Whale of a time is quite Pacific

To see one of nature’s most spectacular annual events, the annual migration of the Pacific gray whales, head to California between December and April.

Every year tens of thousands of gray whales journey from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California where they birth and rear their young.  Averaging 36 to 40 feet in length, these leviathans of the Pacific pass close to California’s shores and there are excellent opportunities to watch this impressive parade all along the coast from north to south. During peak season in San Diego, over 200 whales have been counted in one day.

One San Diego option for a fast-moving and thrilling whale watching excursion is an authentic Navy SEAL RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). At the helm is a US Coast Guard licensed captain and doubling as the on-board naturalist, who explains the creatures’ migration habits.  Daily public tours from 9am-12pm; cost $85 per adult and $70 per child.  www.adventureribrides.com

Or visitors can see and learn about whales on a 3.5-hour adventure cruise, in partnership with San Diego Natural History Museum. Onboard visitors discover the museum-curated whale exhibit and fossils.  Tours depart twice daily and cost from $32 per adult and $16 per child. Hornblower Cruises & Events – www.hornblower.com