There are millions of creatures in the earth's many oceans and seas, but few inspire as much awe from humans as whales. The sheer size of these behemoth creatures is incredible, but also the fact that they have large brains and are very intelligent, often compared to humans in their capabilities. To see them up close while in California, try a whale watching Catalina Island tour.
The reason Catalina Island draws so many whale watching visitors is that it is the perfect location due to its proximity to breeding and birthing grounds. Many whales spend their summers in the Arctic waters surrounding Alaska. However, during mating season, they come to the Catalina area to either mate or give birth before heading back north again.
You will have the opportunity to see many different whale species in this area, which is why it is such a huge draw each winter. The largest ones you can see includes humpbacks, blue and gray whales. There are also fin back and minke whales, as well as orcas, which moat people refer to as killer whales 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 a speedy, up close and personal encounter is not quite your bag, then perhaps the larger boats that are slower and more leisurely is your speed. These often have a snack bar to buy food and drinks, and an inside area that is climate controlled. It is the best options for families with small children, or if anyone in your party has special mobility needs, such as needing a wheelchair or walker to get around. This is by far the more common trip that people book.
You can take a short tour that only lasts a couple of hours if you are short on time. If you have all day, then a day tour that comes back in the evening is ideal. You can even book an overnight experience where you stay in a room on a nearby island, allowing you to maximize the amount of whales you can see.
Whales are not the only sea creatures that are known to gather in the waters surrounding Catalina. In addition, you may see harbor porpoises or even dolphins. In the air, there are seagulls and if you are lucky, bald eagles.
You should book your tour in advance, as the busy season fills up quickly and you don't want to get left out. Look out for the weather on your appointed day. Choppy waters may force the tour operator to cancel, so if the weather looks bad, call before you leave to ensure that the boat is still going out so you do not waste your time and can reschedule faster.
The reason Catalina Island draws so many whale watching visitors is that it is the perfect location due to its proximity to breeding and birthing grounds. Many whales spend their summers in the Arctic waters surrounding Alaska. However, during mating season, they come to the Catalina area to either mate or give birth before heading back north again.
You will have the opportunity to see many different whale species in this area, which is why it is such a huge draw each winter. The largest ones you can see includes humpbacks, blue and gray whales. There are also fin back and minke whales, as well as orcas, which moat people refer to as killer whales 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 a speedy, up close and personal encounter is not quite your bag, then perhaps the larger boats that are slower and more leisurely is your speed. These often have a snack bar to buy food and drinks, and an inside area that is climate controlled. It is the best options for families with small children, or if anyone in your party has special mobility needs, such as needing a wheelchair or walker to get around. This is by far the more common trip that people book.
You can take a short tour that only lasts a couple of hours if you are short on time. If you have all day, then a day tour that comes back in the evening is ideal. You can even book an overnight experience where you stay in a room on a nearby island, allowing you to maximize the amount of whales you can see.
Whales are not the only sea creatures that are known to gather in the waters surrounding Catalina. In addition, you may see harbor porpoises or even dolphins. In the air, there are seagulls and if you are lucky, bald eagles.
You should book your tour in advance, as the busy season fills up quickly and you don't want to get left out. Look out for the weather on your appointed day. Choppy waters may force the tour operator to cancel, so if the weather looks bad, call before you leave to ensure that the boat is still going out so you do not waste your time and can reschedule faster.
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