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Whale Watching in Mission Beach & San Diego

A trip to sunny San Diego is always a treat for travelers, and if you’re an adventurer with a passion for wildlife and time on the water, you’ll find the whale watching in san diego opportunities in this area are unsurpassed. When you’re ready to set your sights on the Pacific Ocean’s gentle giants, the following guide will help you pick and choose exactly the right time of year and place to do so.

Spot Blue Whales in the Summer and Fall

When travel plans bring you to San Diego for whale watching in mission beach and you’re spending time in Mission Beach in the summer or fall, you’ll find yourself right on time to make the most of the blue whale migration period. This typically runs from the middle of June through September and it’s a chance to observe some of the largest creatures on the planet make their way through the surrounding waters. Each year, anywhere from 2,00 to 3,000 blue whales can be found feeding off the California coast, and they’re not difficult to spot on a guided tour thanks to their impressive dimensions of over 100 feet long. Blue whales come to these waters to fill up on krill and tend to congregate in deeper waters, so reserving your place on a tour alongside a naturalist while you’re in town is highly recommended.

See Gray Whales in the Winter and Spring

Spring and winter travelers who are San Diego-bound will find their adventure aligns with the gray whale migration that occurs between December and the middle of April each year. The chance to witness these incredible creatures as they pass through on a route that takes them from Alaska to Baja California is truly magical. Around 20,000 gray whales are estimated to come through the waters around San Diego each year, and it’s common for them to be spotted in pods of two or three. Gray whales are about 50 feet long on average making them exciting to spot, whether you’ve found a place on the shoreline with binoculars, or you’re heading out with a tour group. Some popular spots to try and see them from land include the Cabrillo National Monument or Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Book Your Getaway Today

Making your way to San Diego is always the right choice and at Drift Vacation Homes, we’ll make sure you have incredible accommodations to enjoy every day of your stay. Reach out to learn more about our beautiful vacation rental options available and to start planning your next trip.