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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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The Best Whale Watching in San Diego

Take advantage of this lauded activity on one of these trips.

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Whale watching is a popular activity year-round in San Diego.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Though it's home to an assortment of sea lions, dolphins and birds, San Diego 's most popular animals are whales. It's hardly surprising, then, that the city boasts unrivaled opportunities for observing these gentle giants. After consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the following five tours as the best available for whale watching. These outings feature professional crews that offer insights about the fauna encountered during these watery expeditions.

Adventure R.I.B. Rides – Whale Watching San Diego

This ride on a military-style rigid inflatable boat (RIB) features sightings of whales (and dolphins), plus views of the city's skyline, a submarine base and Point Loma Lighthouse. The excursions occur year-round, though the roster of whale species changes with the seasons. Humpback and fin whales as well as common and bottlenose dolphins are in the area all year. Meanwhile, blue and minke whales appear from May through December, and gray whales tend to show up from December through April. Trip-takers find the captains to be friendly and adept guides. Tours typically last 2 ½ to three hours and take place three times daily, with departures at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $98 per person. Groups are limited to 10 people, all of whom must be at least 4 years old. Private tours are also available.

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Flagship Cruises & Events – Whale Watching Tour

This tour aims to be equal parts educational and fun, and reviewers consistently report that it succeeds in both respects, with the crew winning praise for being knowledgeable and personable. Flagship Cruises & Events offers this three-hour tour from mid-December to mid-April – peak season for observing gray, fin and humpback whales as they migrate along the coast – with departures at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. Tickets start at $45 for adults on weekdays and $50 on weekends, with half-priced tickets for children 4 to 12. (Accompanied children younger than 4 can ride for free.) If you don't see whales on your tour, Flagship guarantees you free passage on a subsequent outing. In addition to its whale-focused tour, the company offers a variety of other cruises, including a ferry ride to Coronado .

Next Level Sailing – Whale Watching

The Yacht America, a 139-foot yacht used for this excursion, sails daily throughout the year, offering chances to see humpback, blue and gray whales, among others, depending on the season. Patrons consistently describe the captain and crew as capable, attentive and engaging. (The vessel itself is generally regarded as particularly attractive.) Tour-takers can opt for a morning or afternoon departure and expect the outing to last 3 ½ to four hours. Tickets start at $85 for adults and $42.50 for children (prices are slightly higher on weekends); fees include water and snacks. You're also welcome to bring your own food on board. Next Level offers several charter options as well.

San Diego Whale Watch - Whale Watching

This 2 ½-hour tour features a certified marine biologist as a guide, ensuring that sea life enthusiasts will get the maximum amount of insight about the whales, dolphins and other creatures they'll see. Patrons tend to appreciate the friendly crew members' informed commentary. Tours occur all year long, with both 9 a.m. and noon departure times available. Tickets cost approximately $48 per adult, with discounts for military service members, senior citizens and anyone younger than 18. As an added bonus, if tourgoers do not spot any whales, they can take their next ride for no charge. San Diego Whale Watch also offers a sunset cruise and private charters.

Sail San Diego - Whale Watching Sail

If you seek a small-group tour with personalized attention well suited for couples or families, Sail San Diego might have just the outing for you. Whale watching sails have just six people per outing and travel into the bay or open water. Reviewers frequently describe the captains – who also serve as guides – as hospitable, helpful, entertaining and accommodating. The 3 ½-hour cruises happen twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets start at $89 per person; fees include parking at the marina, light snacks and beverages. Sail San Diego also operates a sunset sail and private tours.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , San Diego , Tours

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The best spots for whale watching in the USA

Witness these majestic beings in their natural habitats when you visit the best spots for whale watching in the USA

Spotting a whale in its natural habitat is, in a word, magical—and you may not have to travel too far from home to experience this for yourself. With over 12,000 miles of shoreline, the United States is practically teeming with whale-watching opportunities all year long. However, there are peak times for particular types of whales and places to spot them. For instance, blue whales tend to hang out in southern California during the summer months, while humpbacks are most visible in Alaska from April through November. Ready to plan your USA whale-watching trip? From the idyllic island of Maui to the waters of Cape Cod, here are the top places to go whale-watching all across America, plus the best times to visit.

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Best whale watching in the U.S.

1.  San Juan Islands, WA

Located off the coast of Washington State, the San Juan Islands is actually an archipelago made up of hundreds of tiny isles, the main ones being Orcas Island, San Juan Island and Lopez Island. Although orcas (A.K.A. killer whales) can be found here all year long,  the peak season for viewing lasts between May and September. They can be spotted on land— Lime Kilm Point State Park on San Juan Island is, hands down, the most popular spot for shore sightings—or via boat. Visitors can pick tour operators, including Maya's Legacy Whale Watching , Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours and San Juan Safaris .

2.  Maui, HI

Beautiful beaches, rich heritage, postcard-worthy landscapes, and majestic marine life: Find all this and more on the Hawaiian island of Maui . Speaking of the latter, the whale-watching opps here are, in a word, spectacular. Moreover, thousands of humpback whales—around 10,000 of them, to be exact—migrate here each winter (December to May) to breed and eventually nurse their calves in the warm waters. Try your look spotting them from the sand in Kāʻanapali, Kīhei and Wailea or embark on a boat tour; PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers a handful of options for every type of traveler.

3.  Mendocino County, CA

Nestled in northern California, Mendocino County is an oasis for whale watchers. From November through April, over 20,000 California gray whales stop here from Alaska on the way to the Baja Peninsula to mate before heading back up north. Try your luck at spotting them from the shore at Mendocino Headlands State Park or Point Arena Lighthouse . While whale-watching boat tours are available, adventure-loving travelers may also opt to rent kayaks to see these majestic creatures up close. Don’t miss the Mendocino Coast Whale Festival , which takes place in the town of Mendocino on March 2 and nearby Fort Bragg on March 16.

4.  Juneau, AK

Between the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, it’s no secret that a trip to Alaska is one for the books. Its capital city, Juneau, is located within the Inside Passage, a coastal route dotted with fjords, glaciers, and more almost-otherwordly scenery. In peak season, the waters are filled with hundreds of whales (mostly humpbacks and some orcas). While whale watching season technically takes place from April through November, peak viewing time lasts between June and September. If you’re traveling here via cruise, you may even be able to spot the whales from the ship; otherwise, embark on a boat or kayaking tour. It’s worth noting that many companies, such as Juneau Shore Tours , Juneau Tours & Whale Watch , and Alaska Shore Excursions , offer guaranteed whale sightings. 

5.  Bar Harbor, ME

While you may equate Maine with lobster, the Pine Tree State offers some seriously spectacular whale-watching opportunities—and the town of Bar Harbor, best known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, is among the best places to ogle at these creatures. And although you can technically spot humpback, finback, pilot and minke whales (among several others, no less) between April and October, the summer months offer the most consistent sightings due to the warm weather. Consider booking a tour with Bar Harbor Whales , which offers three- to five-hour excursions with sightings guaranteed.

6.  Provincetown, MA

Located at the northern tip of Cape Cod, buzzy Provincetown—affectionately nicknamed P-Town—is famous for its beaches, galleries and quaint inns. (Fun fact: It’s also an LGBTQ+ hotspot. ) But beyond that, between April and October, the tiny town is home to several species of whales, including fin and humpback whales, which can be spotted regularly between April and October. Cape Cod Bay is also a breeding ground for the rare North Atlantic right whale, of which there are only 340 left worldwide. While summer is technically peak season for whale watching, P-town's spring and fall shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and lower prices. Whale-watching tours leave Provincetown Harbor from MacMillan Pier in the Town Center.

7.  Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach may be best known as a summer vacation hotspot, but wildlife enthusiasts should consider a visit in the wintertime to go whale-watching. What’s more, between late December and mid-March, humpback, minke and fin whales all come to town to breed. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Rudee Tours  offer engaging excursions out on the water, with the latter offering guaranteed sightings from December to February. Prefer to stay on land? If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot whales from the shore at the Rudee Inlet.

8.  Cape May, NJ

This seaside resort town in southern New Jersey—approximately three hours from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia — makes for an ideal oceanfront escape in the summer months. During this time, travelers may be lucky enough to spot a humpback or finback (or minkes, which are rarer here) when in town. July and August are, without a doubt, the top months for whale-watching. We recommend setting sail with Cape May Whale Watcher or Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center , both of which offer tours from March through December.

9.  Depoe Bay, OR

About two and a half hours from Portland lies the small oceanfront city of Depoe Bay, a hidden haven for whale watchers pretty much any time of year. From mid-December through mid-January, approximately 20,000 gray whales stop here on their way to Baja, Mexico. Then, from late March through June, these whales return on their back up north—this time with their calves in tow. The summer and fall months are also popular for whale-watching. In addition to gray whales, humpbacks and orcas can be seen here, too. The Whale Watching Center is a great place to admire them from ashore; alternatively, Whale’s Tail Charters and Whale Research Eco Excursions  offer boat tours.

10.  Amelia Island, FL

A warm-weather winter escape to Florida is always a good idea, especially when whale-watching is involved. With that in mind, consider a trip to Amelia Island, a tiny isle off the Sunshine State’s northeast coast boasting pristine beaches. In the wintertime, lucky visitors may have the chance to admire the endangered North Atlantic right whales directly from the shore. Additionally, Amelia Island hosts the annual Right Whale Festival each November to mark the start of calving season (mid-November through mid-April). Highlights include ocean-themed activities, exhibits, kayak tours and beach clean-ups.

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SEASONAL PUBLIC WHALE WATCHING SAIL

See whales in their natural habitat with sail san diego.

Get ready for an amazing time on our whale watching tour in San Diego! Get ready to see these majestic creatures in action on our whale watching tours in San Diego. Our guides will tell you cool facts about these huge creatures. This whale watching tour in San Diego is all about making incredible memories while you marvel at these amazing animals.

Quick Details

• Calendar January 1, 2024 - April 14, 2024
• Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 Hours
• Sailboat Boat Capacity: Max 6 Guests per Boat
• Clock Departure Time : 9:30 AM & 2:00 PM
• Check Bubble Complimentary Drinks: Tecate, Coors Light, Budweiser, Hard Seltzer, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Water Bottle, Honest Juice Boxes
• Check Bubble Complimentary Snacks: SunChips, Pop Chips, Hawaiian Kettle Chips, Rice Crips, Corn Nuts, Kind Bars, Fruit Bars
• Anchor Please Note: Public sails require a minimum of 3 guests to depart, if the minimum isn’t met, you may be asked to reschedule.

ENJOY A SNEEK PEAK OF OUR TOUR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Chevron down What Type Of Sailboat Will I Be On?

On a Private Sail, you will be on one of our 40ft or 42ft modern-day sailing yachts.

• Chevron down Are Drinks & Snacks Included?

Your more than welcome to bring outside beverages and food but please consider your on a sailboat that heels over and a more appropriate food item would be one that you can eat with your hands.

NO SMOKING, HARD ALCOHOL OR RED WINE!

• Chevron down Does It Come With A Captain?

For Private Sails with a group of 6 or less, YES.

For Private Sails with groups of 7 to 12 guests max, NO. To comply with current Coast Guard regulations, a Captain is not included in your Bareboat Charter. However, we can assist with introducing you to a Licensed Captain who is familiar with our program and boats. Captains charge $50/hour, plus gratuity, paid directly to the Captain day of departure.

• Chevron down What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Very flexible. Reservations may be canceled for a full refund if canceled within 3 days of your reservation.

• Chevron down Free Cancellation & Best Price Gurantee

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Free Cancellation

We understand things happen and plans change, that’s why we have the most flexible cancellation policy in the industry. Reservations are 100% refundable if canceled outside of 72 hours of the date of the departure.

Best Price Guarantee

If you find a better price on one of our tours anywhere else, we’ll match it.

5-STAR REVIEWS FROM OUR GUESTS

It was a great whale watching trip. The 42-foot sailboat carried 6 passengers plus Captain Greg. Seeing whales on the open ocean in a small sailboat was great fun. It was a windy, choppy day but the Captain knew just how to handle it. Even heeling over for extra speed to catch up to the whales. Very exciting. Would do this again.

I’ve been on lots of whale watching trips around the world. Iceland, Hawaii, New Zealand and many times in California. Usually you’re in a much larger vessel and as such it’s hard to get an intimate view of these animals. This was the best whale watching experience I have had. Read More...

The whale watching trip with Sail San Diego was simply awesome! The captain performed his duties excellently, finding us many gray whales to watch. We also were blessed to have a large pod of dolphins swimming around the boat and making us giggle with glee. A sea lion frolicked with the dolphins who seemed accepting and inclusive of this other creature.

Our experience was great. The weather cleared up and we were treated to a rainbow over San Diego. Captain Greg was able to give us fantastic views of multiple whales and make our day with mostly smooth sailing on a beautiful day. We would do it again in a minute. Read More...

Related Tours

• Great for Kids
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Public Morning Sail

Great option if you have limited time. Morning Sails are best know for calm waters and light wind.

Sailboat Limited to 6 Guests Max User USCG Licensed Captain Check Bubble Complimentary Drinks & Snacks

• Sells Out Fast!
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Public Sunset Sail

Most popular and first to sell out. Sunset Sails may be among the most romantic and relaxing moments of your day.

• -Corporate Charters
• -Private Charters
• --Veteran Memorials at Sea
• -Sunset Cruises
• -Dinner Cruises
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• -Whale Watching
• -Weddings at Sea
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• -About the Crew
• -JADA History
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• Public Charters
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Whale Watching in San Diego

Come sail along quietly alongside these majestic mammals.

JADA operates whale watching cruises most Saturdays, January through March, unless a private charter has been scheduled. Please check our calendar for availability. Departure time is 12:30 AM and generally we’ll return around 4:30 PM, depending upon how quickly we find the whales. We serve soft drinks and snacks while sailing. We recommend you bring a lunch.

Gray Whale Watching in San Diego The annual migration of gray whales along San Diego’s coast is one of nature’s most incredible spectacles. Not only is the gray whale one of the largest animals on earth, it also has the longest annual migration of any mammal. Each year about 26,000 gray whales undertake a round trip migration of over 10,000 miles from the icy Arctic waters of Alaska to the warm tropical lagoons of Baja California where the females give birth to their calves.

Gray whales are relatively slow swimmers and surface every three to five minutes to blow a few times before they dive under again. This usually provides ample opportunity to view the whales. Having knowledge of the diving, breathing, and migration patterns of the whales are key components to a successful whale watching cruise in San Diego.

Although it is possible to see gray whales from certain high shoreline vantage points, nothing compares to the experience of viewing gray whales up close from the deck of a sailing yacht. Whale watching is a memorable, fun, and educational activity for everyone of any age.

In addition to offering whale watching cruises in San Diego, Sail JADA Charters provides a variety of excursions on our beautiful sailing yacht. Private or public yacht charters could include sunset cruises, weddings on the bay or memorials at sea. Call (858) 222-9479 to learn more today.

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15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go

• North America / Outdoors / USA

If you’re hoping to see whales, here are the best spots to visit.

Thar she blows! If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these massive and majestic creatures, there’s nothing quite like it. Before you go on your first trip, you need to know that whale watching can be a hit or miss, since there’s no guarantee you will see them in the wild. We’ve been on a handful of whale-watching tours and sometimes it feels a bit like fishing because there’s a lot of waiting involved.

If you want to go whale watching, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure your chances are optimal. We added some tips below to help you make the best of your experience.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 20, 2023

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• The Best Places to Whale Watch in the US

More Whale Watching Destinations in the US

• Whale Watching Season Inforgraphic

Essential Tips for Whale Watching in the US

More resources, 15 best places to whale watch in the us, 1. glacier bay, alaska.

What You Will See:  Humpback, Minke, Orca and Blue Whales When To Go:  June to August Where to Stay:   Search for Nearby Hotels

Visit this beautiful bay to see humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and blue whales. Did you know the blue whale’s call can be heard in Japan from here?

2. Juneau, Alaska

What You Will See:  Humpbacks and Orcas When To Go:  April to November Where to Stay:   Hotel Deals In Juneau

Get a look at humpback whales from the capital of Alaska, or hop on a boat to see orcas in the wild.

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Seward Alaska

3. Kodiak Island, Alaska

What You Will See:  Gray Whales | Fin and Humpback Whales When To Go:  April, June to November Where to Stay:  Best Hotels in Kodiak Island

Every April, Kodiak has a 10-day festival celebrating the return of Eastern Pacific gray whales to the area. In June, you will start to see fin and humpback whales and even catch a glimpse of minke and sei whales.

See More: 17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denali National Park Alaska

4. Big Sur, California →

What You Will See:  Blue, Gray, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  Year Round Where to Stay:   Search Big Sur Hotels

This is one of our favorite places to visit on the West Coast, and if you keep your eye out on the ocean, you may spot a blue, gray, or humpback whale gliding by.

See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur

5. Monterey Bay, California →

What You Will See:  Humpback, Blue, and Gray Whales When To Go:  Year Round Where to Stay:   The Best Monterey Bay Hotels

Depending on the time of year, you’ll find different types of whales in this area. April to December brings humpback and blue whales, while December to April brings the gray whales. You may even catch some killer whales in the area too.

See More: 15 Places in Monterey California You Can’t Miss

6. San Diego, California →

What You Will See:  Gray, Blue, and Fin Whales When To Go:  Mid-December to Mid-March, Mid-June to September Where to Stay:   Hotel Deals in San Diego

You have plenty of choices to see the whales in San Diego. You can take a whale-watching tour like we did, or just head to the western overlook of Cabrillo National Monument. The peak time to see these massive whales is mid-January. Blue whales and fin whales can be spotted on whale-watching tours from mid-June to September. See our  8-hour tour here .

See More: Your Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

7. Santa Barbara, California

What You Will See:  Gray, Blue, Minke, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  February to Early April, May to September Where to Stay:   Santa Barbara Hotel Deals

Over 27 types of whales and dolphins come through this area at any given time. Gray whales can be seen from February to early April, and you can visit from May to September to see blue whales, minke, and humpback.

8. Jacksonville, Florida

What You Will See:  North Atlantic Right Whales When To Go:  November to April Where to Stay:   Search Jacksonville Hotels

The North Atlantic Right Whales are still fighting back from near extinction. If you’re lucky, you can spot these majestic animals in the winter months anywhere on the northeast coast of Florida between Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral.

9. Maui, Hawaii

What You Will See:  Humpback Whales When To Go:  December to April Where to Stay:   Maui Hotel Deals

Although over 20 species of whales have been spotted in the area, the stars are the humpback whales. Nearly 3,000 whales come to mate here, and it’s one of the few places you can hear them serenading potential mates.

See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss

10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

What You Will See:  Minke, Fin, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  April to October Where to Stay:   Search Cape Cod Hotels

The World Wildlife Fund has named Massachusetts one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. Many local companies claim a 99% whale-spotting success with seeing minke, fin, and humpback whales. That’s incredible!

11. Bar Harbor, Maine →

What You Will See:  Fin, Minke, and Right Whales When To Go:  Mid-April to October Where to Stay:  Check Out Hotels in  Bar Harbor

You can find these whales just 20 miles off the coast, enjoying the cool water and food.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Acadia National Park

12. Long Island, New York

What You Will See:  Fin, Humpback, Minke, Sperm, North Atlantic Right, Blue, and Sei Whales When To Go:  July to Early September Where to Stay:   Search Long Island Hotels

From July to early September, you get an incredibly diverse set of whales in this area. It’s a great feeding ground for the whales. They can’t resist!

13. Virginia Beach, Virginia

What You Will See:  Humpback Whales When To Go:  December through March Where to Stay:   Virginia Beach Hotel Deals

Humpback whales and occasionally fin whales can be spotted at Virginia Beach anytime between December and March. Once it gets warmer, you’ll be able to catch bottlenose dolphins playfully swimming by as well.

14. Depoe Bay, Oregon

What You Will See:  Gray Whales When To Go:  Mid-December to June Where to Stay:   Depoe Bay Hotel Deals

Nearly 18,000 gray whales pass by the Oregon coast on their bi-yearly migration. You can visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Whale Watching Center on Depoe Bay to get a great view or join one of the whale-watching tours in the area.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Oregon State

15. San Juan Islands, Washington

What You Will See:  Orcas, Gray, Minke, Humpback When To Go:  Mid-April to Early-October Where to Stay:   Search for Hotels in the San Juan Islands

With their largest island named Orcas Island, you can only hope to spot an orca.

Local Tip: If you’re curious about the island’s history, it was named after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo. Orcas is a shortened form of Horcasitas. But you do find orcas here as well!

• Cape May NJ (Finbacks, Humpbacks, Right, Mar-Dec)
• Dana Point CA
• Deception Pass State Park WA at Oak Harbor
• Gloucester MA / Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (May-Nov)
• Long Beach CA (Fin, Humpback, Minke, Orcas
• Kauai HI (Dec-May)
• Kohala Coast, Big Island HI (Humpback in Nov-early May, Sperm, Pilot, Pygmy Killer, Rare Beaked are Year Round)
• Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
• Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
• Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
• Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
• Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)

Whale Watching Season Infographic

• It’s also good to take an all-day tour versus one that’s a few hours so that you can travel farther out and have more opportunities to cross paths with them.
• From what we hear, chances of sightings are much higher in the early morning.
• Rainy weather isn’t bad. Sometimes it’s nice because it calms the ocean and you can see more.
• When the waves are high, it’s so hard to see any movement. Half the time I couldn’t tell if it was a wave or a fin.
• Bring a jacket. The temperature out on the water can get considerably colder. Here are our  favorite travel jackets .
• Boats are required by federal law to stay at least 100 yards away from humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska waters, 200 yards from killer whales in Washington State inland waters, and 500 yards away from North Atlantic right whales anywhere in the U.S. waters. If you stop the boat, and the whale comes to you that’s fine, but you can’t pursue the whale any closer.
• This means you will want to bring your longest lens, preferably on a cropped body ( this is the lens we use ).
• If you’re bringing a lot of camera gear. You may want to bring your own dry bag. We’ve tried out a few, and so far  these are our favorite .
• Don’t forget to bring  this  and  this  if you get seasick like me.

• Blue Planet Documentary
• Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
• Whales: An Illustrated Celebration

Have you been whale watching? If so, where? Which of these places would you like to visit?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Yacht America Whale Watching

San Diego California United States

without exaggerating, america is the world's most famous racing yacht. it is also one of the most beautiful yachts in the world. the reason is simple. the original america put yachting on the map. it is why the most famous trophy in sailing is called the america's cup. in 1851, a boat named ?america? won the ?royal yacht squadrons? 100 guinea cup given to the winner of a race around the isle of wight. it is said?that the margin was so great that watching america sail past the royal yacht, queen victoria famously asked ?who came second? your majesty?there is no second? was the reply. the winners, members of the new york yacht club, donated the trophy to the club, to be held as a ?challenge? trophy. thus was born the america's cup, named after the boat, not the country.

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With early arrival of ‘sounders,’ gray whale watchers chase a mystery

L ANGLEY — Rachel Haight’s shift with the Whale Sighting Network on Monday started with scanning Saratoga Passage, between Whidbey and Camano islands.

She was looking for North Puget Sound gray whales, and Wateredge Drive offers an elevated view of Sandy Point — a hot spot for the “sounders” who feed on ghost shrimp along the cove. Haight parked her gray Honda Civic on the side of the road and periodically checked her phone for potential updates from fellow whale chasers.

Haight patiently waited for the brigade of fog in front of Camano Island to lift, while she peered through her binoculars for whale spouts, or what seem like puffs of smoke on the water.

“There’s a blow,” she said, shortly after starting her stakeout.

She called her colleague, who was working remotely, and noted their activity, as well as where they may be headed. In a couple of minutes, her coworker posted the sighting on Orca Network’s Facebook page and notified large vessels nearby. As of this week, at least nine gray whales have been spotted in Puget Sound. Four of them appeared to arrive in early January — a month or two before they typically migrate to the Salish Sea.

Researchers worried their early arrival signaled larger concerns about Northern Pacific gray whales, as they detour to the Salish Sea from their northbound migration between Baja California and the Bering Sea. The exact reason for their timing is still a mystery. But live updates from whale chasers — who spend up to 40 hours per week tracking whales — continue to inform research on local marine mammals and give them extra space in high-traffic waters.

This month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration closed its five-year investigation into unusual deaths of the greater gray whale population that travel along the western coast of North America.

The agency declared an Unusual Mortality Event, or a significant die-off of the gray whales, from Dec. 18, 2018 through Nov. 9, 2023. During those years, the eastern Northern Pacific gray whale population dropped from 20,500 whales to 14,526.

In 2019, one of the deceased gray whales washed ashore in Everett .

The agency’s investigative team concluded ecosystem changes in the whale’s subarctic and arctic feeding areas caused most cases of malnutrition, decreased birth rates and increased mortality.

Over the past 30 years, more sounders appeared in the Salish Sea during periods of nutritional concerns, said John Calambokidis, a research biologist with the Cascadia Research Collective.

A group of six gray whales first arrived in Puget Sound between 1990 and 1991. Then members doubled from 1999 to 2000. By 2020, there were 20 sounders.

“It was driven by desperation,” Calambokidis said. “We think most of the sounders came and adapted this area when they were in search of a new feeding area.”

Most sounders usually leave by the end of May, but in recent years, some of the whales have stayed longer. And in 2022, one gray chose to remain in the Whidbey Basin for the year instead of tagging along with others in the northbound migration.

Longer stays in the Salish Sea increase risks for gray whales, who are especially vulnerable to vessel strikes because they migrate and feed in coastal areas.

On Sunday, a staff member with the Whale Sighting Network, Serena Tierra, noticed a bulk carrier anchored near Holmes Harbor was about to depart. Whale watchers confirmed two gray whales were in the southern portion of Saratoga Passage at the time, so Tierra made entries on the WhaleReport Alert System .

It’s unclear whether the vessel captain saw Tierra’s entries, but the ship slowed from 15 knots to 9.3 after she sent the alert.

“We all worked together,” said Haight, of the Whale Sighting Network. “It was nice to see.”

A majority of whale sighting reports originate from the Orca Network, which receives updates from staff and citizen scientists. Sightings help researchers find the whales, so they can attach sensors to the mammals for data collection.

Previously, researchers approached the whales by boat, using a pole to attach the suction cup sensor to the whale. Starting this year, researchers will solely use drones to drop sensors onto whales, Calambokidis said.

“We’re able to deploy more tags and do it with much less disturbance to the whale,” he said.

Researchers plan to start collecting data on the sounders next month, Calambokidis said.

Even outside of work, Haight clears her schedule to chase Puget Sound whales.

On Monday, Haight drove back and forth between Sandy Point and Hidden Beach to see a pack of orcas her friend Cindi Rausch had spotted near Hat Island. Her favorite whale, T46E, also known as “Thor,” was among them.

About three hours after the morning gray whale sightings, Haight parked on Wateredge Drive again. The street was lined with whale watchers, many holding binoculars and aiming cameras, with 400 mm and 500 mm lenses, toward the water.

Shortly after 1 p.m., the orcas gave a show, immediately greeted by cheers from their audience. One breached three times and another popped out of the water briefly to check out its surroundings, a move also known as a spy hop.

After hours of coordinating, driving and waiting, seeing the whales through binoculars or cameras is a win for whale watchers.

“Even though it’s been distant,” Rausch said, “we would call this a good day.”

Ta’Leah Van Sistine: 425-339-3460; [email protected] ; Twitter: @TaLeahRoseV .

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Whale watching on yacht America

Although every day out on the yacht ‘America’ in San Diego is a great day, some days are just better than others. If you were on a San Diego yacht charter and saw these whales playing beside the yacht America a few days ago, you’d never forget this sailing experience. I won’t waste any more breath on the story….just have a look at these very cool photos taken by the crew of the yacht America on March 5th.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=605818602840519&set=a.605815379507508.1073741841.122963181126066&type=1&comment_id=1755819&offset=0&total_comments=1#!/media/set/?set=a.605815379507508.1073741841.122963181126066&type=1

whale watching san diego on yacht America

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Whale Watching

Jump on board the world-famous America for a once-in-a-lifetime Whale Watching experience in San Diego. We see whales all year long!

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4th of July – Sail and Fireworks

See San Diego’s world famous Big Bay Boom Fireworks show from the middle of the water directly underneath all of the action. This is truly an unforgettable way to experience the 4th of July!

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Climate change and boat strikes are killing right whales. Stricter speed limits could help them

• Emily Jones, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist . Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here .

Amid a difficult year for North Atlantic right whales, a proposed rule to help protect them is one step closer to reality.

Earlier this month, a proposal to expand speed limits for boats — one of the leading causes of death for the endangered whales — took a key step forward: It’s now under review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the last stage of federal review.

Fewer than 360 of the whales remain; only about 70 of them are females of reproductive age. Every individual whale is considered vital to the species’ survival, but since 2017 right whales have been experiencing what scientists call an “unusual mortality event,” during which 39 whales have died.

Human actions — including climate change — are killing them.

When the cause of a right whale’s death can be determined, it is most often a strike by a boat or entanglement in fishing gear. Three young whales have been found dead this year, two of them with wounds from boat strikes and the third entangled in gear. One of the whales killed by a boat was a calf just a few months old.

Climate change, meanwhile, has disrupted their food supply , driving down right whale birth rates and pushing them into territories without rules in place to protect them.

“Our impacts are so great right now that the risk of extinction is very real,” said Jessica Redfern, associate vice president of ocean conservation at the New England Aquarium. “To be able to save the species, we have to stop our direct human-caused impacts on the population.”

This is not the first time humans have driven North Atlantic right whales to the brink of extinction .

Their name comes from whaling: They were known as the “right” whale to hunt because they spend time relatively close to coastlines, often swimming slowly and near the surface, and they float when dead. They also yielded large amounts of the oil and baleen whalers were after. So humans hunted them to near extinction until it was banned in 1935.

Many of those same characteristics are what make right whales so vulnerable to human-caused dangers today. Because they’re often near the surface in the same waters frequented by fishing boats, harbor pilots, and shipping vessels headed into port, it’s easy for boats to collide with them.

“They’ve been called an urban whale,” said Redfern. “They swim in waters that humans are using; they have high overlap with humans.”

To reduce the risk of vessel strikes, ships over 65 feet long have to slow down during set times of year when the whales are likely to be around. In the southeastern U.S., the speed limits are in force during the winter when the whales are calving; off the New England coast, the restrictions are in place in the spring and summer when they’re feeding. Regulators can also declare voluntary speed restrictions in localized spots if whales are seen, known as dynamic management areas.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, in 2022 proposed expanding those restrictions in three ways.

First, the new rule would cover larger geographical areas. The protection zones would extend down the coast from Massachusetts to Florida at various times of year, instead of only applying in certain distinct areas.

Second, the change would apply the speed limits to smaller craft like fishing boats, rather than only ships over 65 feet.

Third, the new rule would make the speed restrictions — the temporary speed limits where whales have been spotted — in dynamic management areas mandatory.

Since NOAA published and gathered feedback on the proposed rule in 2022, whale advocates have been clamoring for the agency to implement it. Those calls have increased in recent months as dead right whales have washed up on beaches.

“There have been three deaths, and that has been really devastating this year, and two of them are related to vessel strikes,” said Redfern. “It’s just highlighted that absolute urgency, the necessity of getting this rule out.”

A leading boating industry group is speaking out against the expanded speed restrictions, arguing they could hurt small businesses in the recreational boating industry.

“We are extremely disappointed and alarmed to see this economically catastrophic and deeply flawed rule proceed to these final stages,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in a statement. “The proposed rule is based on incorrect assumptions and questionable data, and fails to distinguish between large, ocean-crossing vessels and small recreational boats.”

Right whale scientists have documented in recent years that small, recreational boats can injure and kill right whales. At least four of the lethal vessel strikes since the current restrictions began in 2008 have involved boats smaller than 65 feet and thus not subject to that speed limit, according to Redfern.

NOAA estimated that, based on the size and placement of the propeller wounds, the boat that killed the months-old calf this year was between 35 and 57 feet in length — too small to fall under the existing speed restrictions, but subject to the new rule if it were to be implemented.

In his statement, Hugelmeyer also pointed to new marine technologies aimed at detecting right whales in the water to reduce vessel strikes without expanding the speed rules.

Scientists like Redfern remain skeptical, though.

The tech “offers a lot of promise,” she said, but the speed limits are proven.

“It’s really important, I think, that we rigorously evaluate the technology that’s proposed to make sure that it is going to achieve the same type of risk reduction that we see with the slowdowns in expanded areas,” she said.

Many groups, meanwhile, have raised concerns that offshore wind turbines could harm whales. There is no evidence of that, according to NOAA.

This article originally appeared in Grist ,  a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org

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