california. Bay cruises are perfect for family, friends, date night sunset outings, or any reason you would like to get on the water and enjoy san diego from a different. Is whale watching in san diego worth it this time of year. Each year approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate from the bering sea to the lagoons of baja california and back again. Newport landing whale watching offers tours year round, december through april is the best time to catch the gray whale migration. Turn around and snap a few pics of the stunning san diego coast.
Whether from land or at sea, san diego is one of californias best spots for whale watching. Whale watching in san diego, san diego, ca california. Humpbacks follow a similar schedule, with numbers of fin and blue whales peaking in august. Newport landing whale watching offers multiple cruises daily and is located on one of the largest marine protected areas in southern california. The yacht america sailing tour san diego royal yacht guinea. Travel just outside the bay during the annual california grey whale migration and the opportunity to experience these amazing creatures is something that wont soon be forgotten. From december to april you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, both on shore and onboard a whale watching excursion boat. Coast guardcertified vessel, complete with indoor and outdoor seating and a spacious galley, as you search for these beautiful marine mammals as they migrate between the baja peninsula and the bering strait. In the summer and fall, san diego whale watching visitors will be able to view the gigantic blue whale along our coast. Legacy whale watch 1717 quivira rd san diego ca 92109. Most days in san diego are sunny and the ocean is calm. Check out our guide to san diego whale watching for important info and tips.
Besides the famous gray whale season, san diego sees another migration of blue whales. Without exaggerating, america is the worlds most famous racing yacht. What sea life have you seen on a san diego whale watching tour. California whale watching san diego san diego hotels. How to see amazing whales in san diego, california san. With a maximum of 6 guests per cruise, you are sure to have the most personalized, intimate cruise.
Download scientific diagram a killer whale undergoing trained, voluntary artificial insemination at seaworld san diego, ca. Seaworld shamu believe killer whale show in san diego, california accentuates the. During our whale watching tour we saw some gray whales and humpback whales. We are in the throes of the perfect time to go whale watching in san diego. The southern coastal location of san diego with its unique mediterranean climate is comfortable for humans and marine mammals alike. In fact, during whale watching season in san diego, youll find plenty of ways to see the migration. Kids go free at san diego whale watch the official.
A san diego whale watching cruise is an essential part of any visit to the city when the whales are migrating. When youre booking san diego tours or looking for things to do in san diego with kids, definitely include taking a whale watching tour on your list. A replica of the 9foot yacht that won the historic royal yacht squadrons 100 guinea cup race in 1851. If you dont see a whale on the cruise, youll get a whale check to try again another time. Whale watching in san diego in san diego, ca is in the california beaches attractions, parks, and things to do category. The images you see on this page were all taken on our vessel, and our us coast guard certified captain also has a license with the faa that allows him to fly photography drones on your trip. San diego is home to one of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in southern california, and the rich environment attracts lots of marine mammals. Being int he bay and ocean is a terrific way to start. Since 2006, we have been recognized as the first, premier, year round whale watching company in san diego, california.
It takes place in summer and early fall, namely midjune to september. Over 20,000 gray whales pass san diego from middecember to midmarch. Best whaling whale experience in san diego we only say one mother and calf, but lots of dolphins and sea lions, as well as a huge number of navy ships on the move. All cruises depart from 990 north harbor drive, san diego, ca directions.