Here are trekaroos top picks for spotting california gray whales from the coast. The best places in california and washington to see whales. Peter winchnoaa san francisco ap dozens of whales are frolicking off northern californias coast in a feast for the eyes that. A humpback whale near the farallon islands on june 20, 2015. About whale entanglements how do whales become entangled. May 27, 2017 79foot blue whale hit by ship washes up dead on northern california beach. Join us on a whale watching trip from san francisco or half moon bay.
This marks five dead whales on the regions shores since march. Whale watching is easy from big sur roadside turnouts. Here, the peak of the southern migration is about midjanuary, and the peak of the northern migration is about midmarch. California sea lions are all over the place, so much so that we only document them if they come ashore in need of a rescue. On the western oceanfront of northern california, at the states distinctive bend along the coast, lies this. The best places for whale watching in northern california.
Ill be in san francisco for three full days during mid march of 2010. Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. Every march, fort bragg holds a whale festival to mark large pods of gray whales passing down the coast. Right now its the peak of the gray whale migration, and theres no better. Balaenoptera, blue whales and california researchgate, the professional. You may also enjoy northern california whale watching with a glass of wine in the whale watch room or take a local boat excursion. The whale watching season half moon bay is the perfect spot for witnessing the journey of these spectacular creatures. Beginning in january and running through the end of march, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from the icy waters of the arctic to mate and nurse their young in the warm, shallow lagoons along magdalena bay in. Blue whale hit by ship found dead on northern california beach. Celebrate the california gray whale and their successful return from the brink of extinction.
Their name is taken from the gray patches and white mottling on their dark skin. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Dead whale carcass spotted off torrey pines coast kpbs. These 6 spots in northern california are the best places for whale watching this season. You go whale watching almost anywhere along the california coast. Whale watching in northern california and oregon via. The annual northern migration of gray whales is happening in significant numbers off the northern california coast, and park rangers at the point reyes national seashore counted 209 sightings.
The whole population of gray whales migrate past the big sur california coastline twice a year. Gray whale migration winterspring 2020 the official travel. The best coastal perches for whale watching in northern. Northern california whale watching at the whale watch inn. Mendocino coast is a premier whale watching spot in california, offering many opportunities to observe these giant mammals every morning. The annual northern migration of gray whales is happening in significant numbers off the northern california coast, and park rangers at the point reyes national.
See allday whale watch trips in killer whale season for details. Dana point, california, also holds its festival of whales on two consecutive weekends in march. This is the time of year when california gray whales pass by on their annual southern migration, so start winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes national seashore marin mommies. Over 200 gray whales passed by point reyes over the weekend. Download scientific diagram ad blue whale habitat predictions from seasonal. California festivals in march see california vacation. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic. The gray whale census, an official gray whale migration census that has been recording data on the migration of the pacific gray whale has been keeping track of the population of the pacific gray whale since 1985. Three dead whales wash ashore northern california beaches in a week a dead whale washed ashore in northern california earlier this week, making it the third whale to wash ashore in a week and the fifth time since march.
Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. Santa cruz county, san mateo county, and san francisco countycity. Festival of colors a springtime festival where participants throw colored powders at each other and revel in music, dance and yoga. Led by expert naturalists, full and half day boat tours are available almost every weekend, with opportunities to see blue, humpback, and gray whales, dolphins and porpoises, seals and sea lions, rare seabirds, and other marine life up close. Three dead whales wash ashore northern california beaches. The neighboring northern california towns of mendocino and fort bragg hold their whale festivals on consecutive weekends in march. Dana point festival of whales march 78, 2020 and march 1415, 2020 enjoy the sun, sand and sea at california s best beach party. Ive always wanted to see the whales migrating and thought this trip might be a good chance to do so.
Great white shark attacks kayaker in monterey bay, california. Winter and springyou can see coastal gray whales in late march and april out of san francisco and december through may in half moon bay. It was first identified off california in 1999 and seen in at least 11 different. Great spots for whale watching in northern california. The whale was discovered on bolinas beach near point reyes national seashore on tuesday and scientists from the marine mammal center plan to perform a necropsy on it soon to. They pass the coast of northern california from december to february and head back north march to may. California whale festivals see california vacation. Scheduled on selected days during the summerfall season. A dead whale washed ashore a beach in northern california earlier this week, making it the third whale to wash ashore in the past week and the fifth time since march. Volunteers are usually available during whale week typically the last weeks in december and march, and offer a ton of information to curious visitors. Oregon features sprawling coastlines that beckon to whalewatchers. While occasionally you may get lucky, whale spouts are the most common sighting along the coast. The gray whale makes the most spectacular and longest mass migration of any marine mammal. Whale watch volunteers are great guides to finding whales out in the water.
We seem to have between four and eight harbor seals who prefer the kelp east of us in front of isla vista. The best whale watching spot exists about 25 miles offshore in the gulf of the farallones. With some of the worlds largest mammals migrating past coastal points, feeding near the coast and swimming in inlets, youll find plenty of ocean creatures to see. From the cliffs of mendocino to the san francisco bay, there are plenty of places to enjoy whale watching in northern califo rnia. Cuviers beaked whale from northern california journal. Use an online guide to find out about tour companies, seasons, and where to watch from land in the mostvisited locations. There are an estimated 200 whales that consider the waters of the oregon coast home between june and october. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. The areas around chimney rock and the point reyes lighthouse offer some of the best whale watching spots in the park. Whale gulch, sinkyone wilderness state park, california vr panoramas from don bains 360degree panoramas of the northern california coast, coast ranges, and redwood highway.
Humpback whale narrowly misses fishing boat as it bursts. Rescuers free entangled humpback whale off california coast a conservation group says a rescue team helped free a young humpback whale that. Annual migration of the gray whale is currently underway. Gene mace and his wife were out in monterey bay when he noticed a man had been. From december to march april they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. Have any of you had a really great whale watching experience in northern california at that time of year. The headlands of the point reyes peninsula extend about 10 miles into the pacific ocean, getting viewers extra close to the california gray whale migration as the mammals pass through the greater farallones national marine sanctuary. Visit san diego from middecember to mid march to see more than 25,000 california gray whales migrating from chilly alaskan waters south to warm. The northern migration peaks in mid march, with late april and early may being the best times to see mothers and calves feeding close to shore, and there are numerous spots in northern california to see these leviathans on their slow but steady swim along the coast. Californias north coast is a hot spot for whale watching any time of year, but your chances for spotting the giants are best during the annual northern migration typically march through may as they head back to alaska. Best whale watching from northern california trails. Jan 08, 2012 the first fossilized whale brain was found in the mid1940s on what is now called the halter ranch near adelaida, said bob macgillivray of templeton, who owns the artifact. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whale watching. Whale festival, march 2020 point cabrillo light station.
Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whalewatching. Check the whale migration season california calendar and schedule your cruise. The california gray whale or california grey whale eschrichtius robustus is a whale that travels between feeding and breeding grounds yearly.
Northern california hotel on the beach whale watch inn. An estimated 22,000 eastern pacific gray whales pass through pacific coast waters from december to march, and warm summer months are characterized by the migration of blue whales and humpback whales. Its been exciting for locals and tourists who have seen a whale. Gray whale migration winterspring 2020 the official. The best coastal perches for whale watching in northern california by. This is the time of year when california gray whales eschrichtius robustus pass by the coast on their annual southern migration, so start planning your winter trip out to point reyes national seashore to do some whale watching now. The point is a marvelous spot for watching the annual migration of gray whales.
Collecting marine fossils, shark and whale teeth bakersfield march 2017. In california, whale watching is a popular thing for tourists to do, and its no wonder why. Pacifica cbs sf two dead whale carcasses washed up on bay area shores on tuesday afternoon, one in richmond and one near manor beach in pacifica. In northern california, the most common entanglements occur when whales encounter the ropes that attach buoys on the waters surface to crab pots or spot prawn traps on the ocean floor. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic whaletrips. This event has been declared an unusual mortality event ume a gray whale found dead off point reyes national seashore in northern california. Monterey bay is one of the best places for whale watching, whether youre on the.
Best whale watching in califo rnia california is undoubtedly one of the worlds best places for whale watching. This event features a street fair, musical entertainment, an art show, educational events and presentations, and a parade. Gray whale migrations off of the pacific coast were observed, initially, by marineland of the pacific in palos verdes, california. Have a whale of a good time at the mendocino whale festival. March is a beautiful time of year here right now look for spring blooms on the trees, especially magnolia, stone fruit, and almond trees all across the region, and the last of the yellow fields of mustard in the wine country. Whale festivals article about whale festivals by the.
The whale watch inn is a romantic northern california hotel in mendocino county. The graphic above shows the times of year that whales are usually seen along the california coast. During the night of march 1, 1957 a specimen of cuviers beaked whale washed ashore a few hundred yards north of the mouth of the mad river, humboldt county, california. Visit our wine country bed and breakfast for your vacation getaway. While some gray whale begin their migration from alaskan waters in october and others dont return to alaska from baja california until june, here at point reyes national seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in midjanuary and that of the northern migration in mid march. Did you know that the best time to spot whales in northern california is from november through february. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more. I am a high school teacher, thinking of flying in to san francisco and spending about a week our spring break driving up the coast northward all the way to redwood national park. Check the california whale migration season calendar and schedule your cruise.
Festival of whales the town comes alive with two weekends of whale watching as the onceendangered california gray whale begins its spring migration. Southern california whalewatching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Another gray whale was reported swimming under the bay bridge and hanging out near yerba buena island. We are collecting noninvasive data aboard these trips that contribute greatly to our longterm orca project and have officially formed our nonprofit called california killer whale project.
The north pacific right whale eubalaena japonica is a very large, thickset baleen whale species that is extremely rare and endangered the northeast pacific population, which summers in the southeastern bering sea and gulf of alaska, may have no more than 40 animals. Jan 26, 2017 as a travel writer, ive been fortunate to see whales from antarctica to south africa, and dozens of waters inbetween. The northbound gray whale migration is peaking off southern california, where a recent sightings spike has astounded scientists and landing operators. Three dead whales wash ashore northern california beaches in.
Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Whale watching on the lost coast and at shelter cove, california is a big activity. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Two longfinned pilot whales are stranded on a beach in the northern french city of calais on 2 november 2015. An adult pacific gray whale can be 45 feet long and weigh up to 33 tons.
Where to go whale watching in the western usa visit the usa. California bill would ban orca shows at seaworld cnn. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Hi, will be over in california for 2 weeks in the middle of march. Winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes. Took the first trip out to dig on our leased plot in bakersfield california, it was a great trip. San diego visit this southern california city from middecember to midmarch to get your chance to view thousands of gray whales migrating from chilly alaskan waters south to warm waters in baja, california. Dozens of whales are gathering around one part of the. Winter always heralds the start of whale watching season on northern california s coast. Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are the themes of the day. Whales migrate up and down the west coast, and the best time to see them in northern california is november through march. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Ive always wanted to whale watch and was wondering if its worth making a day trip out to monterey to join one of the whale watching tours.
Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national seashore. Due to the scarcity of reports of beaked whales on the pacific coast of the united states it seems noteworthy to report the recent occurrence of cuviers beaked whale, ziphius cavirostris, in northern california. And, occasionally, we see rarertotheseparts pinnipeds. In mexico, the various lagoons of baja california sur become breeding habitat for gray whales in february and march. There are no organized whale watching services such as guided tours, or charter boats. Special trips emphasizing killer whales take place in april and may. My husband and kids would love to go whale watching and i have seen plenty of companies offering these tours. Have a whale of a good time at the mendocino whale festival if youre the ultimate nature lover and always crave discovering more local festivals, then the northern coast of california is one of the most beautiful areas and has tons of exciting events to add to your bucket list. While some gray whale begin their migration from alaskan waters in october and others dont return to alaska from baja california until june, here at point reyes national seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in midjanuary and that of the northern migration in midmarch. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. Here are my picks for what to do in northern california in march, but, as always, id love to hear your suggestions.
May 29, 2017 gene mace captured the moment a kayaker was attacked by a great white shark in monterey bay, california, on march 18. Best whale watching spots along the northern california coast. A trip to northern california offers the chance to see the great migration of the gray whales. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the. I might have a chance to come to the bay area in late march. We published the first california killer whale catalog in 1997 and now have an updated version with family histories over four generations. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic. Engaging in the longest migration of any mammal, the california gray whale. The northern migration peaks in midmarch, with late april and early may being the best times to see mothers and calves feeding close to shore, and there are numerous spots in northern california to see these leviathans on their slow but steady swim along the coast. March is prime whale festival season with the towns of mendocino, little river, and fort bragg all hosting special events, including walks, talks, and special boat charters. Southern california whale watching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Mar 24, 2020 point cabrillo light station joins in the mendocino coast celebration of whale festival the weekends of march 78 and march 2122, 2020. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. Ive broken down the list of whale watching spots along the northern california coast into three main regions.
Monterey bay whale watch whale watching trips on monterey bay, one of the best things to do in monterey, viewing whales and dolphins off the coast of monterey, moss landing, carmel, big sur, and the central california coast. Point cabrillo light station joins in the mendocino coast celebration of whale festival the weekends of march 78 and march 2122, 2020. Gray whales are one of the most commonlyseen whales along the california coast. Eschrichtius robustus migrates past the big sur coastline from november to april either going to mexico or alaska. Nov 10, 2016 these 6 spots in northern california are the best places for whale watching this season. It reaches a length of about 16 meters or 52 ft, a weight of 36 tons or 80,640 pounds wow and an. Coastal northern ca in late march weather, foilage. Official suspect this whale carcass may be the same carcass spotted drifting near the coast in northern california a few days ago. The locals and tourist alike go to the headlands, the bluffs and beaches to see the great mammoth beasts that cruise the waters along this california coast. Best time for whale watching in california condor express.
California whale rescue is a network of trained individuals and organizations, working together to save entangled whales and prevent future whale entanglements. Northern california is a great area for whale watching from the shore. The farallon islands national wildlife refuge is home to a wide variety of marine life and also boasts the largest seabird breeding colony within the. Since january 1, 2019, elevated gray whale strandings have occurred along the west coast of north america from mexico through alaska. The team in a small inflatable boat in monterey bay attached five large, hotpink buoys to the fishing line to slow down the whale and keep it near the surface friday, said peggy stap, founder and executive director of marine life studies, a northern california conservation group. Visit san diego from middecember to midmarch to see more than 25,000 california gray whales migrating from chilly alaskan waters south to warm waters in baja, california. Mar 07, 2014 a california state legislator wants to ban the orca killer whale shows at seaworld, in the wake of cnns controversial documentary blackfish. Rescuers free entangled humpback whale off california. If youre planning on going whale watching in the northern part of california, from marin county to the oregon border, this guide includes all the best places to go, when to go, and how to see some of the worlds biggest creatures as they swim just off the california coast. A diverse group of unpaid volunteersnetwork members and partners include biologists, conservationists, ecologists, fishermen, whale watchi.
The new year always heralds the start of whale watching season on northern california s coast. Here at point reyes national seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in midjanuary and that of the northern migration in midmarch. Gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, minke, finback, and blue whales migrate off the california coast throughout the year, so youre sure to spot at least one species on a whale watching excursion. The whole population of gray whales migrate past the big sur california. In the fall, the eastern pacific, or california, gray whale starts a 23 month, 8,00011,000 km or 6,835 miles trip south along the west coast of canada, the united states and mexico.