Spring Time Whale Watching

During the spring in Southern California, you can see a variety of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Here are some of the most common species you might encounter:

Gray whales:

In the early spring months, you may still be able to catch a glimpse of the tail end of the gray whale migration as they make their way back up to Alaska. Gray whales are a baleen whale species and can grow up to 50 feet in length. They migrate from their feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas to their breeding and calving grounds in Baja California from December to May. They are known for their long migrations, which can cover up to 12,000 miles round trip.

Blue whales:

Blue whales are the largest animal on earth, growing up to 100 feet in length. They are also a baleen whale species and feed almost exclusively on krill. They can be seen off the coast of Southern California starting in late spring and throughout the summer.

Humpback whales:

Humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Southern California from late March through early December, and spring is a great time to spot them as they start to arrive in the area. Humpback whales are a baleen whale species and can grow up to 50 feet in length. They are known for their acrobatic displays and complex songs, which are unique to each population.

Bottlenose dolphins:

Bottlenose dolphins are common in the coastal waters of Southern California and can be seen throughout the year. Spring is a great time to see them, as they are often seen chasing schools of fish close to shore. They are known for their playful behavior and can often be seen leaping out of the water and riding the wake of boats.

Common dolphins:

Common dolphins are another dolphin species found in Southern California and can be seen in large pods numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. They are known for their speed and agility and can often be seen bow riding in front of boats.

Pacific white-sided dolphins:

Pacific white-sided dolphins are a smaller dolphin species and can be identified by their distinctive black and white coloring. They can often be seen riding the bow of boats and leaping out of the water.

Risso's dolphins:

Risso's dolphins are a larger dolphin species and can be identified by their large, rounded heads and scarred bodies. They are known for their social behavior and can often be seen in groups of 10 to 30 individuals.

California sea lions:

California sea lions can be seen year-round in Southern California, and spring is a great time to spot them as they gather on beaches and rocky outcroppings to rest and soak up the sun. California sea lions can be identified by their distinctive barks, ears, and flippers.

It's important to note that sightings cannot be guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. However, spring is a great time to go whale watching and see a variety of other marine mammals in Southern California.