Whale watching is a must-see tourist attraction in California, and for good reason. Whale watching excursions provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for friends and family to come together and observe some of the world’s largest and most majestic mammals of the sea, year-round. Some of the most popular California harbors for whale watching are in Long Beach and Los Angeles, where the whale population is dense and lively. Due to the migration patterns of these creatures, different types of whales can be spotted in Los Angeles and Long Beach during various seasons of the year, making every season the best time for whale watching.
Winter and spring months in Long Beach and Los Angeles are a perfect time to spot gray whales during their migration season. From around January to March-April, gray whales can be seen migrating from the Arctic towards the western coast of Mexico, making it a prime Long Beach whale watching season.
November through March is also a great time to spot humpback whales, which can usually be spotted in clusters of ten. October through December is also a prime time to spot minke whales. Another common sighting during these months includes dolphins and sea lions, which you don’t want to miss!
Although winter presents a great opportunity to observe gray whales during their seasonal migration, there are many other whales that can be viewed during the summer months in Long Beach and Los Angeles. If you take a whale watching cruise between May and September, you can see blue whales, sperm whales, orca whales, finback whales, and more. To observe these types of whales, cruise ships off the Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors usually venture a good distance from shore where these magnificent creatures can be spotted feeding. Summer is another fantastic Long Beach whale watching season.
Another crowd-favorite whale species to watch is the humpback whale. Humpbacks span 40-50 feet long and can be seen all year round, but more commonly between April and June. Humpback whales are known for being quite acrobatic as they jump out of the water, making them a very exciting species to watch!
Even if it’s not prime whale watching season in Long Beach, you can still go on a whale watching cruise! During the off-season, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of other marine wildlife. Whale watching cruises often offer exciting views of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and much more. In Southern California, there are 6-8 dolphin varieties and sea lions that can be found all year long.
Harbor Breeze has been the top-trusted whale watching company in Los Angeles and Long Beach for decades. We take pride in our cruises, working to provide each and every guest with a memorable experience on the ocean. Each of our cruise ships has a naturalist on board who provides knowledgeable commentary throughout the excursion on ocean biology and ecology, as well as answers any questions you may have about the animals or environment for a truly unforgettable Long Beach whale watching season.
Contact us today for ticket reservations! We look forward to taking you out on the great blue soon. Visit our website for more details.
