San Diego Whale Watching
Charter •What
to Watch For to See Whales
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 hight and is visiable 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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