Gray Whale Watching Cruises in Long Beach, CA
View Some Intelligent Mammals
Seeing Gray Whales with Whale Watching in LA
The rampant hunting of gray whales in the 18th century almost resulted in the extinction of these large marine mammals. Data from government agencies and private organizations showed that the population of gray whales was reduced to a hundred when commercial whaling was at its peak. Alarmed by this scenario, several governments like the US, Mexico, and Canada created laws that aim to protect these kinds of marine mammals. Since gray whales remain close to the coast, it is easy for whalers to hunt them. The worst thing is that some hunters targeted their nursing lagoons, which also kill pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as their calves. Some whalers even set floating factories at sea to facilitate the processing of whales. This large marine mammal, which belongs to the Cetacean family, was primarily hunted for its meat and oil.
Harbor Breeze
The Best Cruise Company for Gray Whale Spotting
The gray whale is often found off the coast of Southern California. It is dark slate and gray in color, and covered in gray and white patterns. The gray whale is characterized by scars all over its body that are caused by parasites, which are shed off in cold water feeding grounds. There are several methods of identifying these whales, but the most common is by matching photographs of their dorsal surface and matching the scars and patches caused by the parasites. When the parasites fall off, they typically take with them pieces of the gray whale’s skin, which leaves scar tissue. Regarding their size, gray whales are fairly large, but are not the largest type of whale in Southern California. At birth, gray whales can measure 16 ft (4.9 m) long. Upon maturity, gray whales can measure up to 45 feet (14 m) long and can be up to 40 tons. Typically, adult females tend to be slightly larger than male gray whales. They have two nostrils on top of their heads, which can create a distinctive V-shaped blow at the surface in calm wind conditions.
Do you want to learn more about our California gray whales? Here are other interesting facts that we have compiled for you:
- Gray whales usually live in small groups but can also form large pods.
- They travel 9,000–16,000 miles, or an average of 2–3 months, to complete their migration trip. It is considered the longest migration trip of any marine animal.
- They are commonly sighted in Baja California, Mexico, San Francisco, Monterey, and nearby areas. Just look for a cruise company that can bring you to the above-mentioned areas. If possible, choose a company that offers gray whale watching sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA.
- In 2011, the gray whale population in California was estimated at 28,000. Just imagine seeing many of these mammals on the coastline of Los Angeles.
- During their migration, gray whales will travel night and day at an average speed of 5 mph.
- Gray whale hunting is illegal. It is protected under the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Gray whales are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.
Are you excited to see these marine mammals up close? Call us, and we guarantee you that you’ll enjoy our gray whale watching sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA.
Harbor Breeze
Schedule Your Gray Whale Sightseeing Cruise Now
Gray whales are typically spotted on the coastline of California during the migration season. Many local companies offer sightseeing cruises, but only choose one that can provide the best service. There are also many possible destinations for your planned gray whale watching sightseeing cruise. The popular locations are San Diego, Dana Point, Monterey, Dana Bay, Half Moon, San Francisco, and Long Beach. The latter is the most popular because of the large number of cruise companies in the area. These service providers are licensed, certified, and well-experienced.
After planning your whale watching trip, go for a well-experienced company that offers gray whale sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA. Choose Whale Watching in LA to have a unique but satisfying experience watching these gray whales complete their journey. Our company offers outstanding trip packages for groups, family, friends, couples, and individuals. We also have the best rates, and we even offer special rates for children and the elderly. Contact us at 310-547-9916 or book online to reserve your slot now.