Go Whale Watching This Winter

Although the holidays are coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the exciting events are!

Whale watching season began on Monday down at the Harbor. is sponsoring out to the ocean to catch some spectacular views of the majestic gray whale.

Those who want to capture the awe of this giant, underwater mammal can choose from twice-daily tours that run through the spring. Scripps naturalists are taking people out on cruises for whale watching adventures on vessels from Flagship Cruises and Events out to the Baja breeding grounds of gray whales.

Guests aboard the ships will get an up-close look at the animals and learn about their habits and migration. Gray whales are baleen whales, which means instead of teeth, their jaw has bristle-like material that catches microscopic plankton. Though their diet consists of some of the tiniest creatures, gray whales can weigh more than 35 tons be more than 50 feet in length, making them the longest mammal in the world. 

According to the Birch Aquarium website, about 20,000 gray whales pass through San Diego on their annual 10,000-mile round-trip journey from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja California. You’ll be able to see some of them on their journey at these special whale watchings.

Make sure you bring warm clothing and binoculars to your cruise. The adventures ship out twice daily, one from 9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and another from 1:30 to 5 p.m., departing from the San Diego Bay at 1050 N. Harbor Dr. Tickets cost $35 weekdays and $40 weekends, but members of the aquarium pay just $30. Kids 4-12 cost $17.50 during the week and $20 on the weekends.  Seniors and military with ID cost $30 on the weekdays and $35 on the weekends. 

Reserve yourself a spot by calling 619-234-4111 or visiting the cruise line that conducts the whale watching at their website.

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