WHALE WATCHING TIPS

Do you have questions about how best to prepare for a successful whale watching trip? Well, I have some ideas to share with you.

GENERAL WHALE WATCHING TIPS

When you set out to go whale watching, you naturally have your heart set on seeing whales! So here are some tips for whale watching that will help you make the most of your next Northern California whale watching trip, whether you're searching from land, sea, or air.

(CC) Tomcio77

• Plan your trip for the "High Season": Know when the peak months are and time your trip accordingly. For instance . . .

From December to May is the period when the Gray Whales are migrating, with the peak month being February

June to September is the best time to see the whales that summer off of Northern California, like the Killer Whale

And August to October is when you're more likely to see the Blue Whale and the Humpback

• Pick a spot that's known for its whale watching: Of course, you might happen to spot a whale or two from almost anywhere along the California coastline if you're in the right place at the right time, but there are areas that are renowned for whale sightings - that's where you want to be!

• Choose a calm, clear day if possible: Whales are much easier to spot if the sea isn't choppy.

• Be as excited as you want, but be prepared to be patient: Although whales are giant creatures, they're not always easy to spot. If your attention span for scanning the ocean is short, you'll miss them, even if they're swimming right by you!

• Things to bring along: You'll have a better time if you have the following with you when you're whale watching . . .

  A good pair of binoculars;
  A camera or video cam with a decent zoom lens;
  Sun screen & sun glasses;
  Warm clothes, in case it turns nippy;
  A picnic lunch, snacks, and something to drink
  

• How to whale watch, and what to look for: When you're on a whale watching trip, this is what you'll be looking for . . .

  (CC) Tim Gage

  
  
  Scan the surface of the water rather than looking down into it
  
  Look for a "blow" - when the whale surfaces after a dive, he'll blow the air out through his blow hole, creating a misty vapor jet
  
  Also look for "footprints" - especially if you're on a high promontory or in a boat or plane, you may be able to spot the glassy mark a whale makes on the surface of the ocean, almost like an oil slick

WHALE WATCHING TIPS FROM SHORE

In addition to the tips above, if you're whale watching from shore you'll also want to:

• Find a prominent headland, preferably higher than sea level, for the best view

• Keep an eye on the ocean and stay safe by following the advice at Your Beach Safety

WHALE WATCHING TIPS ON A BOAT

(CC) anoldent

When you go out on a boat, whether it's your own or a hired whale watching "cruise," there are some extra considerations:

• Motion sickness - is anyone in the group susceptible to motion sickness, or will this be your first time on a boat? It's probably a good idea to explore the preventatives and remedies available

• Bring or wear rubbersoled shoes for your own safety - boat decks can be wet and slippery

• Consider a hat and/or ear protection - it can be very windy on a boat

• The best place on the boat to be for viewing the whales? - on the upper deck for elevation, and on the starboard, or righthand, side

WHALE WATCHING TIPS FROM A PLANE

Obviously, you're going to get a very different view of the whales from an airplane, so - although it may be a little more expensive - it might also be the most exciting way!

• As with boating, you'll want to consider the motion sickness issue - see above ("Whale Watching Tips on a Boat")

• Make sure that your pilot takes few enough passengers that each will have a window view - if you're hiring a plane for your California whale watching trip

Click here for some whale watching videos I'm sure you'll enjoy:

Wondering how to go about a whale watching trip? Check here for starters:

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