Whales are amazing animals, and seeing them in person is an unforgettable experience. Thousands of whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico in the winter and then return to Alaska in the spring. They travel along the Pacific coast, which makes California one of the states with the highest number of whale sightings today. Below are five top places in California to catch sight of whales on their long journey.
1. Monterey Bay
Between the middle of April and the middle of December, killer, blue and humpback whales migrate through Monterey Bay. The rest of the year, from the second half of December through the first part of April, is optimal for spotting killer and gray whales. If you stand on the shore of Monterey Bay, you can get an up-close look at the whales as they swim into the Monterey Submarine Canyon for a meal.
2. Gulf of the Farallones
Not too far West from San Francisco’s coastline, the Gulf of the Farallones is another favorite spot for whale watchers. Because the majority of the gulf is part of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, it is a special place that is focused on the preservation of marine life. From December through May, you are likely to see sperm and gray whales, whereas if you visit from June through November, you will have the best chances of seeing humpback and blue whales.
3. San Diego
San Diego is great for year-round whale watching. Blue whale migration patterns differ slightly from those of humpback and gray whales. If you wish to see blue and finback whales, the best opportunities are from May through September, and the prime months to see minke whales are October through December.
Humpback and gray whales, on the other hand, are frequently spotted from mid-December through mid-March. There are so many that in the middle part of January it is possible for visitors to see up to eight gray whales in one hour. You can watch them from the Cabrillo National Monument.
No matter when you visit, there is an excellent chance that you will spot some whales.
4. San Francisco Bay
You can see plenty of gray whales in San Francisco starting in January and ending in April. A popular viewing spot is in Martin County at Point Reyes since they swim right by this location. Additionally, if you come between November and March, humpback whales pass by, usually in groups of 7 to 10.
5. Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay is an outstanding place to see gray whales. Between December and February, the whales pass by as they make the trek to Mexico, and they head back north between March and May. You can see the whales in Humboldt Bay from the cliffs near the water, Trinidad Head, the beach, the Lost Coast Table Bluff. To have the highest chance of seeing whales, you should arrive early in the morning on a sunny day when the water is not rough.
Book your own whale watching trip today and see firsthand the wonder of those powerful marine creatures. Contact an expert to begin planning your adventure.
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