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Whale Watching in Los Angeles
Information about Whale Watching in Los Angeles California
Los Angeles has several Harbors to go Whale Watching from. Most the Whale Watching is seasonal and coincides with the Gray Whale migration but year around Whale Watching can be found. The most common Whale seen in the waters off Los Angeles is the Gray Whale but Fin Whales and Blue Whales have been seen with regularity and at any time of year lately. Humpback Whales and Minke Whales are always a possibility as are various other species of Whale including Orcas.
Common and Bottlenose Dolphin are the most frequently seen Dolphin species. Risso's Dolphin and Pacific White Sided Dolphin are also regulars to the area. Other Dolphin and Porpoise species are also possible as are Seals and Sealions.
(individual pages coming soon)
Whale Watching in San Pedro
I don't have much to say about the Harbor at this time since the one time I went I got there early for a full day trip on the Monte Carlo around Catalina. I was tired when we got back and I didn't see much of it. There is free parking across the street. It was quiet and easy to access.
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22nd Street Landing - 22nd Street Landing has seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migration and has hosted American Cetacean Society Whale Watching trips aboard the Monte Carlo
Whale Watching in Long Beach - Rainbow Harbor
Long Beach Harbor/Rainbow Harbor has a lot going on. It's attractive (but kind of smells a bit) and there is Whale Watching, Harbor cruises and other boating and water activities. The Aquarium of the Pacific is right on the Harbor and the Queen Mary is in view. There are also some restaurants and shops on the opposite side of the Harbor. There is a parking structure that I believe is about $7 but some companies validate for a discount. The Harbor does take a bit of time to get in and out of the harbor from the boat which cuts in to Whale Watching time but there is year around Whale Watching and there have been Blue and Finback Whales spotted in the area they go out into (I saw some myself with them just this last summer)
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Harbor Breeze Cruises - Harbor Breeze cruises has both seasonal Gray Whale migration trips and year around Dolphin and Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Redondo - Redondo Pier & Kings Harbor
The Redondo Beach Pier is a very nice pier with lots of restaurants, cafe's, shops and games and is adjacent to the marina the commercial boats leave out of. I've never been Whale Watching from this pier/harbor but have been to the pier and love it. From what I understand there is quick and easy access out of the Harbor for the fishing and Whale Watching boats.
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Redondo Sport Fishing - Seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migration
Whale Watching in Marina Del Rey - Marina Del Rey Harbor
I've never been to the Marina Del Rey Harbor but will have to take a trip there someday. It's very close to Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
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Marina Del Rey Sport Fishing - seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migrations
Catalina Whale Watching
I've never been Whale Watching from Catalina but I have been Whale Watching around Catalina. You can find the occasional all day Whale Watching trip to and around the Catalina Island area from Los Angeles or Orange County areas often through the American Cetacean Society. On Catalina Island there are many things to do including Whale Watching. Gray Whales migrate very close to the island at times and there are numerous other species that can be seen.
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Ocean Rafting - Ocean Rafting has seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migration
(other areas/companies to come if available - if you know of any other Whale Watching companies or Harbors that do Whale Watching in Orange county please let us know)
Gray Whale Census
If you are within driving distance of Rancho Palos Verdes and love Whale Watching you may want to find out more about the Gray Whale Census. It's a shore based study of Gray Whales and other Marine Mammals. You would be amazed at what can be observed from the cliffs of Palos Verdes and I have seen more species while participating in the Census then I have from Whale Watching boats.
During my Whale Watching trips out of Los Angeles County California and my Census participation I have seen numerous Cetacean and Pinniped species. There are many more that can be seen and I will hopefully add to my list someday. So far I have seen....
Gray Whales
Fin Whales
Blue Whales
Minke Whale
Common Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphin
Pacific White Sided Dolphin
Risso's Dolphin
Dall's Popoise
California Sealions
Harbor Seals
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