Whale watching charters are available for several months of the year. The type of whale we will see depends on the time of year. Information on the various types of Whales Watching in San Diego.

Gray Whale watching is from Dec through March when the Gray whales aremigrating past San Diego. See the recent video on the right.

Blue whale watching is available from mid June to mid September. We generally have to go closer to the Coronado Islands and 9 mile bank area to have a chance to see them.

Each year thousands of California Gray Whales make the long trek from their feeding grounds in the nutrient rich arctic waters to caving grounds in Baja, Mexico.  The  migration of approximately 10,000 km is thought to be the longest migration of any mammal.

The whales can reach a length of 52ft, a weight of 36 tons and an age of 60 years.  The California Gray Whale for as large as they seem to us, is just a mid size whale. They get their name both from the gray slate color of their skin as well as from the gray-white patterns left by parasites. The California Gray Whale is classified as a baleen whale because it filters its food out from large quantities of sea water.

A great Whale Watching information site was developed locally at Scripps Oceanography, it includes video and audio. You can hear a short narration on each type of whale and actually hear the sounds that each whale species makes.

The Gray Whales were the first to be protected - beginning in 1937. There were historically 4 different populations, but only two have survived and only 1 population is healthy. Unlike most nature stories you may hear, the story of the California Gray Whale is considered a success story. Having been  hunted almost to extinction, they have rebounded and now have an estimated population of 30,000 individuals.

Not only do we have the Gray Whales around San Diego, but it is also possible to see Orca (Killer) Whales, Blue Whales and others as well. Sighting of these are much rarer however.

Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience the grandeur of these magnificent creatures of the deep up close on your own private whale watching charter. Where are All the Whales Article

San Diego Whale Watching Charter - When to watch?

It is possible to see a whale anytime of the day since they migrate 24 hours a day, but it is easier to see them when the water is calmer. Remember, they are swimming at a speed of about 4-5 knots from north to south and are generally 3 to 5 miles offshore.

What to look for?

The "Blow" or "Spout" is around 15 feet in height and is visible for several seconds. The whale will do 3 to 5 blows about 30 - 50 seconds apart and then dive deep for 3 - 6 minutes. They then repeat this cycle. This picture, of 3 whales, was taken on a charter in 2008.

Before making the deep dive the whale may display it's fluke. The fluke is fairly large (around 12 feet) and it helps push the whale under water. It close enough you may also notice a knuckled ridge along the spine and the gray color of the skin. After a whale submerges you will notice a 'footprint" - a section of calm water where the whale has been.

Sometimes, if you are very lucky, you will see a whale breach. This is when they hurl themselves out of the water and then come splashing down again.

 

 

 

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