Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching. The whales came alongside the hanford pier in port san luis enchanting hordes of tourists. In 1991, there were more than 50 companies or nonprofit societies operating whalewatching tours from some 20. There are three main species of whales that frequent the california central coast. Blue whales can be found off of big sur california june through october, during times of abundant krill. Humpback whales occur in monterey bay area from late april to early december. In california, whale watching is a popular thing for tourists to do, and its no wonder why. Gray whales are swimming up californias central coast. The winds and currents brought in large amounts of krill, the small shrimplike favorite food of these whales, close to shore. Join us in big sur to watch humpback whales swim near shore.
Gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, minke, finback, and blue whales migrate off the california coast throughout the year, so youre sure to spot at least one species. A gray whale washed up on emma wood state beach over the weekend, the 14th dead whale found along the california coast this year. Thats the most in one county along the entire california coast. Gray whales are one of the most commonlyseen whales along the california coast. Additionally, killer whales orcas are often seen in monterey bay as the gray whales pass through in the spring. This was a rare opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.
Top places for whale watching in california monterey whale watching tours. Humpback whales have been active and close to shore. Lifeguards in santa cruz helped to move the whale out. The central coast of california offers a lot more whale watching possibilities. An adult pacific gray whale can be 45 feet long and weigh up to 33 tons. All whalewatching cruises along the california central coast reported large numbers of both blue whales and humpback whales during the summer of 2012. Whale watching california coast gray whale blue humpback. In addition, during summer, blue, humpback and other whales can be seen. Gray whales are swimming off the coast of san luis obispo county, california, as they migrate north. Because the gray whales are migrating and dont stop to eat on the way, youll most often see them as they break. As the gray whales have begun their migration north to alaska, the marine mammal center anticipates seeing strandings along the california. Both offer some of the best whale watching on the central coast.
Whale watching cruises range from a twohour jaunt out of a local harbor to multiday cruises to baja, mexico. Blue whales are the largest of all mammals, with an average length of 21 to 24 m. The blue whales, balaenoptera musculus, can be seen from roadside turnouts of big sur and often are seen off partington point where a deep ocean trench supplies their abundant food source. Monterey bay along californias central coast is famous for its artsy culture and its whalewatching opportunities. Central california ornamental iron ccoi south bay, ca. While gray whales get the spotlight along the california coast, other cetaceansincluding orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, dolphins, and gigantic blue whalesply the waters at different times of year, bumping up your chances of seeing something amazing out there in the sea. Use the california whale watching guide to get more information about how to pick the best whale watching cruises and how to enjoy them to the fullest. This past summer has been outstanding for whale watching on the central coast of california. With some of the worlds largest mammals migrating past coastal points, feeding near the coast and swimming in inlets, youll find plenty of ocean creatures to see. In winter, you can find them leaving from harbors and marinas along the entire california coast. Humpback whale breaching in avila beach, off the central coast of california. In partnership with californias marine sanctuaries, point blue conservation science point blue. The humpback whale is an endangered species, occurring in all the worlds oceans.
Whale watching california the central california guide. Since 1976 central california ornamental iron has brought the central coast gorgeous gates and fences, from simple style to automated sophistication. Humpback whales on the central california coast breaching humpback. And for android users, download the android app here. Latest event details are yet to be confirmed created by a passionate group of locals this festival at norah head lighthouse brings the community together to raise awareness of the plight of whales, to hear about their wonder, to raise funds for conservation and research projects about whales, and to actively participate in their conservation. Central coast travel california, usa lonely planet. Humpback whale breaching in avila beach, off the central coast of. The central california population of humpback whales migrates from their winter calving and mating areas off mexico to their summer and fall feeding areas off coastal california.
Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. Blue whale watching in big sur california, balaenoptera. There are more than 20 tour operators and more than 20 designated places for sightings from the mainland. Whale watching from the whale trail on highway 1 discover. Their name is taken from the gray patches and white mottling on their dark skin. A photo of a humpback popping its head out of the water in front of an astonished kayaker went viral on the internet. Where to go whale watching in the western usa visit the usa. It is especially important in this region to take a trip from a location where the boats dont outnumber the whales. California the best tips for whale watching in california whaletrips. There are more than 20 tour operators and more than 20 designated places for. This classic california beach town is famous for its miles of beautiful white sand beaches, outstanding accommodations and a rich wine region only minutes away.
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