What time of year is best for whale watching in Southern California?

Asked by: Sean Needham

If you’re interested in gray whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions, Turner suggests coming down to Southern California any time between January and April. For blue whales and finback whales, try May through September. And for minke whales, come October through December.

Can you see whales in Southern California?

Humpback whales can be seen in Southern California waters in summer. Southern California does have a summer whale-watching season. Most people think seeing whales is limited to winter, when Pacific gray whales make their annual migration along the coast between Mexico and Alaska.

What is the best time of day 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 is the best time to go whale watching in Newport Beach?

Best Season for Whale Watching: Newport Beach
During grey whale season, typically from December through April, crew members will provide a narration of interesting facts and characteristics of grey whales. May through November brings warmer waters and the opportunity to view blue whales.

What is the best month for whale watching in California?

The best time is during the annual migration of grey whales, from December to April, though whales visit these waters year round. Between May and October you might see blue whales, which can grow to be more than 30 metres long.

When can I see whales in Malibu?

Perhaps the most impressive of all is the tremendous gray whale, known to migrate along the coast near Malibu Beach Inn from early December to mid-May.

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.

When can I see whales in Los Angeles?

Here in Los Angeles, Blue Whale season is typically May through November. During this time, you can expect to see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat as they breach the surface.

When can you see whales in Santa Barbara?

There are two windows of opportunity to see whales around Santa Barbara. During February, March and early April you can see California Grey Whales. From May to September you can see Blue Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales. Occasionally, you can see Right Whales or Orcas.

When can you see whales in Laguna Beach?

The best time to spot these specific whales is during the winter months, typically December through April, though you will be able to see other cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas and humpback whales throughout the year.

Are there orcas in Newport Beach?

Get the NBC LA app for iOS or Android and pick your alerts. The killer whales were first spotted offshore at Laguna Beach. At around sunset, they had made their way to Newport Beach.

When can you see whales in San Diego?

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. Gray whales feed in the shallow waters next to the coast, so they’re close enough to reach by kayak.

Is whale watching in San Diego worth it?

A whale watching excursion in San Diego is worth it as the area has a high concentration of exciting whales. You can see gray whales, blue whales, or humpback whales. Additionally, you can spot dolphins, sea lions, and military ships on the boat tour. Adults and kids love this experience.

Can you see whales from shore in San Diego?

Whale Watching From the Shore Around San Diego
The whales are easiest to see from from shore between mid-December and mid-February during the northward migration when they swim closer to the shore. Other times of the year, they are usually too far from the shore to see, even with binoculars in hand.

Can you see whales from La Jolla?

La Jolla. One well-loved spot for shoreline whale watching in San Diego is actually La Jolla. Try scanning the waters near Ellen Browning Scripps Park above La Jolla Cove, from the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Torrey Pines Gliderport, or from the viewing deck at Birch Aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza.

Is October a good time for whale watching in San Diego?

October: Whale watching in San Diego in October is the time to see humpback whales as they start to migrate south. You can also expect to see large pods of dolphins. November: November is peak season for humpback whale migration! During this time, it’s even possible to spot killer whales.

Where can I see GREY whales in San Diego?

There are a number of different ways to experience whale watching in San Diego. A couple of great spots to view the grey whale migration from shore include the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Reserve where the hiking trails offer expansive views of the Pacific.