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The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Gray Whales in San Diego

San Diego’s Gray Whale Sighting Season: Everything You Need to Know

Gray Whales, also known as the California Gray Whale, are an important species in the marine ecosystem. They play a crucial role in the food chain, as they feed on small crustaceans and other invertebrates on the ocean floor, which helps maintain the health of the ecosystem

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Quick Facts About Gray Whale Sightings in San Diego
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Oldest Species

Gray whales are one of the oldest species of whales, dating back more than 30 million years.

Longest Migration

They are also one of the longest migrating mammals, traveling up to 12,000 miles round trip each year.

A Long Lifespan

Gray whales can live up to 70 years, but the average lifespan is around 55 years.

The Heart Whale

The direction in which a grey whale’s blow holes are angled creates a heart-shaped spout; earning them the nickname – The Heart Whale. 

Friendly Nature

Gray whales are known for their friendly behavior towards humans and have been observed approaching boats to interact with people.

Live In Cold Waters

They have a thick layer of blubber, which helps to insulate them in cold waters and store energy during their long migration.

Bottom Feeders

Gray whales are bottom feeders and use their baleen plates to filter small crustaceans, worms, and other small organisms from the ocean floor.

Unique Behaviors

Their unique feeding behavior involves rolling on their sides in shallow waters to stir up sediment, exposing food, and leaving behind feeding pits.

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Declining Population

It is estimated there are 14,526 gray whales off of our coastline.  Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an unusually rapid decline in population.

Discover why San Diego is the best place
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Coastal Gem: La Jolla Cove

Watch gray whales frolic in the crystal clear waters of La Jolla Cove, one of the most beautiful spots in San Diego for whale watching.

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Scenic Views: Cabrillo National Monument

Experience stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean while observing gray whales at Cabrillo National Monument, a prime location for whale watching.

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Up Close Encounters: Point Loma

Get up close and personal with gray whales at Point Loma, where the whales often swim close to shore during their migration.

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Unforgettable Experience: Daily Tours

Join one of our whale watching tour in San Diego for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see gray whales up close and personal, with a 95% success rate of whale sightings.

Stay Informed with Daily Updates on Whale Sightings

Don’t miss a moment of the incredible whale migration in San Diego. Subscribe to our daily newsletter to receive updates on recent sightings and more!

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San Diego Whale Watch Reports Unprecedented Gray Whale Sightings
Join San Diego Whale Watch for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majestic gray whales on their migration path, and discover why this season’s sightings have left seasoned marine biologists and tourists alike in awe.
May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

We found a little Gray whale in Mission Bay AND Five Blue whales close to the coast! We left the...

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April 12, 2024

April 12, 2024

Apr 12, 2024

Breeeeeeaaccchhhhh! We had a juvenile breaching Humpback whale! On our afternoon trip we caught up...

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April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024

Apr 11, 2024

Thursday, April 11, 2024 We had an action packed trip with a Gray whale cow/calf pair, a Fin...

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April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024

Apr 11, 2024

We had an action packed trip with a Gray whale cow/calf pair, a Fin whale, and Common dolphins...

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April 2, 2024

April 2, 2024

Apr 2, 2024

Looks like the recent rainfall event stirred up some nutrient mixing in the water column bringing...

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March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Mar 29, 2024

Happy Friday everyone! We found some dolphriends and California sea lions this morning. We saw...

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March 22, 2024

March 22, 2024

Mar 22, 2024

We had a FIN-tastic Friday aboard the Privateer! We caught up with a Fin whale on both of our...

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Discover the Magic of San Diego’s Marine Life: Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, and Dolphin Sightings

Dive deeper with our additional resources and links to external sources.

Experience the wonders of the ocean and witness the magnificent migration patterns of whales and dolphins in San Diego. With our comprehensive guides to Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, and Dolphin Sightings, you’ll discover the diverse marine life of this coastal city. Explore our additional resources and links to delve even deeper into this fascinating subject.

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Whale Migration in San Diego

Witness the incredible Gray, Blue, and Humpback whale migration in San Diego

Gray Whale Sightings

Discover the unique behaviors and patterns of gray whales in the area.

Blue Whale Sightings

Experience the majesty of the largest mammals on earth in San Diego.

Humpback Whale Sightings

Witness the impressive acrobatic displays of these majestic creatures

Dolphin Sightings

Observe the playful and curious dolphins in their natural habitat.

Gray Whale Resources