Whale Watching

Twice each year we have the wonderful opportunity to see hundreds of whales pass by. The migration is from November through May. The best time to see a whale from one of our vacation homes is in March.

Grey whales migrate south in the fall to the warmer breeding grounds near Baja California, and then head north in early spring to the feeding grounds off Alaska. Most will appear only as puffs of steam in the blue sea, but grab a pair of binoculars and you’ll be amazed. Some will even come in close to the Gualala River Estuary. Additionally, some individual Grays are seen during the summer months off the northern California coast. Gray whales produce a distinctive V-shaped blow, and usually blow several times, at short intervals, before diving for 3-5 minutes.

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk, drive, hike, bike, fly or just sit for those tell tale blasts that look just slightly different than a wave crashing and linger in the air for just a moment.

If you’re looking for an up close adventure, try one of the following local crews:

Fair Chase with Captain Bob: Join the crew right out of Point Arena!  from their website:  “…From the classic lines of the 100 year old Point Arena Lighthouse to the unique architecture of the Sea Ranch…there is much to see from the deck of the Fair Chase. Being so close to the edge of the Continental Shelf allows us to arrive at whale migration and feeding routes faster, affording more time for viewing and less time in transit.”
http://www.fairchasesportfishing.com/

All Aboard Adventures with Captain Tim: Charter out of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg for a whale watching tour the whole family can enjoy! www.allaboardadventures.com