It’s A Whale of A Season in San Diego

Book your trip now with Birch Aquarium to view the Gray Whales.

Photo by:  Peter Scheu

Dec. 26, 2009

Ahoy! Gray whales are making their way to warmer waters this winter

Enjoy daily local whale-watching cruises featuring Scripps naturalists as well as whale-watching expeditions to Baja California, Mexico.

Witness the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their annual, 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Bering Sea feeding grounds to Baja’s lagoons, where they play, rest, breed and give birth. Come join the fun!

Daily Whale-Watching Cruises

Dec. 26 through April 4

Daily tours: 9:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. or 1:30-5 p.m.

Celebrate 10 years of whale watching with Scripps naturalists and San Diego Harbor Excursion as we venture out for twice-daily cruises to locate gray whales on their roundtrip migration from the Bering Sea to Baja’s breeding grounds.

New! Detect and listen to whale and dolphin sounds in real time using our state-of-the-art research equipment from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Search for other marine life such as seals, sea lions, migrating birds and more. Get a close-up look and learn about gray whale baleen, barnacles and prey items from aquarium naturalists during the cruise. Bring warm clothing and your binoculars for a memorable whale watching experience aboard a San Diego Harbor Excursion vessel, leaving daily from San Diego Bay.

RSVP: San Diego Harbor Excursion at 619-234-4111

Times: 9:45 a.m. 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 5 p.m.

Public: $30 weekdays and $35 weekends

Youth (4-12 with paid adult): $15 daily

Extended Whale Watching in Baja California, Mexico

Travel south to Baja Mexico’s tranquil lagoons with Andiamo Tours Mexico and Birch Aquarium at Scripps naturalists to see gray whales up-close in three-and-a-half or five-day trips. You’ll be in the center of gray whale birthing grounds where whales and their calves play, rest and investigate their curious visitors. Hop aboard small boats for encounters with these magnificent mammals in their temporary stopover waters. In addition to the lagoons, highlights include authentic cuisine, scenic views of Baja¹s desert and memorable stops along the way.

Travel is by private motor coach. Accommodations and most meals are included. For more detailed information regarding the trips, please visit

Baja Weekend Whale Adventure (3 1Ž2 Days) February 12 – 15 (President¹s Day weekend) $590 per person in double occupancy $720 single occupancy (subject to availability)

Whale Watching Safari (5 Days)

February 17 – 21

March 24 28

$740 per person in double occupancy

$920 single occupancy (subject to availability)

For more information about Birch Aquarium at Scripps’ whale programs and events, please call 858-534-7336 or visit

Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Phone: 858-534-FISH

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