Whale watching adventures in San Diego

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

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