San Diego is a truly majestic place, thanks to the natural wonders that surround this sunny California location. Tourists can enjoy beautiful weather throughout the year, which means they have many options for fun in the sun, from taking a boat cruise San Diego to hiking along the coastal cliffs. One of the main attractions is going whale watching and while San Diego does have two distinct seasons, whales can be seen at almost any time of year. Here’s what to expect when you visit San Diego for whale watching!
Migrating mammals
What makes whale watching San Diego such a popular activity for tourists and residents? Well, it’s all about the waters off the coast. Whales that hang out in the southern hemisphere come as far north as San Diego from May to August, when winter is at its peak. Meanwhile, in the northern hemisphere, other species of whales head south in winter and spring to calve in the warmer waters. Additional whale species can be spotted throughout the year, along with other amazing sea mammals and fish including dolphins, sea lions, seals and ocean sunfish.
Winter and spring
From around late November to April, the Pacific Ocean can be a busy place off the coast of San Diego. These months are when gray whales leave the chilly Alaskan waters and make their way to Baja California. Occasionally, killer and pilot whales may also migrate, but not in the same numbers as grays. Winter is the rainy season, although it still stays mostly sunny. If you plan a whale watching tour during your visit, be sure to take a light jacket in case the breeze is cool or you’re caught out by a pop-up shower.
Summertime
Dont’t worry about missing out on whale watching in the summer, because that’s when the world’s largest animal – the blue whale – makes its way into the San Diego area. Fin whales (the second largest) also arrive in numbers and with calm seas, you may be able to see them well from a distance. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a rare Bryde’s whale, some populations of which do not migrate.
All year-long
If your trip to San Diego doesn’t fall within either of seasons, do not despair! Plenty of whales turn the California coast into a highway throughout the year. For instance, humpbacks are always present, as are minke whales. The best thing to do is check the San Diego whale watching report before you book a tour to know what whales have been spotted recently in the area.
Helpful tips
In order to really make the most of your whale watching trip to San Diego, pay attention to the following tips.
- Take sunscreen or a hat to protect you from the sun.
- Be sure to charge your phone before you go, for pictures and videos
- Pack binoculars to see the whales better from a distance (as boats are required to do to maintain a distance in order to reduce any potential impact on the animals)
- If you tend to get motion sickness, opt for a larger boat with stabilisers
Whale watching in San Diego is in season every season! As long as you book with a reputable tour company, you should enjoy the ride and see some amazing creatures to boot.
Have you ever been whale watching? Where did you go and how did you find the experience? Share your thought with other readers by leaving a comment below.
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