What whales are in California?
4 min read
Asked by: Crystal Davis
There are three main species of whales that frequent the California Central Coast: Gray whales; Blue whales and Humpback whales. Additionally, Killer whales (orcas) are often seen in Monterey Bay as the gray whales pass through in the spring.
Are whales in California right now?
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.
What whales Can you see 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 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.
What is the best month for whale watching in California?
Summer Whale Watching (June, July, August):
The Summer months are the best months to witness the world’s largest animal…the BLUE WHALE! Southern California is the best place in the world to look for a Blue Whale as they seek the nutritious krill that allows them to grow to their epic size.
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.
What time of day are whales most active in California?
Whale patterns are unpredictable when it comes to the time of day, but with more light, of course it’s easier to spot the whales. Although there isn’t a guaranteed time of day for best whale watching, it’s true that between 11am-3pm PT in San Diego, the beautiful blue waters are captivating.
Where is the best place to see blue whales in California?
The only place to see them is in the wild. And Dana Point, California, is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. During the summer months there are more blue whales off our coast than anywhere else in the world. Blue whale watching in Southern California is typically May through October.
Are there whales in Malibu?
In Malibu, whale watchers can sometimes spot whales from the comfort of their beach chairs on Westward Beach, Zuma Beach, and other shorelines between Zuma and Point Mugu. But arguably the best land view awaits on the cliffs of Point Dume, where locals and visitors can clearly look out over 180 degrees of the Pacific.
Are there dolphins in Malibu?
Watch for Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions and Harbor Seals at Point Dume. Plenty of marine mammals can be spotted from the shore in Malibu.
What kind of whales are in Malibu?
Every winter, California gray whales take part in an epic migration from the Arctic to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in Baja, and back again. The first southbound whales are usually spotted passing Malibu in December; the first northbound whales usually begin to appear in February.
Where can I see dolphins in Malibu?
Top 10 Best Dolphin Watching near Malibu, CA
- The Blue Moon Dolphin Cruise. 18.2 mi. Boating, Tours, Boat Charters. …
- Point Dume State Beach. 3.7 mi. 300 reviews. …
- Malibu Coastal Adventures. 4.5 mi. …
- El Matador State Beach. 7.0 mi. …
- Marina del Rey Whale Watching. 18.3 mi. …
- Charters 2000. 18.1 mi. …
- Zuma Beach. 4.0 mi. …
- LA Sailing. 17.6 mi.
What kind of dolphins are in LA?
Dolphins live in the Los Angeles coastal waters. You can see the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, and the large Risso’s Dolphin all year round. The largest member of the dolphin family, Orcas, often visit the coast too.
Are there dolphins in Santa Monica?
Other wildlife frequently spotted off the coast of Santa Monica are Dolphins including Common, Bottlenose, Risso’s, and Pacific White Sided. The diversity in sea life found off the coast of Santa Monica is special, and unlike any other region.
