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Enjoy Whale Watching in San Diego - See Gray Whales as they Migrate along the San Diego coast to and from Baja California. Last updated January 4, 2010.
Whale Watching San Diego
From December through April, over 25,000 California Gray Whales undergo their annual migration from Alaska through San Diego and onto Baja California. As the gray whales migrate south, they travel in large pods that are relatively close to the San Diego shore. If you choose a San Diego whale watching cruise or sailing adventure, you can see the whales and get close enough to watch them as they travel south. The whales will pause and play occasionally, breaching and sending huge sprays of water (in fact, that might be how you spot them). Most sightings occur within five miles of the San Diego beaches during the early part of the season, so if you want to see them from a kayaking tour, or from land, go from December to February. In the latter part of the whale watching season, the grey whales are migrating north from Baja Mexico on their way back to the Bering Sea. During this time, they often travel further out to sea and in less concentrated pods. The Whale Watching excursion boats will travel further out to see them. When you are whale watching in San Diego, you may be joined by playful dolphins. You may also see seals swimming or lounging on the buoys near the San Diego Harbor, or on rocks in La Jolla Bay.
San Diego Whale Watching
From a Boat at Sea
Photo from Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Naturalist-Guided Whale Watching Boat Rides - December 26 2009 - April 4 2010 San Diego Harbor Excursion. Go whale watching in San Diego with an ocean expert from Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Amazing views, listen to whale and dolphin sounds, and guaranteed whale sightings. Reservations required. (619) 234-4111. Times 9:45 am - 1:15 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm. $30 weekdays and $35 weekends, kids 4-12 $15 with paid adult, kids 3 and under free. $5 off whale watching coupons They also offer extended whale watching excursions from San Diego to Baja California that last 3-5 days and cost $590 - $720 per person. Whale Watching San Diego Sailing Adventure - From December 19 2009 - April 15 2010 you can sail aboard the America, one of the most famous racing sailing vessels in the world. See some gray whales up close - guaranteed. The sailboat departs from the San Diego Maritime Museum, where you can visit either before or after your sail. No seasickness guarantee too, and no diesel engine smell as this is a sailing trip. Bring your own picnic lunch. Watch for whales aboard the replica of the 139-foot yacht America. Adults are $65 - $85 per person, kids less. Boarding starts at 10:30 AM. For more information call 800-644-3454 or visit their website Whale Watching. Hornblower Whale and Dolphin Adventure Hornblower Cruises at 1066 N. Harbor Dr. in San Diego, also offers San Diego whale and dolphin watching cruises daily at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM starting December 12. Prices are $37 for weekends ($30 for students, seniors and military, $19 for children), and $32 for weekdays. No outside food may be brought aboard, but food and beverages may be purchased while on the cruise. They also offer discount packages with some local museums. For more information see Hornblower San Diego Whale Watching. See ideas on San Diego whale watching discounts and coupons.
Whale Watching in San Diego
From Kayak at La Jolla Shores
Another interesting way to see whales up close is from a kayak in La Jolla Bay. The whales frequently travel along the canyons off La Jolla, and the clear waters offer some excellent views of life below the surface. These small group tours run from December to March and cost $60 per person for single kayak, or $55 per person for double kayaks. Wet suits are recommended and can be rented for an additional $10. Ages 8 and up, swimmers only for this San Diego whale watching adventure. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but kayaking in La Jolla bay is a wonderful experience even if you miss the whales. There is so much else to see! For more information see La Jolla Kayak Whale Watching Tours.
Whale Watching in San Diego
From Land
Another great way to see the whales is from land, particularly early in the season as they travel south toward Baja. Choose a spot high up to view, and look out several hundred yards or more. Dress in layers as it might be cold and windy, and bring your binoculars. Viewing is usually best in the morning from 9 AM - 12 noon. Some places to watch include:Point Loma at the Cabrillo National Monument whale watching overlook Sunset Cliffs Torrey Pines State Preserve in La Jolla, Cal. I've seen whales and dolphins here many times as I hike along the trails near the cliffs. Birch Aquarium at Scripps where the whales migrate along one of the deep underwater canyons close to shore. On Sat. January 16, 2010 Birch Aquarium has a program Whales on the Horizon where you can watch for gray whales during their migration from the aquarium’s tide pool plaza, get up close to real whale baleen and learn more about whales from Scripps Aquarium scientists. Viewpoints and Overlooks - There are many viewpoints along the coast that you can try, such as ocean overlooks in Pacific Beach, Windansea, above Del Mar Rivermouth Dog Beach, Fletcher Cove park in Solana Beach, Encinitas and Leucadia beaches (Swamis, D Street Overlook, Stonesteps, Beacons and Grandview).
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