January to April is the season for whale watching in San Diego. There are a variety of ways to see the whales, even from the cliffs on Point Loma near the Cabrillo lighthouse. Take a picnic, tour the lighthouse observe the Pacific Gray Whales as they make one of the longest migrations of all mammals. They travel approximately 12,000 miles from the Arctic to Baja California and back again, and can be seen on their southward migration from Cabrillo National Monument.

Whale Watching Kayak Tours

Price: Single Kayak $70 Tandem Kayak $60 (per person

12/15/11 – 3/30/12 Kayak out from La Jolla Shores and see Grey Whales up close during this three hour kayaking tour. Grey Whales migrate January through April traveling from Alaska south to Baja to breed in the warm, shallow lagoons along the Mexican coast. A trained naturalist guide will accompany you and tell you all about the surrounding area of La Jolla Shores and Cove. They can also answer any questions you may have about these fascinating creatures. After the tour, warm up with complimentary tea and cocoa back at the shop. This is a fantastic, unforgettable activity for the entire family. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wet suits and a guide are provided. No kayaking experience is required. For more information and reservations go to their website at:
Other kayaking tours available here as well. http://www.hikebikekayak.com/

Whale Watching with Birch Aquarium Naturalists

Flagship Cruises & Events
Price:
Monday-Friday Adults: $35 Kids: $17.50
Saturday-Sunday Adults: $40 Kids: $20

12/26/11 – 4/15/12 Join naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps aboard Flagship Cruises & Events, a San Diego Harbor Excursion luxury brand, for this three-and-a-half hour narrated cruise that includes gray whale artifacts, specimens and a take-home information packet on the gray whale. Binoculars available to rent. Reservation strongly recommended. Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.

Departures: 9:15 am & 1:00 pm
Cruise last approx. 3 – 3.5 hours
Boarding location: 1050 N. Harbor Drive, downtown San Diego

Whale watching with Hornblower Cruises

12/10/11 – 4/01/12 Whale Watching in San Diego on Hornblower is a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy narration from Captains and Naturalists trained by the San Diego Natural History Museum. You’ll get a free tour of north San Diego and the sea lions that live below the lighthouse at Point Loma. Then you’ll reach the open sea and find pods of gray whales, including mothers and calves! You may see hundreds of Common, Pacific White-sided or Risso’s Dolphins, plus other sea life and marine birds indigenous to Southern California. This is the prime time season to see whales! This is one of the most fun and interesting trips on Hornblower with a whale exhibit onboard which includes fossils, a presentation by the naturalists, and a movie, called Ocean Oasis, playing on the big screen. Watch whales on the most comfortable and fastest yacht on San Diego Bay.

Two Cruises Daily: Morning Departure boarding at 9:15 am and Afternoon Departure boarding at 1:15 pm

Weekday Whale Watching Rates (Monday-Friday) Adults: $35 Children (4-12): $17.50 Seniors/Military: $33 Kids (3 and under): FREE
Weekend Whale Watching Rates (Saturday-Sunday) Adults: $40 Children (4-12): $20 Seniors/Military: $38 Kids (3 and under): FREE

www.hornblower.com/whales

Gray Whale & Dolphin Watching with Adventure Rib Rides
Price:
Adults – $85 + tax
Kids (5-12) – $70 + tax

12/17/11 – 4/15/12 Enjoy the experience of a lifetime on board one of Adventure Rib Rides’ daily Gray Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursions. Beginning December 17th, Gray Whale Watching Excursions will be offered daily from 9:00 am – Noon and 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Excursions are limited to 6 passengers, making for an intimate on-the-water experience. Our knowledgeable captain will serve as your on board naturalist and guide. Insulated suits are available for passengers to wear.

Adventure Rib Rides is the only charter company in San Diego that offers year round Whale & Dolphin Watching. Humpback and Fin Whales can be seen year round. If you are here during the summer, don’t miss the chance to see the largest animal to have ever lived on Earth, the Blue Whale. Blue Whales can be seen offshore San Diego in the Summer and Fall

http://www.adventureribrides.com/

Kayaking La Jolla Shores and the La Jolla Sea Caves



The waters between La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are beautiful, full of leopard sharks (harmless), Garibaldi (California State Fish), and the many seals who hang out around the La Jolla Caves and Children’s Pool. These waters are part of the La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve. You can go on a kayaking tour, rent a kayak for a few hours, or bring your own kayak. There is a small boat launch at the south end of La Jolla Shores beach.

Several companies offer kayak tours and rentals for single and double kayaks, or you can bring your own. Reservations for kayaking tours are required, and should be made early during summer season, as these will sell out. Early morning tours are usually not as crowded, and it is recommended to go at high tide to be sure you can enter the caves.

San Diego Bike and Kayak – 858-454-1010, 2158 Avenida de la Playa at La Jolla Shores. The original kayak company in La Jolla, they offer kayaking, snorkeling and bicycling adventures. San Diego tourists should consider the San Diego Go Card, a great way to get vacation deals. For more information, see Go San Diego Card: 3, 5 and 7 day cards www.sandiegobikeandkayaktours.com

Kayak La Jolla – 858-459-1114, 2199 Avenida de la Playa at La Jolla Shores. www.lajollakayak.com

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks – 858-454-0111, 2164 Avenida de la Playa at La Jolla Shores www.lajollaseacavekayaks.com

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