Whale Watching 

      

One of nature's great spectacles is the annual migration of the gray whales, one of the largest mammals on earth. And San Diego's coastline is one of their passing points during their migratory trek to and from the frigid Arctic waters to the warm water lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves.

Each year, around 26,000 gray whales make the 10,000 mile journey from the Arctic Sea south to Baja and back. In fact, the gray whale's trip is the longest migration undertaken by any mammal. To spot a gray whale swimming off our coastline is one of those awe-inspiring sights that makes you appreciate these gentle giants. Watching a whale breach (propelling their length out of the water, then crashing down) and spyhop (popping their heads up vertically for a good look around) is a sure way to appreciate the size and agility of these creatures, especially from up close.

According to the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, gray whales are most frequently seen off San Diego from late December through March. They generally travel alone or in pods of two or three; at the peak of migration, a dozen or more individuals may be seen together. Grays are relatively slow swimmers, cruising at an average speed of five knots (about six miles per hour). While swimming, they typically dive to a depth of about 100 feet for three to five minutes, then surface and blow, followed by a series of three to five shallow dives and blows before they dive deeply again.

Although it is common to view and spot gray whales from strategic shoreline vantage points, nothing matches the experience of seeing the grays aboard one of our boats.

Please call our Mission Bay location to have your whale watching adventure arranged for you. Our tours consist of the following:

• DAILY SAILING TRIPS LEAVING AT 10:30AM (reservations required)
• SMALL GROUPS OF NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE
• SNACKS AND DRINKS INCLUDED
• PRIVATE DAILY trips MAY BE arranged at your convenience (please give 24-hr notice for reservations)
• SAILING ADVENTURES ARE QUIET, RELAXING TRIPS THAT ALLOW CLOSER OBSERVATIONS OF THE WHALES
• USCG Licensed skipper and safety equipment
• comfortable high-quality vessels
• tours usually see dolphins, sea lions, pelicans & more
• powerboat tours ALSO available
• self-guided rentals also available

Pricing for sailing Whale Watching Adventures includes 3 hours on the boat, captain, all fuel charges, passenger fees (minimum 2 passengers) and all port fees. Sailboat sizes range from 25 to 36 feet.

Sailboat Adventure Pricing (3 hours)

• $65 for adults
• $55 for children under 12

Powerboat Adventure Pricing (2 hour private tours for up to 6 passengers arranged with 24-hour notice)

• hurricane 20    $325.00
• searay 210        $345.00