Best Whale Watching Tours - California
Posted by ButterflyMinute9605@reddit | whales | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hi! Looking to go whale watching in late June. Ideally I would love to see blue whales, I understand they're more difficult to find. Is there any place in California best to see them that time of year? My top two places I've seen are either San Diego or Monterey Bay, but I'd be willing to go anywhere in the state.
Also, bonus points if you can recommend a set tour to go on. It will just be me and one other person, would prefer to spend less than $200 a person. I imagine smaller tours are better but unsure what a typical budget is. If anyone has any advice/recommendations I would appreciate it!
JennShrum23@reddit
Dana Point CA (just N of San Diego) Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari. Get on the catamaran
I used to go with these guys 3-4 times a year
Sanctuary Cruises out of Moss Landing (near Monterey).
So cal is best bet for blues in the summer. Plus so cal has the largest population of dolphins, why are incredible. One time we were surrounded by over 2k dolphins- called a dolphin stampede.
Alone_View1672@reddit
I second Captain Dave's! We saw so many whales with them and Dana Point is beautiful!
_DolphinDroneDom@reddit
If you want Blues gone whale watching in San Diego has a nearly 100% success rate on their special “extended blue whale tours” that run late May through July. The last few years have been especially strong. (It’s my company and we have made blue whale sightings the hallmark of our operation). Feel free to send me a pm
Beginning_Electronic@reddit
newport coastal adventures in newport beach
Secret_Net_1908@reddit
Pacific Offshore Expeditions out of Newport Beach. I’ve seen more blue whales on my trips with them than I’ve seen on my many trips in Monterey
Unlikely_Magazine@reddit
Actually San Diego is seeing them close to shore as early as May the last few years.
My_2Cents_666@reddit
Southern California is probably your best bet for blue whales, but you can also see them out by the Farallon Islands in Northern California. Check out Dana Wharf Whale Watch and see what they say for SoCal. Oceanic Society for NorCal, but it’s $300. That’s a great time of year to see nesting birds around the islands, like puffins.
centuryofprogress@reddit
San Diego in early July. There’s one tour that is an all day on a small boat that is solely dedicated to blue whales, but that costs at least $300.