Starting this month, you can see thousands of gray whales traveling along the California Coast. Here's how to see them

From December to April every year, gray whales migrate along the Southern California coast. Cruises departing from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Monterey Bay offer tours to see the whales and give you a chance to get up close to look at them.

The migration of the gray whales in the California winter season is one of the largest migrations of whales anywhere in the world.

Now is the best time to see the migrating gray whales. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you will remember for a lifetime. Though, if you end up loving marine wildlife watching as much as we do, you could end up with a fun new hobby! Keep reading to find out how and where to see them and make memories that will last a lifetime.

This post includes affiliate links, if you purchase anything through these affiliated links, the author may earn a commission.

Whale watching from San Diego

San Diego is a well-known location for whale watching all year round. However, during the migration of over 20,000 gray whales, starting from December is the best time to view the stunning mammals. Every winter, the migration occurs from Alaskan waters to calving lagoons in Baja, California.

Flagship Cruises and Events offers a 3.5-hour tour where you get the chance to see the gray whales migrating along the San Diego coast.

You will learn about the ocean's ecosystem, the sights, and the other marine wildlife often sighted on these tours, including dolphins, sea lions, and more.

The cruises in San Diego Bay are on a two-story whale-watching yacht, so everyone has lots of space. Features include 360-degree views from the main level and upper sundeck, as well as complimentary guest WiFi (allowing you to upload your Instagram-worthy moments instantly!)

The best thing about this cruise is that Flagship Cruises and Events guarantees you will see whales, or you will get a free trip next time!

Please read all the important information and book your San Diego Whale Watching Tour here.

Whale watching from Newport Beach

Newport Landing Cruises offers whale watching adventures any time of the year. Just 45 minutes travel time from Los Angeles, and you can see some of Southern California's most beautiful coast. The cruises include scenic backdrops of Orange County's Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.

Their 2.5-hour cruise on a two-deck ship built especially for whale watching has a 96 percent success rate in whale viewing.

You can see finback whales and gray whales during the winter and spring. In the fall and summer, you can see giant blue whales. Additionally, you will have the chance to see the giant blue whale, minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and other marine life.

So, if you live in Los Angeles, any time is a great time to go whale watching. However, with the current migration of the gray whales, now is the best time!

You can get more information and book your Newport Beach whale watching cruise here.

Whale watching at Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is one of the U.S's top whale-watching destinations. Monterey is 5.5 hours travel time from Los Angeles, so it's best to make a long weekend travel adventure out of it.

The 3 or 4 hour tour by Discovery Whale Watch from Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf offers marine life aplenty. As you depart, you see Californian sea lions inside the harbor. The tour also provides the chance to see dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life.

Whales are spotted almost every day, including humpback whales, orcas, blue whales, fin whales, and gray whales.

The whale watching trips are narrated by either a marine biologist or naturalist, so you are assured an educational and fascinating commentary about the marine life and the scenery.

Find more information and book your whale watching at Monterey Bay here.

Read Next -

Only 2.5 hours from Los Angeles will see you luxuriating in these natural hot springs.

Newport Beach is not just about the beaches.

Thanks for reading. Our goal is to give you ideas on interesting & fun things to do, get more adventure and travel in your life, and improve your lifestyle, mental health, and well-being. Please follow us for more travel & lifestyle stories.