Why whale watching in San Diego should be on your itinerary

  1. The blue whale season 

If you travel to San Diego in the summer months, your visit coincides with a unique seasonal attraction, the blue whale. The blue whale is enigmatic and the largest animal to have ever lived on Earth. 

In comparison, the sightings of blue whales are a kind of excitement that is a little different, since they aren't seen as frequently as dolphins and sea lions, and they are whales that surface once every 10-20 minutes. However, when they do surface, it is a mind-blowing experience. Seeing the large slate blue backs stretch a seemingly endless distance, you take note of the blown air that comes out of its blowhole, which can be seen many miles away.

  2. Beyond whales: Dolphins, Sea Lions, and coastal beauty

While whales surely steal the show, San Diego waters teem with diverse marine life. In an average tour, you will likely see common dolphins traveling with your boat, leaping, and spinning in the waves. You may also see pods of Bottlenose dolphins or sea lions lying about on buoys. You'll also spot a couple of other animals, such as seabirds, typically pelicans or cormorants.

Some tours will include orcas, humpback whales, or fin whales, but that will depend on the seasonal migration. The biodiversity of San Diego waters leaves the visitors surprised, and they gain a unique combination of all marine life on each tour. 

In between adventures, you can enjoy short trips to the lovely coastal towns nearby. La Jolla has beautiful, dramatic cliffs and coves to kayak, and also a variety of sea caves to explore. Coronado Island is right across the bay and offers a less populated view of rocky scenic beaches and views of the Pacific Ocean.

  3. The side of adventure: Snorkeling and kayaking

San Diego has guided kayak tours available in places like La Jolla Shores, where you paddle through kelp forests and sea caves while looking out for marine mammals.

While you may never paddle close to a whale, it isn't uncommon to have dolphins or sea lions join you in your boat. On rare occasions, a lucky kayaker will notice a distant spout or the back of a whale in the distance.

In summer, designated snorkeling excursions allow travelers to swim and explore some of the local underwater ecosystems. As visibility is fantastic during the summer months, snorkelers can witness various kinds of aquatic organisms, particularly fish, swiftly making their way through the water. While whales have ascended into the deep waters in summer, the ocean remains alive and filled with other species of fish and marine animals.

Tips to keep in mind while whale watching in San Diego

1. Time your visit and keep in mind that gray whales can be spotted from December to April. On the contrary, blue whales are best seen from May to September.

2. Choose your boat wisely. While both are equally good, Catamarans offer comfort and space, while zodiacs can be used for close encounters with the whales.

3. Dress in layers and carry a camera and binoculars to get close-up shots of the animals.

4. For an enriching experience, stop by the Birch Aquarium and join a kayak tour.

5. Book in advance as the trips fill fast during peak season. It is recommended to book three months in advance.