Whale Watching

Whale watching in San Diego is at its finest from now until the end of March. The whales that swam to warm Baja waters in December and January to rest and calve their babies are now preparing to return to the Arctic, in what is the world's longest mammal migration. You'll see them off the coast breaching the water, spy hopping (popping their heads up vertically to look around) and swimming slowly north.

Whale watchers in San Diego can enjoy the spectacle up close by joining one of the tours offered by experienced guides aboard a variety of sea-going vessels.

Here are a few tips to enjoying your adventure:

• Make reservations. Sometimes you can walk on but why take a chance?
• Dress warmly, in layers. Its gets chilly on the water.
• It wouldn’t hurt to bring a water proof jacket with a hood.
• Bring gloves or mittens.
• Wear deck shoes or sneakers.
• Wear sunscreen, no matter what the weather. On the water you can sun burn even under cloudy skies.
• Wear sunglasses to protect against water glare.
  

Here are some certified and experienced whale watching outfitters:

H & M Landing 
Among San Diego’s oldest sea-going companies, these folks made their first whale watching trips in the 50s. Their professional skippers spend most of the year out at sea so are very knowledgeable about the sea life and sea. If you arrive early, you can even browse The Landing’s resource library. All whale watchers receive a certificate; non-sightings trips get you a free return visit. Both 3-hour bay trips and 5-hour ocean trips to the Coronado Islands are available, as are long trips to Baja. 619-222-1144. www.hmlanding.com

Hike, Bike & Kayak
See whales closer than you ever have before when you paddle your kayak about a mile or so off La Jolla. Your craft is stable and easy to handle. You don’t need experience to pilot one. Your hosts supply wet suits, booties, life vests  and a guide to point out the other sights including sea lions, dolphins and seals. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that you’ll talk about for years. 10 and over. Must know how to swim. 866-425-2925

San Diego Harbor Excursion
This long-established local company has teamed with the famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps to present a fully narrated three and a half hour adventure beginning on Dec. 26. An onboard naturalist shares extensive knowledge and artifacts and presents you with a take-home information guide. You may also see dolphins and sea lions. Morning and afternoon cruises. 619-234-4111. www.sdhe.com

Whakapono Sailing Charters
Have a yachting adventure on San Diego Bay aboard the beautiful sloop Whakapono. Captain Sam Hooper brings a wealth of experience to your whale watching adventure or sunset cruise. Only six people can sail at a time so you feel like you're on a private yacht.  Captain Sam, who is a licensed US Coast Guard captain will also show you how to sail—and if you’re feeling adventurous—will even marry you at sea. 619-988-9644. www.whakapono.com