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DISCOVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S
WHALE WATCHING TIPS



USE THESE WHALE WATCHING TIPS
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE


Do you have questions about how best to prepare for a successful whale watching trip? Having spent many years viewing California's oceanic wildlife, I have some ideas to share with you.

What're YOUR favorite whale watching tips?
Share your story here!

And for your hotel needs during your whale watching trips, you can't go wrong with saving money at HotelsCombined:

Save on hotels with HotelsCombined.com

NEW! Leave a Comment!
If you'd like to leave a comment about whale watching,
now you can! Just jump to the bottom of the page.



WHALE WATCHING TIPS IN GENERAL

Gray Whales Frolicking; (CC) Tomcio77
Gray Whales


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 ashore, asea, or aloft.

  • 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 whales that summer off
    of Northern California, like the Killer Whale

    And August to October is when you're more likely to see Humpbacks
    and the Blue Whales

  • 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.

  • Of course you'll be excited, but be prepared to be patient as well: 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 and 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...

  • Small Blow or Spout; (CC) Tim Gage
    Small Blow

    Scan the surface of the water rather than looking down into it

    Look for a blow, or spout - 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 FOR ASHORE

    In addition to the whale watching tips above, if you're whale
    watching from ashore you'll also want to keep the following in mind:

  • Find a prominent headland, preferably higher than sea level, for the best view - the closer to deep water you are, the closer the whales will be to you!

  • Keep an eye on the ocean and stay safe - in spite of its name - which means peaceful - the Pacific Ocean can be a dangerous place and will take you by surprise if you're not paying attention. Please read and follow Discover Northern California's tips at Your Beach Safety



  • WHALE WATCHING TIPS FOR ASEA

    Pilot Whale; (CC) anoldent
    Pilot Whale

    When you go out on
    a boat - whale watching asea - 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 - there are many options these days, from the familiar Dramamine to Sea Bands to The Patch and more...

  • Bring or wear rubber-soled shoes for your own safety - boat decks can be wet and slippery. It'll really spoil your trip if you fall and break something, or - worse yet- end up overboard!

  • Consider a hat and/or ear protection - it can be very windy when you're asea - views will be better without your hair whipping in your face

  • The best place on the boat to be for viewing the whales is on the upper deck for elevation - it's also usually less crowded, and on the starboard, or righthand, side of the boat



  • WHALE WATCHING TIPS FOR ALOFT

    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 for Asea. It's always better to be prepared than to be sorry!

  • Make sure that your pilot takes few enough passengers that each
    member of your party will have a window view before you hire a plane for your California whale watching trip - you don't want anyone stuck in the middle and unable to see!

  • HotelsCombined.com - Pack full of the best deals



    Here's more about Northern California whale watching - Click here
    for some whale watching videos I'm sure you'll enjoy:

    Whale Watching Videos
    Real life videos showing just how close you can get!

    Wondering how to go about a whale watching trip? These pages will help you get started:

    Whale Watching Trips Ashore
    That's right! You can actually whale watch from Northern California's coastline, and you'll sometimes get to see the whales up close and personal!

    Whale Watching Trips Asea
    But if you want to be as assured as possible of being up close and personal, whale watching by boat would be your best bet!

    Whale Watching Trips Aloft
    If you're looking for something really different in the whale watching venue, try whale watching from the air!

    And here's a free on-line article you can use to share on YOUR
    website or blog:

    Northern California Tips for Whale Watching
    Visit DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com to find a free article on Northern California Whale Watching Tips.


    Please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bar at the left, by using the links at the bottom of the page, or by using the customized search box below to find the specific topic that interests you.



    Like what you're finding here at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com? Then please share with your Social Network (see the buttons in the NavBar to the left, or at the bottom of the page).

    For more pictures of Northern California and other great stuff, check out my facebook page, www.DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com. Become a fan, write on my Wall, contribute to the Discussion Board, post a Review -- join in the fun!

    And thanks for coming!






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