What To Expect From A Whale Watching Catalina Island Tour

By Matthew Wright


Few creatures on earth inspire the same amount of awe as whales, especially when seen in their natural habitat. Part of the reason is that they are some of the largest animals on earth, not to mention some of the smartest besides humans. If you want to see them in person and either live in California or are visiting, then consider taking a whale watching Catalina Island tour.

The waters around Catalina Island stay relatively warm, especially in winter, compared to the more Arctic waters around Alaska, where many of the Catalina whales spend their summers. But in winter, they will come south to mate or give birth before swimming back up to the Alaska area. This gives tourists and locals the perfect chance to see them all winter long.

There are many species that make this annual trek. Among the most popular are the blue whales, grays and humpbacks because of their sheer size. They also have propensity for surfacing frequently and even jumping out of the water, creating a truly breathtaking show of size and power. Minke whales, fin backs and even orcas, also known as killer whales, are also usually spotted in the area.

There are plenty of options to fit every kind of desired experience when you book your tour. The biggest decision you have to make is whether you want to go on a small or large boat. The smaller ones are almost like speedboats, taking you up close to the animals and giving you a more intimate experience.

If this daredevil type of experience is not for you, then you can opt for much larger ferry type of boats that hold hundreds of passengers at once. These are slower, but they also have things like bathrooms and climate control, and possibly even a snack bar to buy foods and drinks. This is the better option if you may get sea sick, have small children, a wheelchair, or elderly people in your group, as it is more stable than the smaller boats.

The next decision you make after the size of the vessel is the length of the tour. For the full experience, try the overnight tour that lets you stay on a nearby island. You can take the full day tour that does not stay overnight instead. You may also choose the short tour that goes out only for a few hours at a time instead.

In addition to the aforementioned whales, you may also be able to see dolphins and porpoises that that live in the area. Many seals and birds also live in the vicinity, including seagulls and the national treasure bald eagles.

Your best bet to ensure you get a spot on a boat is to book in advance, especially if you have a large party. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the weather. In windy or rainy times, the waters may become too choppy for the boats to safely operate. Call ahead to ensure the boat is still going out before you leave for the pier to ensure the tour is still on.




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