Tours

Cathy Hendrie
PassPort to San Diego

One of the great experiences in San Diego is whale-watching season. California gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific and Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California and trek back north again. Passing by San Diego, their round-trip journey moves them through 12,500 miles of coastline.

Curious to witness this longest-known mammal migration, I boarded a yacht with City Cruises, which offers whale and dolphin-watching excursions December through April. My afternoon began with happy visitors and a smiling welcome from the captain and first officer.

Not one but three levels on the boat offered places to relax. Most passengers chose the top sundeck for bird’s-eye views, though a climate-controlled indoor level was available. We set sail and were soon learning about San Diego Bay history and landmarks like the USS Midway Museum, Cabrillo National Monument and Coronado Bay Bridge. We also floated by sea lions sunning themselves on channel markers, marine birds, and other neat marine creatures.

Once out to sea beyond Point Loma, the captain — who seemed to have a knack for spotting the whales — steered us toward a pod of them frolicking and diving. Naturalists pointed to them as they came up for air, spouting water — or “blowing off steam” like a car radiator as one docent explained it — and then dove back down, their whale flukes seemingly waving “hello.” Passengers listened and watched intently, thrilled to get so close to these graceful creatures while naturalists answered their impromptu questions: Do they travel alone or in pods? How long does it take before they come up for air again? How much do they weigh? We learned that they swim individually or in groups, that their dives average 5 minutes and that they weigh 30-40 tons, but are still much smaller than their blue whale cousins, the largest animal on the planet.

Between whale viewings, guests enjoyed expert narration from the captain and first officer, all while taking in the fresh air, coastal scenery and snacking on food and drink available on board. Everyone agreed that being in such close proximity to the whales was a remarkable experience to treasured.

Back in the bay, the narration continued, this time on the magnificent downtown San Diego skyline and assorted seabirds, but my mind floated back to my afternoon on the sea and the world just beneath the water’s surface. This is a wonderful activity for anyone — solo travelers, couples and/or families. Hop on a City Cruise and discover this adventure for yourself!

Reservations are required. Visit City Cruises to Book Your Tour!