Whale watching

[jack'smom]

We are headed to Southern California next month (specifically San Diego area) and I've been reading about whale watching. Sounds really cool to me--I am a Biology teacher. Anyone do this? How was your experience? We have two little ones (a 4 year old and a 1 year old)--anyone take kids?
Thanks!

 

[kkmcan]

We did a whale watching tour last March at Dana Point just north of Carlsbad. We didn't get to see any whales but the captain got word of a huge pod of dolphins and we headed out to find them. It was amazing!!! I've never seen so many dolphins in my life. My family stood at the front of the boat which was extremely cold (we were bundled up) but wonderful once we got to the dolphin pod. They were jumping and swimming right there next to us!

We then swung back by a few buoys covered with sea lions and then headed back to the dock. They gave us a discount to use next time since we didn't see any whales.

I bought a motion sickness medication and we each took a half of one an hour before boarding. No one felt sick, just very cold.

We would do it again. I have heard of some groups not getting to see much of anything so we got lucky.

 

[lcasa]

There are a lot of companies with whale watching trips- out of Long Beach, Dana Point, San Diego, and Newport. Check goldstar.com near the trip because they often have nearly 1/2 off the regular prices.
None of the lines will guarantee seeing whales of course.

 

[jack'smom]

Thanks--that's a great tip!

 

[Plumeria9]

Check tripadvisor.com and look for the forum boards. Find California and the city you want to find out about, and ask away. Lots of helpful folks there. I am a So. Cal. native but have been away for too long to give you any reliable advice on the whale watching. I have done it, and it is awesome! You might even see some if you take the boat to Catalina island, which I adore. I live in TX now and really miss the Pacific Ocean. Have a lovely time!