I think of whale watching as a uniquely west coast activity.  I’ve never heard of anyone whale watching or hanging out at the beach looking for dolphins out east.  We took a whale watching trip in high school and I think that was my first time on a boat.  On any given trip to the beach, if you stay long enough and are paying attention, you can catch a dolphin pod hanging out past the surf.  The other creatures you’ll probably see are sea lions and seals.  I swear the sea lions are the most chill animals at the beach, minding their business.  And sometimes making a whole lot of noise.

Location Options

You have a number of options on where to catch a whale watching trip.  From San Francisco to Los Angeles, south through Orange County down to San Diego.  Depending on where you are in your California adventure, you’ll be able to find a whale watching tour boat.

Given California’s location, whale watching can be done year round. I mention heading out now in March because the gray whales are headed north back to Alaska with their calves.  Catching a view of a whale is cool, but seeing a mom with her baby is even better.  It’s all about the timing.

If you’re wanting to catch the big pods of dolphins, aim for a summer time boat trip.  The megapods are usually following along with the whales looking for food between June and August.  You’ll probably catch dolphins most months of the year, but to up your chances aim for the summer.

The other option for a whale trip would be in the winter, when the grays are leaving Alaska and headed down to Mexico and the warmer water.  There might, maybe, perhaps, be an Orca aka, killer whale, in the mix, but you’ll never know unless you go.

Whale Watching Location List

Here’s a location list depending on what part of the state you’re visiting:

1. Point Reyes: about 27 miles north of San Francisco.  Over 90% of migrating gray’s pass within a mile of this point.
2. Pier 39 in SF: catch a whale cruise
3. Half Moon Bay: about 45 minutes south of SF.  Catch a whale cruise or you can watch from shore
4. Santa Cruz: you can watch from shore or try a guided kayak paddle
5. Anywhere along the Big Sur coast: there are high vantage points along Highway 1 (PCH)
6. San Pedro or Long Beach: about 30 minute drive south of downtown LA.  Catch a cruise from either harbor or watch from land at Point Vicente which is just 9 miles west of San Pedro
7. Orange County/Dana Point Harbor: known as the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World”
8. San Diego/Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve: about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego.  This vantage point is from the bluffs.  You can also check out a cruise from San Diego’s Mission Bay.

Be sure to talk to the tour operator if you think you might be sea sick.  You might simply want to try and catch a sighting from land.  Even if you think you’re not a nature person, I really do think it would be worth it to try and catch a view of whales or dolphins while you’re visiting the Golden State.  Tag me with some pictures if you get a chance and I’d love to hear how your whale watching adventures go.

Until next time…

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back