Humpback Whale Watching Tours
View Some Intelligent Mammals
Seeing Humpback Whales with Whale Watching in LA
The biggest bummer to any whale watching trip is, of course, not seeing any whales at all. While this may seem unlikely, there are actually instances when these gentle giants are nowhere to be seen in their usual areas of congregation. To avoid such an experience, it’s always wise to schedule your cruise during the usual times whales are seen playing in the waters of Los Angeles. While you can see specific whale species year-round, it’s best to book humpback whale sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA, during summer and fall (April to June) and winter-spring (November to March). Winter (early June-late September) is when humpbacks usually migrate from the Arctic region, while they are especially playful during mating season. Humpback whales are particularly seen along the coastline of Los Angeles, so the area is among the best spots in the country to see these gentle giants in their habitat.
Harbor Breeze
The Best Cruise Company for Humpback Whale Spotting
Humpback whales are part of the Baleen whale family. Known scientifically as Megaptera novaeangliae, humpback whales can weigh up to 80,000 lbs and can reach lengths ranging from 40 to 50 feet. Humpback whales have a very distinctive look with their bumpy heads and very long dorsal fins. Humpback whales are very athletic; it is not uncommon to see a humpback whale breach the surface of the ocean. Male humpbacks are noted for their singing. They will often sing for up to 10 to 20 minutes and repeat the song for hours. Although there is no explanation for the singing, it is believed to be part of the mating ritual.
Humpback whale populations, as with other whales, have been depleted over the years due to whale hunting. At one point, the population fell approximately 90 percent before the 1966 whale moratorium. While humpback whale populations have since increased to about 80,000, they remain vulnerable to collisions with ships, getting tangled in fishing equipment, and noise pollution.
So, what can you expect to see and observe during a whale watching cruise? Here is a short list:
- Social Behavior: Humpbacks travel in small groups (usually composed of two to three adult whales), hunt together, and touch fins as a likely way of showing endearment (between mothers and their young).
- Breaching: This unique whale behavior involves humpbacks jumping out of the water and creating a big splash upon returning. It is believed that whales breach to either remove parasites from their bodies or have fun with fellow whales. You will likely see the humpbacks perform this maneuver during your trip.
- Songs: Male humpback whales are likewise known to 'sing' haunting songs that typically last for several hours. Scientific studies point out that males do this to 'lure' females into mating.
- Diet: Humpbacks typically eat krill, small fish, and plankton. Summer is their feeding season, while their fasting season is during the winter. Their blubber reserve is enough to keep them full during the long winter months.
Harbor Breeze
Schedule Your Humpback Whale Sightseeing Cruise Now
When it comes to providing the best whale sightseeing cruise in Los Angeles, Whale Watching in LA is on top of the competition. First, we have well-maintained and appropriately equipped boats (catamarans) that can guarantee a safe, fun, and enjoyable journey. Our catamarans have viewing decks, life jackets, modern navigation and communication equipment, and other provisions for an unforgettable trip. Our humpback whale sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA, are specifically designed to maximize the possibility of seeing and interacting with these magnificent marine creatures.
Moreover, our captain and crews are highly experienced in doing whale watching cruises, particularly those dedicated to humpback whale sightseeing. We have a marine expert on board, a licensed captain, and courteous crew to make sure that you will be comfortable and well-informed throughout the cruise. Additionally, as a certified company, we have all the permits and licenses to offer humpback whale sightseeing cruises in Long Beach, CA. Our rates are likewise budget-friendly, so clients can tag along with their friends or bring their entire family for an unforgettable whale sightseeing tour.
If you wish to book now or inquire about our rates, please feel free to call us at 310-547-9916. See you soon on your scheduled cruise!