Blue Whales Are Thriving In Southern California Waters, And Now Is The Time To See Them
By Natasha Kayes|Published August 02, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Aside from our picturesque beaches and warm waters, the Southern California coast is also known for its marine animals, including seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and perhaps most wondrous, whales, with different species migrating through our waters throughout the year. If you have never seen these huge, graceful sea creatures in person, I can tell you from experience what a thrilling experience it is. Blue Whales in Southern California have suffered a severe decline in numbers, but are proving to be spectacularly resilient, and it is the perfect time to see these magnificent mammals.
Pacific Blue Whales, the largest mammal on the planet, can grow to some 110 feet long and weigh up to 200 tons (that’s 400,000 pounds!!)
These massive creatures migrate north from the coast of Mexico up through Southern California waters to feed on krill that populate the area in the summer, and every whale-watching trip out here between May and September has high hopes of seeing at least one.
Sadly, these giant marine mammals were hunted nearly to extinction decades ago (before whaling was outlawed in the 1970s) and, in fact, are still listed as a protected species.
That being said, researchers and marine biologists are saying that they have made an extraordinary comeback, with almost 100 percent of their former population being restored in the Pacific Ocean.
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A number of factors contribute to the unbelievable success of whale conservation here in the Pacific, including ocean-fishing gear restrictions, as well as adjustments to speed limits and shipping lanes for large vessels.
Who would have thought that ship collisions with blue, fin, and humpback whales were a serious issue, responsible for the lives of up to 18 whales per year?
The same steps that have been taken to protect Blue whales may also be at least partly responsible for a bounce back among elephant seal and humpback whale populations.
With the resurgence of Pacific Blue Whales migrating past our shores, there has never been a better time to book a whale-watching trip! From San Diego to Ventura, there are several options for getting out on the water.
Next Level Sailing in San Diego offers both a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an excellent guarantee. Embark on a 4.5-hour whale-watching cruise on a sailing yacht - actually a replica of the schooner that won the first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851.
This cruise chases Blue whales in their feeding grounds, and your expert guide offers plenty of information about whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine creatures frequently seen on these trips.
The guarantee? If you don’t see a whale on your cruise, you get to come back and try again for free!
It is so exciting to see that the spectacular blue whales are thriving once again in Southern California. Have you ever seen one? If you are ready for an unforgettable whale-watching experience, book your cruise with Next Level Sailing before the season ends!
