Whalewatching tours that run between the ventura coast and the channel islands are almost always eventful. Once a major whaling town, eden is now a whalewatching hub. Liz love of the monterey bay national marine sanctuary says the lighthouse point, also known as point santa cruz, is a great place to see whales from the shore. Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. But of course nothing compares to seeing these incredible creatures in their natural environment. Not as many whales as the open water tour, but this tour features the calmer waters of the monterey bay off santa cruz cove.
Yearround monterey bay along californias central coast is famous for its artsy culture and its whalewatching opportunities. Due to the short distance from the gray whale super highway our trips can be shorter in duration for the winter time. Dockside charters runs whale watching excursions on a daily basis during our whale watching season. Find more info about things to do, restaurants, hotels and lodging in sonoma. Get a glimpse of blue whales, grey whales, humpback whales, minke whales, right whales, and orca whales on our whale watching trips. Here are our picks plus photos from a whale watching trip in monterey bay. Our vessels exceed all united states coast guard safety requirements with full inspections and certifications. This migration places the gray whale in our area usually between december through march. Whale watching california coast gray whale blue humpback. Experience the magic and magnificence of getting up close and personal with some amazing humpback whales aboard a luxurious catamaran. Cruise on the pacific ocean in a sturdy boat with a professional crew, looking for gray whales as they migrate along the coast of north america. In 1991, there were more than 50 companies or nonprofit societies operating whalewatching tours from some 20 ports all along the california coast. Liz love of the monterey bay national marine sanctuary says the lighthouse point, also known as point santa cruz, is.
Kevin, rose marie, shawna, mario and adam have been sharing their love of the water with visitors, friends and locals of morro bay for the last 20 years. Further south, muttonbird island nature reserve and coffs coast regional park are fantastic whale watching vantage points. Gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, minke, finback, and blue whales migrate off the california coast throughout the year, so youre sure to spot at least one species on a whalewatching excursion. In 1991, there were more than 50 companies or nonprofit societies operating whale watching tours from some 20 ports all along the california coast. Here they calve and raise their young before returning south. In many places, like australias byron bay or south africas hermanus, you can often see whales from the beach or your hotel balcony. Two unique baja whale watching trips on the pacific ocean and sea of cortez and one baja whale shark ecotour on the sea of cortez that world travelers rave about. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. Sub sea tours is a family owned business since the turn of the millennium. At that time, thousands of them can be found off the california coast. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. Of the 78 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the world, 29 have been spotted near the channel islands national marine sanctuary. Newport beach, ca whale watching is popular among visitors and locals. We went on the last tour of the season, it was a great local history and legends kind of thing, complete with bigfoot and a ghost.
You may also enjoy northern california whale watching with a glass of wine in the whale watch room or take a local boat excursion. If youre lucky, you can spot one of these magnificent mammals from the beach any time of year. Whale watching in california pacific coast highway travel. There are more than 20 tour operators and more than 20 designated places for. Get a taste for the bracing oregon coastline and the cascade mountains, while also enjoying regional craft beers on your escorted tour of the. Whales stop to feed in the calm, nutrientrich waters of twofold bay and its one of the best places to see killer whales. California is undoubtedly one of the worlds best places for whale watching. The grey whales in the bay here are often younger whales that have stopped to rest or feed during their 6000 mile migration from mexico to alaska. From december to april, blue whales give birth to their calves in the gulf of corcovado. We had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. All cruises depart from 990 north harbor drive, san diego, ca directions.
Check out these upclose tours along californias coast. Newport landings vessel for laguna beach whale watching tours was constructed solely for whale watching. Spot whales from australias most easterly point, the cape byron lighthouse and wander along the cape byron walking track, which offers great ocean views. Whale watching cruises are available from most of the. San diego provides the perfect launching point for a whalewatching tour in california.
This is a unique opportunity to look for killer whales with the leading california killer whale experts. The land tour includes whale watching, sightseeing along the coast and desert, breakfasts, 2 nights accommodation, insurance and all transportation. Condor express is the only southern california whale watching tour in santa barbara that travels to the channel islands where the chance of seeing whales is much better than the boats that hug the coast. Whale watching nsw whale watching season, activities.
Both have spent over 30 years studying the killer whales off the california coast, and know all the individuals and their family histories. We only take 30 passengers per trip to allow for more personal time with the crew and comfort while riding on board. But if youre hoping to do some serious whale watching, head to one of these areas. Northern california whale watching at the whale watch inn. The coastline sees annual migrations of blue, gray and humpback whales, and nearly yearround sightings of fin and minke whales. The southern california coastline has more than just the pacific blue and gray whales. Text supplied by monterey bay whale watch, a supplier of whale watching boat tours in monterey bay. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. And consider taking a whale watch boat trip with an experienced company such as bodega bay sport fishing center, fish on charters, miss anita fishing charters, or north bay charters. Humpback whales on the central california coast breaching. Gray whales pass by the coast, about a 30 min ride from monterey harbor. Whale watching half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing. Every week, they run dozens of whale watching tours, harbor cruises, and excursions to the channel islands national park and marine sanctuary.
In the fall, the eastern pacific, or california, gray whale starts a 23 month, 8,00011,000 km or 6,835 miles trip south along the west coast of canada, the united states and mexico. Choose your preferred cruise and book online or get in touch for more information. Frequently on our tours we spot common and bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, marine birds, and other whales. My husband and kids would love to go whale watching and i have seen plenty of companies offering these tours. From the far north to the mexican border, californias pristine waters play center stage to muchloved visitors such as humpbacks and orcas, as well as gray whales, who follow the entire coast on their yearly migration. In winter, you can find them leaving from harbors and marinas along the entire california coast. Whalewatching tours operate in open sea, sheltered bays, fjords and passages, even rivers. Baja airventures has three oneofkind soft, ecoadventure baja whale watching tours youll love. Add to my favorite tours in my favorite tours remove. Even if a gray, blue, or humpback whale doesnt make an appearance, the tour boat captains can usually find a pod of dolphinscommon, bottlenose, or rissos, as well as rafts of sea lions.
Dana point whale watching tours, dana point, ca california. Our primary whale watch vessel is the sur randy which measure 53ft in length and carries up to 45 passengers. The season typically goes from middecember through october. Over 40 years later, island packers is still a familyrun company with a warm, friendly attitude. The gray whale migrates along our coastline each year between baja california and the arctic. Whalewatching cruises are available from most of the. Mar 28, 2016 whale watching in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside newport bay, and youll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins.
Join us in big sur to watch humpback whales swim near shore. Learn about this activity in guerrero negro, baja california. The price is a little higher, butthe chance of seeing whales greater. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. Newport landing whale watching tours also have opportunities to see resident southern california common dolphin along with bottlenose dolphin, rissos dolphin, and california sea lions. The one of largest movement of mammals on earth happens just off the coast of pacific grove, ca the south end of monterey bay. California whale adventures offers whale watching charters and eco tours by boat off the california coast. Several companies offer charter tours so you can see them up close. See the magnificent whales breach the surface on our whale trips. A whale watch is a great activity for any traveler. Newport landing runs whale watching excursions seven days a week all year long. Whale watchers are delighted, but scientists cant say why the mammals are swimming so close to shore. Dana point whale watching tours california beaches. Company events and large groups may find our private charter whale watching option very attractive.
Your experience on our tours will be a private one with our 12 passenger maximum capacity. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. Vacation whale watching activities around the world expedia. Whales usually swim right by the mendocino coast on their journey. Whale watching laguna beach visitors newport landing. When your whale watch cruise returns you can spend the rest of the day visiting the gold coasts famous beaches, hinterland, national parks, theme parks and many other attractions. Our eco tours depart from the city and head out to the gulf of the farallones and point reyes wildlife sanctuary. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Princess monterey specialty cruises whale watching in. Whale watching on the gold coast is a very unique and special experience. Whale watching in baja california is one of the most magical experiences on earth.
Custom designed and built by the company owner, captain harold, our vessels offer the latest technology in safety, speed and environmentally friendly design. Our vessels meet the latest uscg regulations carrying life vests for. The 45 minute nature cruise ocean tours go out about a mile outside the harbor with a good chance of seeing dolphins and sea lions along with many seabirds. The central coast of california offers a lot more whale watching possibilities. Meanwhile on vancouver island, canada, the people of tofino and ucluelet celebrate the arrival of the gray whales.
Whatever occasion you happen to be celebrating, being on a boat makes it that much more special. Great white shark attacks kayaker in monterey bay, california. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. Dana wharf whale watching is great family off the california coast with an outstanding crew and a captain that contributed insightful narrative about whales and their migration seniors over 55 during march can wha. Las animas ecolodge on the sea of cortez has year round fin whales and blue whales and more. If you continue from the argentinean atlantic coast to the chilean pacific coast, you can meet blue whales. Redondo beach whale watch offers an unparalleled opportunity to sight, photograph, and learn about whales and other creatures of the sea. The best whale watch tours and destinations are presented here for you to explore including tours from surfers paradise and coolangatta.
In summer, the legendary blue whales the largest animals on earth and humpback whales commonly feed offshore of the san diego coast. The waters surrounding san francisco and the gulf of the farallones offer a variety of marine life viewing opportunities. The impact of whale watching thus is spread out along the entire 840mile coast. While gray whales are get the spotlight along the california coast, other cetaceansincluding orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, dolphins, and gigantic blue whalesply the waters at different times of year, bumping up your chances of seeing something amazing out there in the sea. Vacation whale watching activities in california expedia. On their return trip, northbound whales swim further out, up to 912 miles off the coast. Meet the gentle giants of the sea on our central coast whale tours. Laguna beach is known for its beautiful coastline, beach front activities, and a rich tradition for the arts. Droves of gray whales swimming along california coast. Enjoying local knowledge of all the best whale viewing vantage points like whale alley, this tour offers uninterrupted views from 3 decks bringing you face to face with these amazing creatures. Since blue whales tend to be found further out to sea than their grey whale cousins, its recommend to venture on a boat trip versus viewing from the shore in order.
Nancy and alisa have followed these orca families so long that they now have documented 4 generations. The gray whale is generally dark gray in color with mottling patterns of white patches that are used by scientists to identify individual animals. Watch for whales and dolphins off newport beach aboard a doubledecker catamaran with bow seating and 360degree views. Frequently asked questions bc whale tours victoria whale. Gene mace and his wife were out in monterey bay when he noticed a man had been. Download our handy guide to creating a special and very memorable.
The whale watching season on the gold coast runs from june november. Gene mace captured the moment a kayaker was attacked by a great white shark in monterey bay, california, on march 18. Frequently asked questions bc whale tours victoria. Whale watching in california come and experience californias yearround whale fest. The harbor offers easy access, free parking and the small towns locals tout to those who come to enjoy a boat ride during the whale watching season and throughout the year. Blue whales swim and feed off the california coast from midjune through october when krill is abundant. Buy tickets online or call 949 6731434 to schedule a cruise laguna beach is known for its beautiful coastline, beach front activities, and a rich tradition for the arts. Buy tickets online or call 949 6731434 to schedule a cruise. Our eco tours depart from fishermans wharf and head out to the gulf of the farallones and point reyes wildlife sanctuary. There are two lookouts around ballina and a viewing platform at iluka bluff near evans head. Morning and evening tours are available, private tours too. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz. Check out these cool new baja whale watching videos. The wonders of whale watching in california visit california.
Hi, will be over in california for 2 weeks in the middle of march. Monterey bay whale watch whale watching trips on monterey bay, one of the best things to do in monterey, viewing whales and dolphins off the coast of monterey, moss landing, carmel, big sur, and the central california coast. Whale watching cruises range from a twohour jaunt out of a local harbor to multiday cruises to baja, mexico. The east coast of australia is like a highway for the humpback whale migration which sees the whales travel from the cold waters of the arctic, north to the warmer waters off australias north coasts. Watching and charter cruise venue along the coast of southern california. If youre planning on going whale watching in the northern part of california, from marin county to the oregon border, this guide includes all the best places to go, when to go, and how to see some of the worlds biggest creatures as they swim just off the california coast. Depoe bay is the whale watching capital and dockside charters offers premier whale watching excursions. Off the coast of southern california, the hunt is on for a rare, upclose look at the largest creature on earth, the 90footlong blue whale. And consider taking a whalewatch boat trip with an experienced company such as bodega bay sport fishing center, fish on charters, miss anita fishing charters, or north bay charters. May 29, 2017 gene mace captured the moment a kayaker was attacked by a great white shark in monterey bay, california, on march 18. Our whale watching tours just off the coast of victoria, british columbia view residential and transients orca pods, migrating humpback whales, grey whales and other marine animals. Blue whales feed off the california coast between bodega bay and san diego.
San diego whale watching tours whale cruises with hornblower. Late december through april coincides with the california gray whale annual migration along the orange county coastline. Compare whale watch tours whale watch tour bookings. California a guide to whale watching tours, conservation. We are delighted to inform you about our fun, informative, and exciting blue and gray whale watching cruises. California whale adventures offer year round whale watching tours out of san francisco s fishermans wharf. Whale watching is a popular pastime in australia, whether from the land or on a whale watching tour. Central coast whale watching central coast whale tours. Whale watching on the california coast california beaches. Due to the short distance from the gray whale super highway our trips can be.
They are also the authorized concessionaire for transportation to the national park through 2021. San francisco whale watching is ready to take you out of san franciscos golden gate in search of several species of whales and other marine life of the california coast and the pacific ocean. California the best tips for whale watching in california whaletrips. Learn about the areas rich history at the eden killer whale museum and dont miss the annual eden whale festival in november. Whale watching is possible from any hotel room at the whale watch inn during the migration of these gentle giants from the bering sea to baha, california. Gold coast whale watching whale watch tour bookings. Bc whale tours has the largest and longest range zodiacs in the whale watching industry.
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