What kind of whales are in San Diego?
4 min read
Asked by: Rosemary Cordero
Humpback, minke, and fin whales can be seen off the coast of San Diego year-round. Blue whale season is in the summer, usually from May to August. But the best months to see whales in San Diego are mid-December to mid-March, when the gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back.
What whales are in San Diego?
Returns Mid-December 2022
During whale watching season, mid-December through April, more than 20,000 gray whales migrate along our coast. For the thrill of a lifetime, cruise alongside these magnificent whales in their natural environment with Flagship, San Diego’s most experienced whale watching company.
Are there whales in San Diego right now?
May 17, 2022
We had no shortage of dolphins today! We spotted pod after pod of Common dolphins. Long-beaked Commons totaled up to 300 individuals in the morning with a surprise encounter of a Fin whale traveling south. During the afternoon trip,…
Are there killer whales in San Diego?
Orcas (killer whales) can be seen off the coast of San Diego year-round. However, they are rare, and sightings are only reported a couple of times each year on whale watching trips.
What is the most common whale in California?
Whale Watching California – Gray Whales
The most numerous and most commonly seen whale along the central coast are the gray whales. They stay fairly close to the coastline and often can be seen from shore.
What is the best month for whale watching in California?
In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.
When can you see orcas in San Diego?
There is a higher chance at spotting orca whales in San Diego during feeding times when their prey has a large population as well. The best time to see killer whales while whale watching is late summer – fall.
What type of whales are off the coast of California?
While gray whales are get the spotlight along the California coast, other cetaceans—including orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, dolphins, and gigantic blue whales—ply the waters at different times of year, bumping up your chances of seeing something amazing out there in the sea.
Are there orcas in California?
It is estimated that close to 200 “transient” orcas reside off the California coast. In comparison, “resident” killer whale populations such as those residing along the Washington and Alaska coastlines prefer to prey on fish with 70% of their diet consisting of chinook salmon.
What whales are in Southern California right now?
The coast of California begins to have a very high population of Gray Whales. This is also considered the best month for viewing Humpback whales. Killer whales and Finback whales, and Minkes are also possible. Inshore common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Risso dolphin are also viewed.
Are there blue whales in California?
The population of blue whales found off California during the summer months migrate from their winter breeding grounds off Central America. They are a favorite for whale watchers in places like Monterey Bay and the Southern California Bight.
Are there orcas in Southern California?
While orcas are rare to see in Southern California, they do make a few appearances each year to the amazement of many lucky whale watchers that happen to be on boats during that time.
What time of day is best to see whales in Southern California?
During the whale watching season in Southern California, an additional reason as to why mornings are the best time of day for whale watching is because of less local traffic in the area.
What is the best month to go whale watching?
When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.
What do whales do at night?
Sleep. Many whales and dolphins sleep during the night. Whales, unlike humans who are involuntary breathers, must decide to take each breath. Accordingly, whales cannot spend long periods underwater without surfacing.
