Whale Watching Blog

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At 11:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time, our “endless summer” officially ended and our Fall began. The celestial sun was above the equator, and if a person put a stake in the ground at high noon, no shadow would be cast. Our earth rotates on its axis and now the southern hemisphere has longer days, culminating … Read more

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dolphin watching san diego

Due to the many dolphin species’ migratory habits, it is possible to go dolphin watching San Diego almost all year round. It’s an amazing opportunity for everyone to view these magnificent animals in their native environment.   The best way is to sign up for one of the many fun tours in San Diego that … Read more

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Non-stop wildlife, calm seas, warm weather, gorgeous sunset and awesome passengers!80~ long-beaked common dolphins showed up right away as we headed to the wild west water. They were less interested in us and were exhibiting pod hunting techniques darting around and corralling fish. But they were truly just the appetizer. Heading further west toward the … Read more

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Interesting facts about a humpback whale

Here are some interesting facts about a humpback whale. For their oil and flesh, humpback whales were almost driven to extinction. Prior to the 1970s moratorium on whaling, estimations of their worldwide population were as little as 10,000. Environmentalists across the globe have enabled the worldwide humpback whale population to increase to roughly 80,000, yet … Read more

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Every year, blue whales—the largest animals on Earth—make a spectacular appearance off the coast of San Diego, drawing thousands of visitors hoping to glimpse these majestic giants. Last year was an exceptional season, with a phenomenal 308 blue whale sightings aboard our vessels. This abundance was fueled by favorable ocean conditions that supported dense krill … Read more

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Fortunately we were only being accosted by a very friendly and curious minke whale, so no harm was done. We enjoyed a beautiful day on the water! We had three awesome trips with a bunch of wildlife seen all day. On our morning trip we cruised out to the SW and passed the drop-off and … Read more

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Rounding out a weekend of full trips sharing the ocean with our wonderful passengers we navigated to the north west chasing elegant terns diving into the salty seas. It was quiet on La Jolla canyon where wildlife had been hanging out earlier in the day. Changing course we headed due south and happened across a … Read more

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The ocean was teaming with life, starting with great looks at a harbour seal right after departing the dock. Heading southwest chasing some pelicans and shearwaters a small pod of ~30 long beaked common dolphins showed up in the mix. A larger pod of long beaks in a feeding frenzy brought us to a gorgeous … Read more

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Gray  whale migration season has concluded, and we are reflecting on an unforgettable few months along the coast! We experienced stunning close encounters, rare behaviors, and meaningful observations that remind us why gray whale migration is one of the most incredible wildlife events on Earth. Gray whales endure the longest migration compared to any other mammal! Every year, these gentle giants undertake an epic journey from their Arctic summer feeding grounds to their winter breeding grounds in the warm lagoons of Baja California. Our San Diego coast is located along their migration path so we are lucky enough to witness these transient whales each year! This year, we witnessed gray whales traveling closely along our coastline, each with their own unique story.

Migration Highlights

The annual gray whale migration is one of the longest of any mammal. They travel anywhere between 10,000 – 14,000 miles per year! Here are some of the highlights from this season:

  • Record Numbers: This year, we observed a 27% increase in the number of whale sightings compared to last year! 
  • Calf Sightings: We witnessed numerous sightings of mother whales with their calves, a heart-warming reminder of the circle of life. However, recent research has noticed a decline in the number of cow/calf pairs compared to previous years likely due to food scarcity which may be hindering females from having enough energy to sustain themselves & reproduce. (NOAA fisheries 2024)
  • Close Encounters: We shared so many close encounters with friendly gray whales, some even displaying intriguing behavior such as rolling over and exposing their under bellies, acting like giant sea puppies! We have also seen a good amount of full body breaches! 

Impact of Conservation Efforts

The recovery of the gray whale population is a testament to successful conservation efforts. Once on the brink of extinction, these whales have reached carrying capacity in previous years! However, we have observed a noticeable negative impact to gray whale sightings that could be correlated to lack of food due to melting of sea ice reducing their prey population of benthic amphipods.

Observations and Research

This season also provided valuable opportunities for researchers to study gray whale behavior, migration patterns, and overall health. The data collected will contribute to ongoing conservation strategies and help ensure the future of these incredible animals.

Looking Forward

As we bid farewell to the gray whales for now, we eagerly await their return next season. The journey of the gray whales is a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of preserving our oceans. We hope to see even more whales next year!

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A majestic whale tail emerges from the ocean during the best whale watching in San Diego, offering an unforgettable marine experience.

Define Best Whale watching in San Diego is about experience based unlike any other, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring migrations. But when it comes to booking a tour, a common question arises—is it better to go in the morning or at sunset? Both options offer incredible opportunities to see gray … Read more