However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at different times of the year, whale watching season. The summer months are the best times to see humpback whales and blue whales, which are attracted by abundant krill. The season itself runs from middecember through april with migrating gray whales being the most common species. Whale peak is located east of escondido and south of hwy 78 in the vallecito mountains. Overall monthly seasonal top and yearly interannual bottom pattern of average blue. Across years, a peak in blue whale call detections occurred in 2008, with minima in 2006 and 2007, but there. Pdf blue whale habitat and prey in the california channel islands. It is not as tall as many of the highest peaks in nearby mountains, however, it is ranked 68th on the prominence list for california. The satelliteacquired locations of 10 blue whales balaenoptera musculus tagged off southern california with argos radio tags were used to identify 1 their. Outside of these dates, whale shark trips are illegal. Whale enthusiasts and scientists get the summertime blues right around now. From the summit on a clear day you can see the salton sea to the east.
You may download the appchoices app at to opt out in. If you have a preference for one species of whale over the other, gray whales migrate from middecember through april while blue whales migrate from midjune through september. Best time for whale watching in california condor express. A series of incredible whale sightings this week in southern california remarkably close to shore is delighting researchers and tourists alike. The peak of the whale shark cancun season is achieved between july and august. Watch the seasonal migration of california grey whales and blue whales off the san diego coast up close and personal. Thats when several hundred blue whales migrate into southern california waters. Interannual and seasonal trends in cetacean distribution, density. Trends in cetacean density and distribution off southern california were assessed. Where to go whale watching in california socal field trips.
The best time for whale watching in california usa today. During whale watching season in southern california, which takes place along the coast from santa barbara to san diego, youll find plenty of ways to see the migration. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Learn the best times to see them, and how to spot them on a tour. After spending time in warm baja california waters so their young can grow. The fin whale is the second largest whale, mammal, and animal on earth. During this great time to swim with whale sharks in cancun, 30 to 40 specimens can be seen in one excursion near isla mujeres or isla holbox. Because the gray whales are migrating and dont stop to eat on the way, youll most often see them as they break. Where to go whale watching in the western usa visit the usa. Movements of north pacific blue whales during the feeding season.
One year of whale watching in just one infographic. Whale watching is a mustsee tourist attraction in california, and for good. Monterey bay along californias central coast is famous for its artsy culture and its whalewatching opportunities. Peak abundances of whales in the southern california bight have been. Socal is a hotspot for whale activity, and you can even spot them from the.
Whale watching cruises will still offer exciting views of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and much more. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. Thats because its peak season for blue whales in the waters off the coast of southern california. Pdf whale habitat and prey studies were conducted off southern california during august 1995. While gray whales get the spotlight along the california coast, other. Visit san diego from middecember to midmarch to see more than 25,000 california gray whales migrating from chilly alaskan waters south to warm waters in baja, california. In southern california, there are 68 dolphin varieties and sea lions that can be found all year long. Gray whale season typically runs from late december until midapril, when these 50foot leviathans are making their annual migration from the bering sea to mexico and back again. Whale peak is located in the anza borrego state park in san diego county, california. The season doesnt matter so much, as whales can be spotted here at any. These whales are particularly acrobatic, so you might see them splashing about on the surface of the ocean in addition to coming up for air.
Traditionally, whale watching season runs from december through april. This trail guide is one part throwback the hike was over two years ago, and one part a cautionary tale of what happens when three experienced hikers venture out into the anza borrego desert to bag the 5,348. If youre traveling to southern california and are a fan of the open ocean and marine life, you can. However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at different times of the year, whale watching season in san diego is open year round.
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