Whale Watch companies

[scldir]

There seem to be a lot of companies doing whale/dolphin watches in SoCal. Can anybody recommend good companies in the San Diego area? Thanks.

 

[sonnyjane]

During whale-watching season, I volunteer for Birch Aquarium and we narrate aboard the Marietta, which is run through San Diego Harbor Excursions. San Diego Harbor Excursions and Hornblower Cruises are pretty much the two biggest operations and I would recommend one of those two based on success rates. Just keep in mind that the whale season is only for a few months - late December through late March, possibly the first week of April, so while those companies still do shorter harbor tours year-round, there are only whale-watching tours during the months that I mentioned, since that is the only time the whales are in the area (other than a very, very rare stray).

 

[scldir]

Thanks! I"m afraid we will definately miss the whales, as we will be in San Diego in early December. The good news, though, is that we will be there for December Nights. Can you tell me anything about that, other than what I found on the Balboa Park website. We are planning on going to the zoo on the Friday that it begins. Thanks, Pam

 

[sonnyjane]

I just checked the calendar and it looks like December Nights is Dec. 3rd and 4th. Is that when you'll be in town? If so it's nice, and the museums open for free for a few hours last night, and they have a Christmas tree and other decorations.

The zoo stays open late and has Christmas lights up. Last year they had an ice rink as well, which I think they do most years.

 

[scldir]

Yes, SonnyJane, we are planning on the zoo on Friday Dec. 3rd. I'm so excited, we would love to see Christmas lights at the zoo! Do you know what time the zoo stays open till that evening? Will there be great food within walking distance? An ice skating rink - do they rent skates? This is sounding great! Pam

 

[sonnyjane]

Hmmm, I actually work at the zoo, but I haven't done the activities like skate rental or anything, so I can't be of much help. Unfortunately, it looks like this year's Jungle Bells (the nighttime zoo thing) doesn't start until Dec. 10th, in which case it is open from 9 AM to 8 PM. It looks like the hours before that are only 9 AM to 5 PM, and they won't have the decorations up yet Boo! Looks like you're going to just miss it

As far as food, there's not so much in Balboa Park itself, but there are tons of restaurants in the Hillcrest/North Park/even Downtown area, and all of those are just a very quick drive from the zoo.

 

[scldir]

Oh, I'm so sad the lights won't be up at the zoo yet... I guess I can't get them to change the schedule, can I? Oh well...