Whale watching for kids?

[kkmcan]

We will be in Oceanside/Carlsbad next week and we are considering going on a whale watching tour. Does anyone have any experiences with this? Are our chances good for seeing whales? Or at least dolphins?

What about the kids- I worry they will get sea sick and we'll be stuck on this boat for hours. Will they keep busy looking for whales or get bored within minutes? They are 12 and 9. My oldest is a complete dolphin freak so if we saw those she would lose it with excitement.

Any input appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Tillikumtrainer]

I went whale watching for the very first time when I was 10 years old in Hawaii and it was a very memorable experience. Usually the whales are migrating so you should see a few whales and / or dolphins.. Its worth going you will enjoy yourself (unless your prone to seasickness) your in california so im thinking you may see: Gray Whales, Killer Whales, porpoises even some white sided dolphins, maybe even a seal or two. its not rare to see Humpbacks or even Blues.. but hey you might get lucky..

Morning trips are best since the animals are more active in the morning.. afternoon trips are good too but the whales tend to stay less at the surface except to breathe.. But then again who knows..lol usually the trips can last from 3-5 hours

(I know to much about whales..lol) Dana Wharf Whale watching ($29), Newport landing wale watching ($25), and Captain Dave's Dolphin safari ($49), Davey's Locker Whale watching ($25).. but do your research before your trip to know what may be best for you and your family

 

[kkmcan]

Hi. Thanks for the response. I was looking around online last night and I found the Dana Wharf whale watching catamaran 2 hour tour. It sounds absolutely amazing but it's at 1:00. I"ve read that it is best to go in the morning just like you mentioned but this tour is only offered in the afternoon on weekends. I hope it is still worth it. This tour is a little bit more price wise but it seems you go out with a smaller group and there's a very knowledgeable marine biologist on board. Sounds very exciting!
I think all four of us will take a half of a motion sickness pill before boarding and hopefully that should help with seasickness.