What is the best month to go whale watching in California?

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  • on May 02, 2022

What is the best month to go whale watching in California? In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.

Is whale watching better in Monterey or Santa Barbara? Whale watching is generally better in Monterey. You can either go out of Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey (Monterey Bay Whale Watch or Princess) or Moss Landing Harbor (Sanctuary, Blue Ocean, Sea Goddess) which is about half an hour north of Monterey. It’s better to reserve in advance in July.

Where in California can you Whale Watch? 

The Top 8 Places for Whale Watching in California
  • Mendocino.
  • San Francisco.
  • Santa Cruz.
  • Monterey County.
  • Channel Islands.
  • Los Angeles.
  • Orange County.
  • San Diego.

When can you see humpback whales in California? The central California population of Humpback Whales migrates from their winter calving and mating areas off Mexico to their summer and fall feeding areas off coastal California. Humpback Whales occur in Monterey Bay area from late April to early December.

When can you see orcas in California?

Although killer whales have a decent population, this species in particular can be a bit more challenging to pinpoint, because they are more diversely spread out geographically. With that being said, the best time to see killer whales in California is typically during the spring, between the months of February and May.

What is the best month for whale watching in Monterey?

While often spotted alone or in pairs, if food is abundant feeding groups of 40-50 can be encountered. BEST time to see humpback whales in Monterey Bay: March through November, with peak sightings generally during July and August (though every season is different).

What is whale season in California?

January through March is an ideal time to see migrating gray whales along the California coast, with whales traveling both northward and southward.

What months are best for whale watching in Southern California?

The peak times for spotting whales offshore in Southern California is late November through mid May. During this time you can see them breaching and spouting not far from shore. The best places to see them from are viewpoints that are high on bluffs especially at points that stick out into the ocean.

What is the best time to go whale watching in Newport Beach?

Best Season for Whale Watching: Newport Beach

May through November brings warmer waters and the opportunity to view blue whales. Throughout the year, you can observe dolphins, seals and some of nature’s most incredible mammals at play.

Can you see whales in March in California?

Orcas are generally most plentiful between February and April. In general, March and April will have the best combination of plenty of gray whales and orcas as well as better weather (less rain and storms), which make for a more pleasant whale watching experience in California.

What time of day are whales most active in California?

Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.

What is the best month to go whale watching?

When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.

How much does it cost to go whale watching in California?

Newport Landing runs whale watching excursions seven days a week all year long. Late December through April coincides with the California Gray Whale annual migration along the Orange County coastline.

Prices.

Age Weekday Weekend/Holiday
Seniors (60+) $28.00 $32.00
Toddlers (Ages 0 – 2) Free Free

Is San Francisco good for whale watching?

San Francisco is a great place to go whale watching. Just a few miles off the shore are cool waters that offer the perfect feeding ground for several varieties of whales including grays, blues, and humpbacks. Different whales migrate through this area at different times of the year.

What is the best month for whale watching in San Francisco?

The best time for whale watching in San Francisco is from December – May, as you’ll have the best opportunity to see more than one type of whale. That said, you can spot other species during different months, so you shouldn’t discount an opportunity just because it doesn’t fall within this time frame.

Are there killer whales in San Francisco Bay?

Are there sharks in San Francisco Bay?

Sharks of San Franscisco Bay Area

Around 11 species of Sharks are found in the Bay itself – including Leopard Shark, Pacific Angel Shark, Brown Smoothhound, Broadnose Sevengill, Soupfin Shark. The Leopard Shark is the most common in the Bay. Small Spiny Dogfish are found swimming on the bottom of the Bay.

Is it safe to swim in San Francisco Bay?

Beaches in San Francisco are not safe for swimming, and that goes double for Ocean Beach, which has the worst rip currents and most drownings. More information on rip currents from the United States Lifesaving Association.

Can you see whales from the Golden Gate Bridge?

If you want to view whales without getting on a boat, then the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco may be the way to go. Several humpback whales were spotting enjoying the water under the bridge in one of California’s most iconic bays.

Are there sharks under the Golden Gate?

While great white sharks are occasionally seen near the Golden Gate Bridge, they rarely stray into the Bay’s main waters. Great whites are most abundant near the Farallon Islands, 35 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Can you see dolphins in San Francisco?

Golden Gate Bridge (GGB)

Obviously, the GGB is one of the best vantage points to spot bottlenose dolphins in the San Francisco Bay. But the, time of day is key: You’re most likely to see dolphins entering back into the Bay from early morning feedings in the Pacific sometime around dawn.

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