Whale watching is an annual ritual of San Diego which has now become known the world over. The reason is that the migration of California gray whales from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California is a unique natural phenomenon specific only to this region.

If you are a nature lover, and especially fond of watching marine life from up close, whale watching is a delightful adventure which you will enjoy with your family and kids. A San Diego vacation planned around this time is never complete without a whale watching cruise.

As the winter gently slips into spring, thousands of these “peaceful giants of the sea” come within a few miles of the San Diego coast on their 5,000-mile southern journey. It is a natural wonder that these whales travel the longest distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis and they birth and rear their young in the placid warm lagoons of Baja California.

From mid-December to mid-April, San Diego offers a great lineup of whale watching events. Book your rooms in advance in a conveniently located San Diego hotel and plan out an itinerary where you can enjoy some of these cool events.

Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum of San Diego - a unique 4-hour whale watching experience aboard the139-ft. long sailing yacht America, a historic replica of the world’s first America’s Cup winner (on going, December 17, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Flagship Cruises & Events – Narrated, 3.5-hour whale watching cruises out of San Diego Bay (on going, December 26, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

Hornblower Cruises and Events – A 3.5-hour deluxe whale watching adventure cruises in partnership with San Diego Natural History Museum, (on going, December 10, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

H&M Landing – Daily 3-hour whale watching cruises (on going, mid-December through mid-March) and 6-hour cruises (on going, late December through May)

OEX Dive & Kayak Centers – A 2.5-hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour (on going, December 15, 2011 – March 1, 2012)

Adventure RIB Rides – A thrilling fast paced whale watching excursion aboard an authentic 30’ Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.) (on going December 17, 2011 – April 15, 2012)

La Jolla Kayak – Close encounters with grey whales and other marine life including sea lions, garibaldi and leopard sharks through 2.5-hour tours along the La Jolla coastline and through La Jolla’s incredible Sea Caves (on going, mid-December through the end of the season)

H&M Landing Special Expedition - An 11-day seagoing expedition to some of Baja California’s most remote islands and breathtaking coastal areas. Expedition includes whale watching, nature walks, beach combing, snorkeling and dune and marsh explorations (February 24 – March 6, 2012).

If you are looking to have close encounters with San Diego’s incredible marine life this March, choose a San Diego lodging which is located near the beaches. California Suites Hotel is a leading budget San Diego hotel which is known for its hospitality and fine services at affordable prices.

Guests can enjoy continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more. The California Suites Hotel is ideally situated from where all major attractions including Balboa Park, Sea World, Birch Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo are nearby.

Photo Courtesy: missionbeach.com

San Diego is home to one of the nature’s most spectacular sights. Every year about 26,000 migrating gray whales, one of the largest mammals on earth, take the long 10,000 mile journey from the Arctic Sea south to  the warm water lagoons of Baja California. It is considered as the longest migration by mammals. The San Diego coastline becomes home to these spectacular species. The Gray whale population was almost extinct in the early 1900s, but through extensive environmental and educational efforts, the population of gray whales has survived.

If you are on a San Diego family vacation between late December and March, make sure to go for the whale watching tour with your kids. You can spend an entire day with your kids watching the spectacular stunts of gray whales. Watch the whales breach, swimming off the coastline,  spy hop, fluke up or fluke down, spout, footprint and more. Make sure to bring binoculars to catch whales activity clearly. Imagine how splendid it would look when a whale leaps out of water and then falls back with a reverberating splash.

Other than gray whales, also watch out for porpoises, brown pelicans, harbor seals and sea lions. Also look out for various dolphins such as Pacific white-sided dolphins, common dolphins and Risso’s dolphins.

Besides being fun, whale watching is also an educational activity – you get to experience ocean wildlife firsthand. Go on a short cruise where trained naturalists provide guidance on maximizing the overall experience. When you go on a cruise, make sure to carry along a warm jacket. You can go to Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma and the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla  for a whale watching tour.

To enjoy whale watching most conveniently with your family, it is best to stay in a San Diego accommodation which is located right in the heart of San Diego. Book your rooms in advance at  California Suites Hotel which is situated just 15 minutes away from the San Diego International Airport. California Suites Hotel is a value price leader among budget hotels in San Diego which has just been promoted to receive a Triple A designation. Facilities provided by the hotel include an “extended” complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, free stay for children of 11 years and under, safe deposit box, free parking, 24 hr security patrol and more.

Whale watching is a complete family affair. Your kids will just love it!