What Is The Best Month For Whale Watching In California?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales

Is it whale watching season in Southern California?


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. … Blue whales migrate from mid-June through October as they follow krill, their favorite food.

What is the best time of day to whale watch in California?

While it might seem trite, anytime is the best time to watch whales! If you are looking for the best scenic light for photography choose an

sunrise, early morning or sunset

whalewatch. The best overhead light is from 11 am – 3 pm, for beautiful blue waters.

Are there whales in California right now?


Whales are present year round

. Each whale species has their own season. Check the California Whale Migration Season Calendar and schedule your cruise.

When can you see whales in Monterey California?

Though we frequently encounter lone adult males who are most likely orphans. BEST time to see killer whales in Monterey Bay:

mid-April through mid-May, and late August through October

. Though killer whale sightings may occur any time of the year.

Where can I see whales in Southern California?

  • Point Loma in Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego.
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, San Diego.
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla.
  • Bluffs above Blacks Beach, La Jolla.
  • Bluffs in Torrey Pines State Beach.
  • Seagrove Park above Del Mar Beach.

What time of year are GREY whales found in Southern California?

Starting

from December until April

, Southern California travelers can see Gray Whales during their migration and might even see some newborn calves. Gray Whales feed on amphipods and tube worms they sieve out of the mud from the sea floor. Female Gray’s can get to 45 feet and weight 30 tons, males are slightly smaller.

Are whales more active in the morning or afternoon?

Is the

morning

or the afternoon better? People always want to know if whale watching is better in the morning or the afternoon. To be completely honest there is really no ‘better time. ‘ As a general rule, the ocean is calmer in the mornings.

What’s the best time of day to see whales?

What is the best time of day to see whales? The best time of day to spot whales is

between 11am-3pm when the sun is overhead

, and there is excellent visibility. For photography, however, the light is a little harsh at this time of day, and you will get much better shots in the morning or afternoon light.

What time are dolphins most active?

Dolphins are most active at daybreak, from

around 10 a.m. – noon

, and from around 2 p.m. – dark. A good pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens can be invaluable tools for spotting dolphins in the water.

What is whale season 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.

Where is the best place to see whales?

  • Vancouver Island, British Columbia. …
  • Virginia Beach. …
  • Long Island, New York. …
  • Cape May, New Jersey. …
  • Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. …
  • Coastal Waters off Florida. …
  • Bar Harbor, Maine. …
  • Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Where can I see orcas in California?

These locations include

Long Beach, Monterey Bay, and San Diego

. Historically, these Cali coasts have been recorded as seeing a denser killer whale population, particularly during feeding times when their prey is also populous.

What month is best for whale watching?

What is the best month to see the whales? – Peak season is considered the

summer months of mid-June through early September

. During this time, we see whales (orcas, humpbacks and/or minke) on over 90% of our tours. There are whales here year round, but much less predictably so outside the summer months.

Is whale watching worth it Monterey?


Monterey

is one of the best places in the area to go whale watching. The cool waters off the Monterey Bay create the perfect feeding ground for many species of whales. These waters also attract hundreds of whales every year as they migrate north for feeding season.

Can you see whales from the shore in Monterey?

Whale Watching from the Shore Around Monterey Bay

You can watch whales from the land along the Monterey coast, but the best places for that aren’t on the shores of the bay. … You may also see

humpback whales offshore near California Highway 1 between Nepenthe Restaurant

and the town of Big Sur.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.