San Diego Police Department Article

Whale Watching in San Diego

All whale-lovers know that the San Diego coast is the perfect place for watching gray whales during their annual migration. Considered one of the ultimate spectacles of nature, gray whale migration is simply breathtaking. The San Diego coastline is one of their points along their migratory route from the cold Artic waters to the warmer, more favorable waters of the Baja, California. This is also where the female gray whales give birth to their babies.

An estimated 26,000 gray whales annually journey to and fro from the Artic region to the Baja, covering long distances of more than 10,000 miles. Taking this in to account it can easily be said that the gray whale travels the greatest amount as compared to any other mammal.

Whale watching is as spectacular for the experienced whale-watcher as it is for a first-timer. Catching sight of a gray whale is an unrivalled experience; as everyone stops to admire these gigantic mammals that are nothing short of awesome.

The Birch Aquarium, located in San Diego is the best place to get all the information you are looking for on gray whales and their migratory patterns. Gray whales are most often seen from the months of December right through to March. Gray whales usually travel together in dozens as they migrate, though it is not uncommon to see them in twos or threes – called pods. These whales are relatively slow swimmers and can be easily spotted all along the San Diego coastline.

While swimming, gray whales often dive to depths of more than 100 feet for a few minutes before surfacing and blowing water through their blowhole. After this they will undertake a few dives that are shallow before diving deep again. Trying to figure out each whale’s pattern of diving and blowing makes whale watching even more exciting.

While there are numerous places from where whale watching can be done, there is no comparison to the excitement of whale watching when aboard a cruise. There are plenty of cruises to choose from in San Diego and most of them offer irresistible offers. From the Birch Aquarium to H&M Landing, cruises are considered the best way to observe the tranquility and beauty of migrating gray whales.

Many other points along the San Diego coastline, including the Torry Pines State Beach cliffs and the Cabrillo National Monument situated on Point Loma act are perfect for observing the magnificence of the gray whales as they continue on their journey of migration.

Whether you choose to watch the whales from the coast or a cruise, either ways it remains a truly memorable San Diego experience. Whale watching is an exciting experience for the whole family and all you need to do is make a plan with family and friends and then sit back and enjoy the awesome sight of the magnificent gray whales as they swim around. Watching a gray whale come up and blow water through its blowhole is sure to be an experience you would cherish forever and make you come back for more.