Southern California: Blue whales have arrived — and so have the tour boats
Feel like a little day-tripping this summer? Consider hopping onto a boat rather than the freeway to watch blue whales, the largest creature on the planet, as the high season begins in Southern California.
The whales will be following the krill (their favorite snack) along the California coast as you follow them on half- or full-day tours. Among your choices:
Santa Barbara: Join naturalists from the L.A. Chapter of the American Cetacean Society for a “Summertime Blues” whale-watching tour off Santa Barbara 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Humpbacks as well as various species of dolphins also may be spotted. Space is still available for this trip on the catamaran Condor Express, which has a large upper deck and indoor lounge for viewing. Continental breakfast is included. Cost is $103 per person. Contact: American Cetacean Society-L.A. Chapter, (310) 847-0516.
Ventura: An all-day trip with Island Packers includes on-board naturalists who will help identify blue whales as well as other types (humpback, fin and minke), plus dolphins, sharks and sea birds. The boat cruises by Channel Islands National Park and stops on Santa Cruz Island to visit one of the largest sea caves in the world, Painted Cave. Departures run through Sept. 8. Cost: $63 for adults, $47 for children. Contact: Island Packers, (805) 642-1393.
Long Beach: Harbor Breeze Cruises has three to three-and-a-half-hour tours that leave Long Beach at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily through the end of August to view blue whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine life. I like the company’s daily log of sightings online, which will give you an idea of what you might see on the trip. Tickets cost $40 for adults, $25 for children younger than 12. Contact: Harbor Breeze Cruises, (562) 432-4900.
— Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger
Photos (from top):
It’s peak season for blue whales along Southern California right now. Lucky boaters may get to see one of the giant mammals show its fluke. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
A daylong tour from Ventura includes a stop at Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park to visit sea caves. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times
Humpback whales may also be seen on whale-watching trips this summer. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times
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