Exploring California’s Whales and Dolphins

Gray Whales: Up Close

Gray whales are one of the most commonly seen whales along the California coast. Their name is derived from the gray patches and white mottling on their dark skin. An adult Pacific Gray Whale can reach lengths of 45 feet and weigh up to 33 tons. To put it in perspective, that’s slightly longer than an average school bus and as heavy as six fully-grown African elephants.

These magnificent creatures migrate 10,000 miles round trip each year, traveling between their winter calving lagoons in Mexico and summer feeding grounds in the Arctic, making it the longest migration of any animal on earth. As of 2011, the population of California gray whales was estimated to be around 28,000, all of which pass the coast during their migration.

Interestingly, when observed off the California coast, these whales are not stopping to eat or socialize; instead, they are on a relentless road trip, barely taking time to sleep.

When to See Gray Whales in California

Gray whales begin their southward journey from Alaska in October, typically passing the coast near San Diego from December through January and then again in February and March as they return to their feeding grounds. They swim closest to the shore when traveling south, particularly between Monterey and San Diego.

Where to See Gray Whales in California

You can spot gray whales anywhere along the California coastline, as whale watching cruises operate from various locations including San Diego, Dana Point, Long Beach, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Half Moon Bay, and San Francisco. Additionally, they can be viewed from land, particularly at coastal points that extend into the sea, where they tend to come closest to the shore. Recommended viewing spots include Point Reyes, the Monterey Peninsula, and Point Dume north of Los Angeles.

Gray Whales: What You’ll See

Because gray whales are in transit and do not stop to feed along the way, sightings typically occur when they surface to breathe or when their flukes appear above water as they dive deep.

Gray whales usually exhibit a cyclical swimming pattern. They take 3 to 5 breaths (which appear as “blows” or sprays of water) at intervals of 30 seconds, followed by a 3- to 6-minute dive, often displaying their tail flukes prior to diving. If they swim just below the surface, you might notice a series of circular calm spots on the water indicating their passage, aiding in tracking.

Your best chance to see a gray whale is by scanning the ocean surface for a vertical spray of water. Familiarize yourself with the direction in which the whales are migrating—you can anticipate their next location by this knowledge. They typically swim at about 5 miles per hour, equivalent to the speed of a child cycling. Therefore, keep binoculars handy to enhance your viewing experience.

When to See Blue Whales in California

Blue whales frequent the coastal waters off California from mid-June through October, a time when krill, their primary food source, is abundant. During this period, thousands of blue whales can be spotted along the California coast.

Where to See Blue Whales in California

Blue whales can be found feeding off the California coast from Bodega Bay to San Diego. Whale-watching cruises are readily accessible from most larger coastal towns, including Monterey. However, due to their feeding habits occurring away from the shore, they are not easily observable from land.

Blue Whales: What You’ll See

Blue whales are known to feed on krill, and observing them near the surface as they slurp this tiny creature or spotting their distinctive spouts is common. Approximately three-quarters of their back is visible when they surface, particularly before displaying their magnificent tail flukes.

When to See Fin Whales in California

Fin whales are usually spotted in the winter months along the California coast.

Where to See Fin Whales in California

You can observe fin whales during whale-watching excursions from Orange County, San Diego, Long Beach, the Channel Islands near Ventura and Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, and Monterey Bay, with occasional sightings as far north as San Francisco.

Fin Whales: What You’ll See

Fin whales are large and fast, with the ability to remain submerged for extended periods. If you manage to get close enough, you might be able to see their distinctive dorsal fin as they swim, although they seldom display their tail flukes when diving.

When to Whale Watch in California: Whale Watching Calendar

Whale watching is possible almost anywhere along the California coast. Utilize online guides to learn about tour companies, notable seasons, and locations for land-based whale watching in the most visited areas.

The graphic above outlines the typical times of year that whales are spotted along the California coast; however, it’s essential to understand that whales are not bound to these schedules. Various factors such as ocean currents, and climatic phenomena (like “El Nino” or “La Nina”) can affect their migratory patterns, sometimes leading them to areas at times other than those shown above.

October through February: Gray whales travel southbound from Alaska to Mexico and can be seen along the entire coast, swimming offshore.

February through April: Gray whales swim northbound from Mexico to Alaska. Mothers with calves travel last, staying closer to the shore and moving slowly, making this a prime time for viewing.

June through October: Blue whales and humpback whales can be observed along the Big Sur coast and around the Channel Islands.

April to early November: Humpback whales are frequently sighted along the central California coast.

July through October: Minke whales, predominantly in southern California.

April through June: Orcas migrate from Southern California to Santa Cruz.