Private Whale Watching in Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach has the most beautiful scenic views in Southern California.
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Gray Whale
Nov-June
Gray whales can get up to 39ft in length, weigh up to 60,000 pounds, and live up to 70 years. Gray whales are also referred to as the California Gray Whale or Pacific Gray Whale as they frequent the California Coast. Due to their aggressive fighting behavior whalers began calling them “Devil Fish”. Considering they have to protect calves from pods of Killer Whale regularly it makes sense that these giants are such fierce fighters.
Gray Whale Migration Pattern
You can see them from December through May, but sometimes you can get lucky and spot one in November or June. Gray Whales migrate south toward Baja from December to March. Then begin to head back north with calves until May. These months are some of the best times to see Gray Whales! Gray Whales have one of the longest migration patterns, and quite possibly one of the most dangerous. Traveling up as far as Alaska and as South as Mexico. They regularly fight with Killer Whales that are trying to eat new born calves. Mother whales tend to stick as close to shore as they can for this reason, but thats not always possible.
Humpback Whale
Mar-Dec
Humpback Whales can get up to 52ft and weigh up to 66,000 pounds. They can live up to 50 years. One of the largest species of whale and probably one of the most distinct and recognizable whale. Humpback Whales are known for their beautiful songs which are often heard during mating season. It is believed the songs are used for communication; but this is has not been proven, only assumed.
Humpback Whale Migration Pattern
Usually, you can spot one between mid-December and even as late as May off the Southern California Coast, but it is possible to see them all year. Humpback Whales have one of the longest migration patterns going from Maui to Alaska, although they have been spotted more and more frequently off the Southern California Coast. Humpback Whales have one of the most treacherous journeys of all whales. Orca like to feed on newborn whale calves and frequent Alaskan waters, and the California Coast.
Blue Whale
May-Nov
The Blue Whale is the largest animal known to exist. It can get up to 82ft long, and weigh up to 330,000 pounds. A blue whales heart is the size of a small car, and body is as long as 3 buses. A blue whales lifespan can be from 80-90 years. They’re still an endangered species, but their numbers have begun to improve.
Blue Whale Migration Pattern
Summer time is the best time to view Blue Whales. These giants enjoy mating in the warmer waters and tend to stay near the hemisphere for most of the year. Being as massive as these animals are finding one from May to November is definitely in your favor. Toward the end of November they head down further south to feed in warmer waters. Seeing one then becomes more unlikely but still possible.
Sperm Whale
Oct-Mar
Sperm Whale is the largest toothed mammal on the planet, with up to 40-50 teeth. They can reach up to 60ft long, and weigh 130,000 pounds. The head makes up 1/3 of their body length. Sperm Whales live in every ocean except the extremely cold ones near the polar ice caps in the north and south.
Sperm Whale Migration Pattern
Sperm Whales are usually hanging around the coast of Southern California. From late fall (Oct) until early spring (Mar), is usually the best chances of seeing one. Males mainly stick to colder waters then migrate down to mate with females. Females typically stick to warmer waters even with their calves.
Killer Whale
All Year
Killer whales, or Orcas, can get up to 26ft, and weigh up to 12,000 pounds. Expected lifespan can be up to 29 years. Killer Whales are quite possibly the smartest animal in the ocean. They are apex predators and hunt in packs a majority of the time. Their diet consists of sea birds, squid, octopuses, sea turtles, sharks, rays, fish, and sometimes even whale calves.
Killer Whale Migration Pattern
Killer Whales don’t really have a pattern they just follow their food supplies. December through May tends to be your best chance, but it is possible to see them anytime of year. They don’t have a preference in water temperature, and blubber keeps them warm in colder waters. Killer Whales tend to be more abundant on the Pacific Coast and stay closer to the shore where the food supply is. Though it is rare to spot one they do frequent the California Coast. Usually preying on Whale Calves of other migrating whales.
Minke Whale
All Year
Minke Whales can get a long as 35ft, and weigh up to 20,000 pounds. Average lifespan of a Minke Whale is 30-50 years. It is one of the smallest baleen whale in North American waters. Minke Whales have on of the most unique calls of all whales. They make a variety of sounds such as clicks, grunts, pulse trains, ratchets, thumps, and recently discovered boings. Minkes have even been confused for submarines at times.
Minke Whale Migration Pattern
April through November is the best time to catch a glimpse. Though it is possible to see one year round it just isn’t as common. Male Minke Whales tend to stay further north near Alaska, while Females tend to stick to warmer waters. Females Minke Whales typically will stay in one place and make it home and males will migrate down for mating.
Fin Whale
Mar-Sep
Fin Whales can get up to 68ft, and weigh up to 100,000 pounds. They can live up to 90 years. Fin Whales are the second largest mammal on earth after the Blue Whale. Fin Whales also get the nickname “razorback” because of the distinct ridge along the back behind the dorsal fin. Fin Whales are an endangered species because they are very slow moving and can’t outrun Commercial Whalers. The population is improving though but slowly.
Fin Whale Migration Pattern
Fin Whales are more common form May till November, but you can see them pretty much year round. Fin whales are found in all the oceans of the world, but their migration patterns are not well understood. Females give birth every 2-3 years, and it is believed they mate in warmer climate near or in Californian waters.