There She Blows! Blue Whales Are Sticking Around

Tuesday November 24, 2009

It used to be that whale watching season in Southern California was strictly winter, when the gray whales are migrating. But with climate change breeding whale food closer to our shores, we're now blessed with a steady flow of North Pacific Blue Whales making their way north all summer, and this year, they've decided to stick around longer than usual, still lingering off our coast.

The giant creatures were spotted as early as April this year, and the Aquarium of the Pacific's official Blue Whale season began July 1st. Now they have extended Blue Whale Watching tours daily through Thanksgiving week and on weekends after that until the whales decide to leave. Who knows? They may stick around until the Grays start showing up.

To get an idea of the size of the blue whale, the largest mammal ever to have lived, glance up at the life-size model suspended in the atrium at the Aquarium. Pretty impressive! But even more amazing in person.

I went out on the Dolphin and Sea Life Tour in June, when we were fortunate to see both a blue whale and a fin whale, as well as the dolphins and sea lions that hang around our coast all year long.

The Aquarium of the Pacific partners with Harbor Breeze Cruises, sending Aquarium staff along as interpretive guides on the 3.5 hour excursions. Cruises depart from Rainbow Harbor in front of the Aquarium. The Aquarium's Blue Whale and Sea Life Tour ticket includes admission to the Aquarium.

When: Daily through Nov 29, 2009, weekends thereafter while the whales remain, noon and 3 pm
Where: Dock 2, Rainbow Harbor, in front of the Aquarium
Cost: $42.95 Adult, $28.95 Child (3-11) , $39.95 Seniors 62+ includes Aquarium admission (discount with membership)
Parking: $7
Info: www.aquariumofpacific.org, (562) 590-3100, ext. 0
Note: Dress warm. It gets pretty icy out on the water this time of year.

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