Best Time for Whale Watching in San Diego Whale watching season in San Diego runs from mid-December through April, and migrating gray whales are the most common species. To see females with their calves, go late in the season as they take their babies back north with them.

In this regard, what time of day is best for whale watching in San Diego?

That makes San Diego, with its 78 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, the perfect place to watch. The best time to watch for gray whales is from December through mid- to late April, depending on the year. To see a blue whale, wait until the spring and summer seasons.

Also, what time of year is best for whale watching? Gray whale season typically runs from late December until mid-April, when these 50-foot leviathans are making their annual migration from the Bering Sea to Mexico and back again. The summer months are the best times to see humpback whales and blue whales, which are attracted by abundant krill.

Also question is, what is the best month for whale watching in California?

In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.

What is the best whale watching tour in San Diego?

  • Offshore Blue Adventures. 5.4 mi.
  • Gone Whale Watching. 4.5 mi. 23 reviews.
  • Adventure RIB Rides. 5.1 mi. 113 reviews.
  • Oceanside Adventures. 31.6 mi. 156 reviews.
  • Whale Watching at H&M Landing. 6.3 mi. 215 reviews.
  • San Diego Sailing Tours. 5.2 mi. 188 reviews.
  • Flagship Cruises & Events. 5.4 mi. 781 reviews.
  • Baja Ballenas. 1.9 mi. 2 reviews.

Are there killer whales in San Diego?

Caitlin Scully, a representative of Birch Aquarium at Scripps, described orca sightings of the coast of San Diego as rare. “It's usually only a couple times a year that you'll see orcas,” Scully said. It total, Biagini spent 90 minutes with the group as they traveled in a straight line southwest of San Diego.

Are you more likely to see whales in the morning or afternoon?

There is not a huge difference between the morning and afternoon in whale watching. Some say that the whales also tend to be more active in the afternoon.

What to wear Whale Watching San Diego?

What should I wear to go whale watching in San Diego? It can be up to 15 degrees cooler on board a boat when it's moving, so we suggest wearing layers that are easy to take on and off. Light, water-resistant jackets are a great choice. You should also wear comfortable, sturdy closed-toed shoes with non-marking soles.

Where can you see whales in San Diego?

There are a number of different ways to experience whale watching in San Diego. A couple of great spots to view the grey whale migration from shore include the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Reserve where the hiking trails offer expansive views of the Pacific.

When can you see blue whales in San Diego?

However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at different times of the year, whale watching season in San Diego is open year round. If you have a preference for one species of whale over the other, gray whales migrate from mid-December through April while blue whales migrate from mid-June through September.

How much is whale watching in San Diego?

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PRICES.

Age Weekday Weekend/Holiday
Adults (Ages 13 - 59) $34.00 $38.00
Juniors (Ages 3 - 12) $28.00 $32.00
Seniors (60+) $28.00 $32.00
Toddlers (Ages 0 - 2) Free Free

Do whales swim close to shore?

Gray whales are very comfortable in shallow water. Even in their summer feeding grounds, they are often close to shore. Much of this is because they are bottom feeders and can find some of their favorite crustecean foods in the mud in shallow water. Some gray whales like to rub against the big rocks in the coves.

Are there whales in San Diego now?

February 27, 2020 We observed ~50 Pacific white-sided dolphins, ~100 Common dolphins, and TWO Southbound Gray whales!

Where is the best place to whale watch in California?

Best Whale Watching in California
  • Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay is California's hub for all things aquatic.
  • Santa Barbara. With more than 27 species of whales and dolphins that visit every year, whale watching in Santa Barbara is an awesome way to spend your vacation.
  • Newport Beach.
  • San Diego.

What is the best month to go whale watching in San Diego?

Best Time for Whale Watching in San Diego Whale watching season in San Diego runs from mid-December through April, and migrating gray whales are the most common species.

What time of day are whales most active in California?

The best overhead light is from 11 am - 3 pm, for beautiful blue waters. The calmest sea conditions tend to be before noon and towards sunset. The whales are active throughout the day and their behavior changes as groups of whales encounter each other.

Can you see whales in California in October?

You go whale watching almost anywhere along the California coast. June through October: Blue whales and humpback whales can be seen along the Big Sur coast, and around the Channel Islands. April to early November: Humpback whales along the central California coast.

Where can I watch humpback whales?

The following are the world's best places to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat.
  • Saguenay - St.
  • Reykjavík and Húsavík, Iceland.
  • Baja California Sur, Mexico.
  • Bahia de Banderas, Mexico.
  • Pacific Coast, Colombia.
  • Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa.
  • Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand.
  • Maui, Hawaii.

Where can I see orcas in California?

For instance, they can be found in water temperatures ranging from 32 degrees to tropical temperatures all over the world! On the West Coast, however, there are a few locations in particular we recommend for the best chance to spot orca whales. These locations include Long Beach, Monterey Bay, and San Diego.

What do you wear whale watching in California?

If the wind is blowing, it may be a little cooler yet. When you pack a backpack or tote for whale watching, put in the obligatory sunscreen, a hat or visor, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a jacket. Wear sunglasses, long pants or jeans, a comfortable shirt, socks, and comfortable shoes.

Where is the best place to whale watch?

The 12 Best Places in the U.S. to Go Whale Watching (and When to Go)
  • San Juan Islands, Washington. Getty Images.
  • Bar Harbor, Maine. Getty Images.
  • Maui, Hawaii. Getty Images.
  • Juneau, Alaska. Getty Images.
  • Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Getty Images.
  • Newport Beach, California. Getty Images.
  • Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Long Island, New York.

Can you see whales in August in California?

From December through April an estimated 10,000 gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel, between the Channel Islands and the California coast. Then in July and August you'll see the blue and humpback whales, especially off Santa Rosa island.