Summary of Whale Watching in Los Angeles
How to Watch Whales in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Los Angeles
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Michelai Graham
Los Angeles offers incredible opportunities for whale watching due to its prime coastal location. In winter, migrating gray whales can be spotted as they journey between Alaska and Mexico. Conversely, the summer months are ideal for observing blue whales.
Regardless of your whale watching choice, several tips can help enhance your adventure. Discover essential insights for selecting the best whale watching cruise in the California whale watching guide.
Whale Watching Cruises in Long Beach
While whale watching from Long Beach involves a lengthy journey through the harbor before reaching open water, the overall quality of the trips compensates for this inconvenience.
The Aquarium of the Pacific offers seasonal gray whale watches alongside blue whale cruises. These trips are facilitated by LA Whale Watching, whose vessels are specifically designed for whale observation, and a marine biologist accompanies the cruises to share insightful information.
Whale Watching Cruises in San Pedro
San Pedro hosts the Port of Los Angeles, situated near the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s tip. Multiple companies conduct whale watching excursions from this location, though all begin with a lengthy journey from the harbor into open water before the actual whale watching can commence.
- The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium organizes trips during the gray whale migration.
- Spirit Cruises offers harbor tours and two-hour whale watching excursions in season.
- LA Harbor Sportfishing provides a large vessel that ventures out several times daily during the whales’ migration.
Whale Watching Cruises in Other Parts of the Los Angeles Area
- Redondo Sport Fishing operates several cruises daily from December through mid-April, departing from the Sports Fishing Pier in Redondo Beach Marina.
- Marina Del Rey Sportfishing conducts whale watches and eco tours throughout the year.
In addition, if you’re seeking a unique perspective, Newport Landing collaborates with Riter Aviation for aerial whale watching from Santa Monica or Torrance Airports. Detailed information is available on their website.
Moreover, whale watching in Orange County primarily occurs from Dana Point and Newport Beach, which is concisely summarized in the Orange County whale watching guide.
Whale Watching from the Shore Around Los Angeles
Optimal land-based whale watching in the Los Angeles region occurs at sites where the whales swim closest to the shore. Typically, locations with “point” in their names are prime whale viewing spots. Here are some of the best locations:
San Pedro and Palos Verdes: The coastal area between Point Fermin Lighthouse and Point Vicente Lighthouse features a deep channel, creating a migratory pathway for whales. Consequently, the high coastal cliffs become excellent observation points. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes is where the L.A. Chapter of the American Cetacean Society conducts its annual whale census project.
At Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, rangers frequently lead special whale watching walks during the months of April and May.
Northern Malibu Coast: Located just north of Zuma Beach, visitors can find inviting spots within the sand dunes for whale spotting. At Point Dume, there are also sheltered areas providing outstanding ocean views.
More Things Whale-Related in the Los Angeles Area
For additional insights regarding marine wildlife, consult the guide on Whales and Dolphins of the California Coast.
In March, Rancho Palos Verdes hosts a Whale of a Day celebration.
Created by marine artist Wyland, Whaling Wall #31 is located on North Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach.
A 63-foot-long fin whale skeleton, comprising all 221 bones, is displayed at the entrance of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Notably, this specimen met its fate due to whaling activities in 1926 and has been part of the museum’s collection since 1944.
Additionally, the Aquarium of the Pacific features a life-sized blue whale replica in its downstairs gallery.
