There are many options when it comes to whale watching in san diego, both for those who wish to stay on land and for those willing to step aboard a seagoing vessel and catch sight of the animals up close. Whale watching off the coast of san diego is exciting and fun for the whole family. Established in 1950, this was the first public whale watching lookout point in the world. The national monument commemorates explorer juan rodriguez cabrillos first landing at san diego bay on september 28, 1542. On a clear day, you can watch for the spouts of passing whales at the cabrillo national monument, at the very end of point loma. Whale watching in february san diego forum tripadvisor. Rated as the best whale watching tour in san diego, you are guaranteed to have a good time on one of our fun, fast rigid inflatable boats r. There are only a few beach access points in cabrillo national monument near san diego, but this park is loaded with things to see. I have a couple of questions regarding the whales are there whales you can see from the shore, or. Most pass san diego in late december, january and february. This event marked the first time a european expedition had set foot on what later.
San diego whale watching cruise with birch aquarium. This event marked the first time a european expedition had set foot on what later became the west coast of the united states. Im thinking of the wonderful whale watching experience in maui or the big island of hawaii where wh. Were interested in whale watching in san diego this coming winter.
Your whale watching cruise is available at an affordable price on our historic boat, the privateer. Cabrillo national monument, san diego, ca california beaches. Find the best places to see whales in san diego and the best times to go whale watching here. Feel the exhilaration of seeing some of the oceans largest and most magnificent creatures. Grades prek 12 students observe the migration of the pacific gray whale on a fascinating 23 hour boat trip. The cabrillo national monument in point loma is poised to host its 25th annual whale watch and intertidal life festival on jan. Grays mate and give birth in the warm, shallow lagoons of baja california from january through march.
Cabrillo national monument is the best place in san diego to observe whales from shore. Summerfall giant blue whale watching before you visit san diego, visit tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travellers by travellers. Cabrillo national monument is at the southern tip of the point loma peninsula in san diego, california, united states. Board a 2story yacht that gives you 360degree views of the ocean. The cabrillo national monument is the birth place of whale watching and still provides good opportunities to see. San diego whale watch all you need to know before you go. Because youve found san diegos best whale watching experience. However, because blue whales and gray whales migrate at different times of the year, whale watching season in san diego is open year round. Hornblower san diego whale watching gives you the opportunity to see plenty of cool animals in the water. Cabrillo monument san diego skyline the cabrillo national monument is located at the southern tip of point loma and provides a spectacular view of downtown san diego and the mountains beyond. Rangers at the whale overlook to spot the pacific gray whale migration. With just 612 people per boat, every seat has 360 views.
San diego whale watch offers the premier whale watching experience in southern california. He is the author of a documentary series 8 projected volumes, 4 volumes published on spanish california, vizcaino and spanish expansion in the pacific. Grays mate and give birth in the warm, shallow lagoons of baja california. Go on a whale watching expedition in san diego on this 4hour cruise guided by birch aquarium experts.
Point loma, the peninsula where the park is located, is surrounded by high sandstone bluffs. Lindsey hastings takes us to see whales off the coronado islands aboard the marietta, courtesy of birch aquarium and san diego harbor excursion. San diegos news source 10news, kgtv, delivers the latest breaking news, weather. Working to enhance the visitor experience at san diego s only national park. For reservations, directions, or questions you can call them at 619. For the ultimate guide to planning your san diego vacation, view and download the san diego visitor planning guide. An overlook near the old point loma lighthouse offers whale watchers a glassedin observatory with telescopes. Below is a list of the nearest beaches to whale watching in san diego. It commemorates the landing of juan rodriguez cabrillo at san diego bay on september 28, 1542. Nov 21, 2017 san diego, ca a small gray whale was spotted monday morning in the san diego bay, according to the port of san diego. Traditionally, whale watching season runs from december through april. During this two week period we have park staff on the lookout to point out pacific gray whales for you.
You and your family can enjoy hot food from the snack bar, and adults can get drinks from the full bar. The cabrillo store offers a wide variety of items to help memorialize your 1st or. Cabrillo national monument is at the southern tip of the point loma peninsula in san diego. San diego whale watching its no secret to anyone that the coast of san diego is the ideal place to watch the annual migration of the gray whale. Get the scoop from a guide who studies the migratory patterns of grey whales as you keep a lookout for whales in the water. Board a 2story yacht that gives you 360degree views of. All san diego students will graduate with the skills, motivation. Cabrillo monuments whale watch, migration months ongoing. The national monument commemorates explorer juan rodriguez cabrillo s first landing at san diego bay on september 28, 1542. Michael mathes, associate professor of history, university of san francisco and an editorial consultant for the journal of san diego history, specializes in the field of colonial mexico and spanish california history. On september 28, 1542, the spanish explorer juan rodriguez cabrillo discovers san diego bay while searching for the strait of anian, a.
Adventure rib rides is a highspeed wild ride on a former navy seals attack boat. Encounter some of earths most magnificent creatures on a 3hour whalewatching cruise in san diego. If you have a preference for one species of whale over the other, gray whales migrate from middecember through april while blue whales. San diego also has seasonal whale watching providers such as. To find out what all those wonderful creatures look like up close and what they look like when you see them from. They offer the longest whale watching cruise from san diego, a sixhour expedition that goes south to the coronado islands marine sanctuary. From the sightseer, the thrill seeker to the marine lover, our whale and dolphin watching san diego tour is the way to go. Cabrillo monument to host annual whalewatching festival. Every winter, more than 20,000 pacific gray whales travel 10,000 miles roundtrip the longest migration of any mammal on earth from alaska to the lagoons of baja california. Our experienced crew knows exactly how to track down and show you the spectacular wildlife the pacific ocean has to offer.
Cabrillo national monument images cabrillo national. Please be sure students have proper clothing and footwear to participate any day of the week. To see females with their calves, go late in the season as they take their babies back north with them. This vantage point offers pleasant views of the pacific ocean and the new point loma lighthouse. Through education, the public becomes aware of the fragility. A cow mates one year, then returns to give birth the next. San diego whale report cabrillo national monument foundation. Sep 25, 2019 on september 28, 1542, the spanish explorer juan rodriguez cabrillo discovers san diego bay while searching for the strait of anian, a mythical allwater route across north america. San diego lighthouses and point loma tide pools at the cabrillo. Each year approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate from the bering sea to the lagoons of baja california and back.
Unlike the cruise boats, this is a semiprivate, up close and personal wildlife experience. Coast guard lifts massive humpback whale skull off beach youtube. Cabrillo was the first european to visit what is now the west coast of the united states. The only beaches at cabrillo national monument are known for tidepooling, not for sunbathing or surfing. Whale watch weekend and intertidal life festival the official. Whale watching in san diego in san diego, ca is in the california beaches attractions, parks, and things to do category. Through education, the public becomes aware of the fragility of the marine ecosystem and the current threats to the marine mammal populations. Book your tickets online for san diego whale watch, san diego. Cabrillo national monument best views in san diego. From december to march, visitors can look beyond the kelp forest toward the horizon and see the pacific gray whale pass by the shores on its annual migration from alaska to baja california, mexico, where it will birth and rear its young. Cabrillo national monument images, cabrillo national. Go on a whalewatching expedition in san diego on this 4hour cruise guided by birch aquarium experts. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation.
Or you can rent your own boat with seaforth boat rental. Currently, the gray whales are swimming south to the breeding lagoons in baja california, mexico. The voyage departs right from mission bay, so youll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Our boats put you up close and personal with the beautiful creatures of the ocean without the hassle of the crowds. From october through april you can witness this journey off the coast of san diego on educational whale. The program trains volunteer naturalists to serve as nature interpreters naturalists aboard whale watch boats, at community events, and as. Whale watching off the coronado coast coronado times. With a maximum of 6 guests per cruise, you are sure to have the most personalized, intimate cruise. The program trains volunteer naturalists to serve as nature interpreters naturalists aboard whale watch boats, at. Enjoy live educational narration from the captains and a trained naturalist from the san diego natural history museum. Please see the cabrillo family handbook for dress code parameters. Whale watching in san diego, san diego, ca california.
Were thinking of visiting san diego in february, 2009. San diego, ca a small gray whale was spotted monday morning in the san diego bay, according to the port of san diego. Whale watching as an organized activity dates back to 1950 when the cabrillo national monument in san diego was declared a public spot for the observation of gray whales. Cabrillo monument san diego skyline the cabrillo national monument is located at the southern tip of point loma and. The whale watching cruise coupon is valid for up to 10 persons per coupon and is valid for any of our 2. Overview cabrillo san diego unified school district. Please join cabrillo national monument in celebrating the longest mammal migration that we know of, beginning feb 18th to march 3, 2018.
Cabrillo national monument san diego 2020 all you need. Whale watching at cabrillo national monument the high cliffs of point loma in cabrillo national monument make a wonderful vantage point to watch the grays as they parade by close to shore. Whale watching season in san diego is an exciting time. The cabrillo national monument in san diego offers whale watching, historic statues, an old lighthouse, tide pools, and awesome views of the. To locate the whale watching in san diego just select the map tab above. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation of marine wildlife in their natural environment. On september 28, 1542, the spanish explorer juan rodriguez cabrillo discovers san diego bay while searching for the strait of anian, a mythical allwater route across north america. Mpas contribute to healthier, more resilient ocean ecosystems that can better withstand a wide range of impacts such as pollution and climate change. Get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, pelagic sea birds and migrating whales on this 3.
Situated on a high hilltop on the west side of the san diego bay, the property is popular for its city views, hiking, and tide pools. Cast off from san diego harbor and head into the waters of san diego bay in search of the majestic california gray whale. Whale watch weekend is a chance for cabrillo national monument to invite the san diego community to the park and. Cabrillo national monument, san diego, california, united states.
A trained naturalist from the cabrillo whalewatch program lectures on these magnificent mammals. Whale watch weekend and intertidal life festival san diego. Cabrillo monument to host annual whalewatching festival the. All san diego students will graduate with the skills, motivation, curiosity and resilience to succeed in their choice of college and career in order. Apr 03, 2010 lindsey hastings takes us to see whales off the coronado islands aboard the marietta, courtesy of birch aquarium and san diego harbor excursion. Cabrillo national monument will be closed starting the morning of. The coastline of san diego is one of their migratory points as they travel from the. San diego harbor police initially saw the whale by the sweetwater channel. Run club students have the opportunity to participate in a fun, healthy, voluntary run club before school from 7. Working to enhance the visitor experience at san diegos only national park. Whale watchers flock to cabrillo for festival the san. Whale watch weekend and intertidal life festival whale watch weekend is a chance for cabrillo national monument to invite the san diego community to the park and encourage them to learn about the importance of our oceans. Whale watching season in san diego runs from middecember through april, and migrating gray whales are the most common species. I have a couple of questions regarding the whales are there whales you can see from the shore, or from balconies, or lookout points.
Experience the magic of migrating whales yearround off the coast of san diego. Whale watching san diego hornblower even has a snack bar on the boat to keep you happy and full. The gray whales have been known to pass right by the western overlooks of cabrillo national monument the heights and incredible panoramas from the parks. The skull and jaw bones will be used for research by cabrillo national monument and the san diego natural h. Whale watch weekend is a chance for cabrillo national monument to invite the san diego community to the park and encourage them to learn about the importance of our oceans. Also included is a classroom slide showlecture prior to your trip. That makes san diego, with its 78 miles of coastline. Whether youre looking to get up close and personal or witness whales from the shore, there are tons of ways to enjoy these magnificent creatures here in californias beach city. The bayside trail begins near the lighthouse and offers breathtaking views of the harbor and the city of san diego. Cabrillo monument to host annual whalewatching festival the cabrillo national monument in point loma is poised to host its 25th annual whale watch and intertidal life festival on jan. If youre looking for a whale watching discount, you may find one using online services like groupon. The emphasis of the cabrillo whalewatch program is to help educate and enlighten the public about the history and biology of the gray whale, as well as other local marine mammals and birds. Cabrillo whalewatch program volunteer opportunities. We are in the throes of the perfect time to go whale watching in san diego.
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