Tips for Whale Watching in Southern California
The Pacific Ocean is home to some magnificent creatures, but none are probably as impressive as the majestic whale. The coast of Southern California offers some of the best opportunities to witness these incredible creatures first hand, if you know where and when to look.
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Best Whale Watching Spots In Southern California
WIth miles of coastline there are many spots that offer a great place to view marine life in Southern California. Known at the Whale Watching Capital of the World, Dana Point Harbor is one of the best places to see whales and dolphins year-round thanks to the incredible weather and the variety of different species that inhabit the waters. Some other good spots include Newport Harbor, the Santa Barbara Channel recently designated as a Whale Heritage Site, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay.
In San Diego you may not even need to leave dry land to spot some whales. From the high vantage points of the Birch Aquarium and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, as well as the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma offer great spots to check out the annual migration of gray whales from the shore.
For a truly unique adventure plan a day trip to Channel Islands National Park where you can extend a whale-watching cruise into an on land excursion exploring the natural habitat of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island.
Guided Coastal Tours
Whale watching boat tours are the best way to get out on the open ocean and spot whales, as well as some other coastal inhabitants, like dolphins and California sea lions. Excellent guided excursions can be found at ports in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County and San Diego, so you’re guaranteed a great experience no matter where you are in the LA area.
Here are some of the most well-reviewed tour operators that offer whale-watching trips in Southern California:
Newport Landing Whale Watching – Newport Beach
Davey’s Locker Whale Watching – Newport Beach
Harbor Breeze Cruises – Long Beach
Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari – Dana Point
Channel Islands Whale Watching – Oxnard
L.A. Waterfront Cruises – San Pedro
Whale Watching Tips For An Amazing Adventure
Check out these simple tips to enhance your whale watching experience and ensure it’s a memory your family will never forget.
1. Choose the right season.
Whales are creatures of habits, and they follow fixed migration patterns, so keep in mind the season for the best chances to get a glimpse of your preferred whale. The best time to see gray whales and humpback whales is from January through April. During the gray whale migration their numbers are impressive—an estimated 20,000 each season, which guarantees plenty of encounters.
Giant Blue Whales—the world’s largest animals, and finback whales can be seen off the Southern California coast during summer months from May to September when they head to the coastal feeding grounds. Minke whales can be spotted from October through December. Occasionally you may get lucky and catch a very rare sighting of sperm whales in deeper waters off the coastline.
2. Dress for the occasion.
Regardless of the season you choose to engage in your whale watching adventures, make sure your family dresses for the excursion. Even if you think the weather is too warm for winter-appropriate clothes, temperatures are always lower on the ocean. The strong breezes often add a wind chill factor as well. Layer up and pack warm hats, mittens, and extra socks for you and your family.
3. Protect yourself from the sun.
Just like a sunny winter day at the beach calls for sunscreen, a whale watching tour out on the ocean requires the same amount of sun protection. Water reflects sunlight, and you’ll get a more significant impact while out whale watching. Prepare for the occasion with plenty of sunscreen and high-quality sunglasses for your family. A sun hat is another good way to block the sun, but make sure it has a chin strap so it doesn’t fly away.
4. Be prepared for motion sickness.
If you’ve never been out on the ocean before, there’s a good chance you might experience motion sickness. Pack the dramamine just in case, you won’t regret it.
5. Bring entertainment for the kids.
Whale watching is an excellent way to make memories for you and your family. However, younger kids may not have the patience required to enjoy a day out in the sea, making a fun family trip go south quickly. Pack along plenty of screen-free entertainment that can keep them distracted until it’s time to witness the whales. A game of eye-spy is always easy on the go. Bring some binoculars to make it more exciting. Another fun idea, especially for older kids, is to bring along a sketch pad and have them draw what they see on the ocean.
6. Keep your expectations realistic.
You did your research regarding the seasons and ideal locations and also prepared carefully for the occasion. Everything is perfect and ready for the experience of a lifetime, but keep in mind that you can control everything—except the whales themselves.
Southern California may be a haven for whale watching, but whales do as they see fit. Even if you do everything right, you may have to wait hours to see a whale—or you may not see one at all. That’s part of the thrill of the experience and what makes whale watching exciting and rewarding. Leading up to your tour, talk about what you might see —dolphins will often make an appearance and the possibility that whales might not make an appearance. It is also essential to remember that whales come out fast and without warning. You may not have time for an Insta-perfect photo, and that’s okay—it’s all about living that small moment together, after all.
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