Whale Calendar
January
Gray whale migration has begun. Gray whales head south towards Baja to their winter breeding grounds. Minke whales are also viewed during this month. Sperm whales are also possible as well as killer whales. Common dolphin, bottle nose dolphin, and Risso dolphin are also commonly viewed.
February
Gray whales are still continuing their migration south. This is one of the peak migration months for gray whales. Finback whales, humpback whales, Minke whales and even killer whales may also be sighted during this month. Sperm Whales are also possible but not very common. Inshore bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin are regularly encountered during February as well.
March
During this month it is possible to get south bound gray whales heading to Baja and north bound gray whales heading up north toward Alaska with newborn calves. The coast of California begins to have a very high population of Gray Whales. This is also considered the best month for viewing Humpback whales. Killer whales and Finback whales, and Minkes are also possible. Inshore common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Risso dolphin are also viewed.
April
North bound gray whales many of which will have calves, born while in Baja. Gray whale mother's and their calves make for some amazing viewing. Gray whale calves often provide very extending viewing opportunities while just outside the surf line. Finback, Humpback, Minke and even Killer whales are possible and this month. April is the first month that it is possible to view all types of whales that we view during the year.
May
Gray whale mother's and calves continue heading north. Blue whale viewings become more frequent. Finback whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and even killer whales make this the other best month for large variety of the type of whales viewed. Mega pods dolphins may also be viewed. Hundreds or even thousands of dolphin can make up just one pod and offers an amazing viewing experience.
June
Summer has officially begun and Giant blue whales, finback whales, and minke whales are in full swing feeding on krill. Lunge feeding may be observed. During this time whales become very oblivious to everything but food making for some amazing viewings. Mega pods of dolphin become common. With the days becoming longer you can choose from the many cruise times including even a sunset cruise option.
July
As the water temperature rises this becomes the best month for mega pods of dolphin unique to southern California. Blue whales have become more common and a half dozen or more whales can be seen feeding on krill. Finback, Minke, and Humpback Whales are also very common. Killer whales are also around feeding in the warm waters.
August
The two biggest animals on the planet Blue whales and Finback whales have become very common. Lunge feeding and fluking whales makes for great viewings. Dolphin can be observed bubble netting bait fish. Giant sunfish are very frequent. Marlin, mako sharks, thresher sharks, and all kinds of sea life.
September
Great month for the giant blue whales, finback whales, and minke whales. Mega pods of common dolphin are still very abundant. Best weather month with lake like, glassy conditions all day long. This is considered one of the favorite months for local whale watching enthusiast.
October
As Fall begins the days are getting shorter. Blue whales continue and multiple sightings are fairly common. Finback whales are also quite numerous. Sperm Whales start to show up. Another great weather month. Risso dolphin the largest of all dolphin make for some exciting viewing opportunities.
November
Fall has arrived. For the first part of the month blue whales and finback whales can be quite numerous. Towards the end of November the blue whales and finback whales begin to head south. Minke whales may still be present during this month as well. Sperm whales begin to become more frequent. Although a little early, later in the month may be the first viewings of gray whales as they head south on their annual migration.
December
Gray whale migration has begun. This month often has single male gray whales heading south to Baja. Humpback whales, killer whales, Sperm whales can be viewed this month. Common and inshore bottlenose dolphin are very frequent. Sea lions at their year round colony are very numerous. December is the perfect month for those worried about motion sickness as the water is very calm. Finback whales are also viewed during this month but with less frequency than the previous months.