Whale-Watch with the Experts

Join a naturalist-led cruise to spy Southern California’s cetaceans.

Talk about a long commute. Every winter and spring thousands of gray whales pass along the Southern California as they travel from Alaska to Baja California and back again. That gives you a unique (and almost guaranteed) opportunity to spot these whales—especially during the winter—without having to travel too far offshore from local harbors.

A great way to see the whales is to go out on a trip with naturalists trained by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium  and the American Cetacean Society . These experienced and knowledgeable guides work on boats cruising from Redondo Beach, San Pedro, and Long Beach from roughly late December to April. Your experts fill you in on the habits and traits of the gray whales, and tell you about the dolphins and other marine life you’re likely to spot on these 2- to-3-hour trips.

For onshore whale-watching spots, prime locations include Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu, the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, and Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. Bring a good pair of binoculars and scan for signature blows—especially noticeable when seas and winds are calm.