From mid-December to mid-March more than 25,000 California gray whales migrate from ice-cold Alaskan waters south to warm waters in Baja, California. During peak commutes as many as eight grays migrate per hour. And with this migrating season coming to a close in just a few short weeks, you only have so much time to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Below we have listed some of the best places across the California coast to see the gray whale migration.
Newport Landing offers year round whale watching cruises multiple times daily departing from Newport Bay, Newport Beach. The Newport Landing website gives a comprehensive guide to what kind of whales you could expect to see depending on the month you are going whale watching. The website states “During this month it is possible to get south bound gray whales heading to Baja and north bound gray whales as well. Multiple gray whales per cruise is common during this month.” You can also see other amazing creatures this time of year. The site states, “this is also considered the best month for viewing humpback whales. Killer whales and finback whales are also possible. Inshore common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Risso dolphin are also viewed.” A day spent on out in the ocean near Newport Beach in March is sure to be a spectacular one.
The closest to us here in Silicon Beach, is LA’s premiere whale watching company “LA Waterfront Cruises.” The company offers daily cruises with courteous, experienced crew and knowledgeable Aquarium of the Pacific marine mammal educators. “Typically December - May our 2 to 2 ½ hour Gray Whale tours observe the annual migration past Southern California's coastline as they travel from Alaska's Bering and Chukchi Seas to Baja, Mexico,” says the website. “Year-round we may also see orcas, humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales, among other marine life.” You can order tickets online for all of their cruises, including this 2-hour Pacific Ocean tour.
Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach provides whale watching and deep sea fishing excursions year round. Located approximately 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and just minutes from most of Orange County, Locker is the most popular option for those considering whale watching in southern California. “Along with viewing the giant blue whales and the annual gray whale migration, finback, minke, humpback, and even killer whales can be viewed on one of Davey’s Locker 2- 2 ½ hour whale watching cruises,” state’s their whale watching site. Check out one their four daily cruises, ranging from 10:00AM to 6:00PM from March through October!