Experience the magic of migrating whales yearround off the coast of san diego. Our experienced crew knows exactly how to track down and show you the spectacular wildlife the pacific ocean has to offer. In san diego, there are three harbors to choose from that offer whale watching tours, which are oceanside harbor, mission bay, and san diego bay. Have a great time with our unique service you will see blue whales, gray whales, humpback whales, fin whales and dolphins insandiego ca. Whale watching san diego year round whale watching tours.
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. We recognize two distinct seasons for whale watching off the coast of san diego, including gray whale season decemberapril and blue whale season juneoctober. In san diego, we also have two major seasons when we see the gray whale migration pass by us from november to may and the blue whale. This video was filmed in san diego aboard the adventure hornblower whale watching boat which departs from downtown. Discover sailing in san diego while searching for whales.
Weve done captain daves for the dolphin tour, not the blue whales though that is on my bucket list. 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. Whale watching in san diego scripps affiliated medical groups. This is an abbreviated description and listing of some of the whale species that can be seen around san diego. San diego s best kept secret is the amazing year round whale and dolphin watching san diego just offshore. Blue whale watching during migration summerfall san diego. San diego ranks among the worlds most incredible places for viewing marine wildlife. Offshore blue adventures san diego 2020 all you need. Each whale watching trip is a two and a half hour journey, with a chance to spot wildlife from the very beginning.
Pro tips for whale watching san diego with pacific nature tours. Guests are welcome to meet with a san diego whale watch event coordinator to book the boat and a tour for a private party or for your own personal chartering. May through november the mighty blue whales along with finback whales can be seen off the coast of san diego. San diego whale watching tours sail san diego youtube.
Southern california whale watching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation of marine wildlife in their natural environment. Why not go whale watching san diego whale watch is committed to making your next corporate event a success. We are still also seeing grey whales on their northbound migration and yesterday we were treated to both grey whales and a blue whale on one tour. Your total time on the water is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Traditionally, whale watching season runs from december through april. I highly recommend san diego sailing tours def a must do when visiting. San diego whale watching tours san diego beach secrets. Newport landing whale watching offers tours year round, december through april is the best time to catch the gray whale migration. If youre a lover of marine life, this whale watching excursion wont disappoint. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Your whale watching cruise is available at an affordable price on our historic boat, the privateer. Gray whales can be seen as close as 12 mile from mission bay san diego.
Because youve found san diego s best whale watching experience. 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. San diego provides the perfect launching point for a whale watching tour in california. The coastal city of san diego is a main stop on the migratory patterns of gray, blue, and humpback whales as they make their way from alaska to baja california and mexico each year. Fall is one of the best seasons for viewing the giant blue whales while enjoying some of the mildest weather of the year. Whale watching tours san diego, fun things to do in san diego. Bottle nose, pacific white sided, rissos and common dolphins can be seen year round as well. During our whale watching tour we saw some gray whales and humpback whales. Even without lots of whales on this trip, it was a gorgeous sail up and down the coast. In the summer and fall, san diego whale watching visitors will be able to view the gigantic blue whale along our coast.
Sand diegos aquatic ecosystem is your backdrop for one of the most breathtaking tours you could imaginewhales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and more are abundant in these perfectly blue waters. 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 californias beach city. The san diego whale watch tour takes you out on the pacific ocean for a threehour cruise in search of whales, dolphins, sea lions and seabirds. Book now offshore blue adventures, captain cici sayer. Big blue whales surface in san diego fourhour tours on the 9 mile bank. Whale species around san diego original san diego boat tours. San diego offers some of the best whale watching with year round whale sightings of humpback whales, fin whales, orca whales, dolphins, and much more.
The winter months may not seem like a great time to visit the beach, but if your goal is to take pictures of some of the largest mammals on earth, then you should head to the pacific ocean soon. Our fast expedition style boat gets you out to the whales before the. Sand diego s aquatic ecosystem is your backdrop for one of the most breathtaking tours you could imaginewhales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and more are abundant in these perfectly blue waters. Jan 21, 2017 this video was filmed in san diego aboard the adventure hornblower whale watching boat which departs from downtown. Blues whales are the largest animals to ever live on earth and can reach up to 100 and weigh in at 150 tons. Best place for whale watching in san diego, california.
San diego is home to one of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in southern california, and the rich environment attracts lots of marine mammals. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Witness the astounding grace and beauty of the gray whales as they migrate from the chilly arctic to the warm waters of southern california. San diego whale watching excursions information guide. 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. See san diego from a new perspective and make some new memories. Yes, san diego has entered whale watching season, one of the many natural, special gifts our city provides. Whether by land or by sea, san diego is one of californias best spots for whale watching. The blue whale is the largest animal to ever on the earth and can grow to over 100 feet in length. This is also the best way to see a blue whale as they tend to stay farther out to sea.
Close to america your baja whale watching tours begin and end directly in san diego, ca. We give you more time enjoying the beauty of baja, for less money. 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. We often see blue, humpback, fin, and minke whales along with the occasional pod of pilot, sperm, or killer whales during our cruises. Our fast expedition style boat gets you out to the whales before the crowds arrive, and we can stay longer. San diego whale watching tour san diego sailing tours. Most blue whale watching tours start in san diego s big bay and since the migration takes place out in the deep waters of the pacific, blue whale watching cruises can last up to four hours. San diego whale watching blog stay up to date with our whales in san diego.
Enjoy an intimate experience with californias majestic pacific gray whales during this private 3hour whale watching excursion from san diego. From our daily whale watching reports to photos and video, this is the spot for our favorite marine mammals. And near the historic lighthouse at cabrillo national monument, whale. Firstmate tina, and reluctant pirate molly were supreme hosts creating an experience to behold educational tour around san diego bay full of laughter. Offshore blue adventures san diego whale and dolphin. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. Why choose baja airventures for baja whale watching tours. Enjoy the wind fill our sails as we head out toward the end of point loma and sail into the pacific ocean. Join the museum whalers, museumtrained volunteer naturalists on one of these adventures. Whale watching season is among us in san diego and this is an opportunity you do not want to miss.
With a maximum of six passengers, everyone gets a front row seat. For the thrill of a lifetime, cruise alongside these magnificent whales in their natural environment with flagship cruises, san diego s most experienced whale watching company. With a large platform and steel construction, the privateer can hold 149 people and provides the smoothest ride on the ocean. Are you looking for a truly unique setting to host your next corporate event. Watch the seasonal migration of california grey whales and blue whales off the san diego coast up close and personal. California whale watching san diego san diego hotels. May through november san diego is equipped with a coldwater upwelling system that brings especially nutrientrich water up to the surface, drawing in hungry blue whales and fin whales. 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. Blue whales can be sighted during midjune through sept when 2000 to 3000 blue whales feed off the california coast. The blue whale is the largest mammal in the world with an average length of over 80 feet. Gray whale watching season begins december 14, 2019. Walking directions our ticket checkin booth address is 1617 quivira road, san diego, ca 92109.
Here at san diego sailing tours in partner with seas lyfe we take. 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 san diego, we also have two major seasons when we see the gray whale migration pass by us from november to may and the blue whale season from may to october. Most blue whale watching tours start in san diegos big bay and since the migration takes place out in the deep waters of the pacific, blue whale watching cruises can last up to four hours. Between december and april, more than 20,000 gray whales migrate along our coast. When exiting the bay, most cruises pass massive active and retired military vessels like the uss midway museum, and historic landmarks that dot the bayfront like the lighthouse at the cabrillo national monument. All year round we chase blue or grey whales in the pacific. Next level sailing san diego whale watching sailing tours. Whale watching report in san diego whale sightings. Jul 03, 2014 san diego two boaters on a whale watching trip off coast of san diego got the surprise of their lives when one of the whales decided to watch them getting so close that if flipped their boat over. When you book a trip with us, prepare for the best whale watching in san diego.
However, blue whale watching san diego, the largest animal ever known to live on earth, are being seen in increasing numbers. Board a ship that seats a maximum of 6 guests, searching for these beautiful marine mammals as they migrate on their 10,000mile 16,000kilometer journey between the baja peninsula and the bering. Can anyone recommend which is best tour to see blue whales. From luxurious private charters to affordable group cruises, san diego provides plenty of ways to get up close with these magnificent creatures. San diego is quickly becoming the top destination for year round whale watching. Private whale watching in san diego including tours of the harbor and eco charters to the coronado islands. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whale watching. I believe that in order to find the whales they have to go further out into the ocean than the gray whale tours in the winter. San diegos best kept secret is the amazing year round whale and dolphin watching san diego just offshore.
In addition to whales, there are large pods of dolphins that call the san diego coast home. Bottle nose, pacific white sided, rissos and common dolphins can be seen year round. San diego winter whale watching expedition cruise 2020. San diego whale watch the official travel resource for. Give us a ring at 619 2977426 or book your sailing tour online at. These photos were taken from recent whale and dolphin tours. San diego is well known for its gray whale watching season decembermarch. On this three and a halfhour adventure visitors are treated to a factfilled narrative by experienced captains who ensure that the whales are spotted.
Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. Its best to avoid caffeine in advance of your outing and take precautions to prevent sea sickness. Big blue whales surface in san diego san diego reader. San diego whale watching tours are available yearround, notably with the peak of the season being during the gray whale migration nov 28 through april. Top 5 things to know about newport landing whale watching. There were also a number of types of birds including great blue herons and cormorants. Tours typically depart from san diego harbor, one of the best places to take a whalewatching excursion in southern california. Witness the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass san diego on their annual 10,000mile roundtrip journey from the bering sea to the lagoons of baja california. Whale watching trips leave from the flagship cruises and events docks in downtown san diego about a 20minute drive south of birch aquarium. The annual giant blue whale migration brings hundreds of blue whales each springsummer to the waters off the southern california coast.
This year we spotted our first blue whale on april 27th. Hundreds of california grey whales are being spotted off of our coast daily. 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. On land an animal the size of a blue whale would be crushed by its own weight without the support of large heavy bones. If youre interested in a closer look at these majestic creatures, a host of sightseeing and tour operators in san diego offer a variety of whale watching excursions. San diego whale watch offers the premier whale watching experience in southern california. As part of our mission to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment, the san diego natural history museum has partnered with hornblower cruises and events for more than a decade to provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience gray and blue whale watching off the san diego coast. Book your whale watching tour blue whale balaenoptera musculus the blue whale a rorqual, a family that also includes the humpback whale, fin whale, brydes whale, sei whale, omuras whale, and minke whale. Although the production of food could attract them to our coast at any time, recent years have shown a spike in blue whale and fin whale encounters throughout the summer and fall. San diego whale watch offers yearround tours so that passengers can witness grey, fin and blue whales migrating from the arctic ocean down to baja. The warm welcoming waters of the san diego coastline are also home to.