We had a great experience on our whale watching trip with Harbor Breeze Cruise and Aquarium of the Pacific! It was our first time whale watching with the kids so this was a very special experience. The boat was nice and comfortable with roomy indoor/outdoor areas and a snack bar. While the boat was traveling, it was too windy for my kids and they wanted to be indoors looking out into the ocean view through the windows. Whenever the guide spotted whales, the boat would pause and we would all go out on the deck for a closer look and for pictures. The set up worked out well since I had young children with me. In fact, I am happy to report no one got sea-sick!
As for the number of whales we saw that day.... (drumroll please.....) we saw 5 to 6 whales! We would first see the blowhole and then (a lot of times) would be followed with the fluke. It was at this point, we would see the whale turn and show it's big tail. We had never seen anything like it so we were all very impressed. There was an expert from the Aquarium on board during the boat ride. This was especially helpful with curious kids on board, so they were able to teach us all about the whales we were seeing. After the trip, I was surprised by all the facts that my 6 year-old remembered from the expert guide.
You can also complete your experience and explore the Aquarium of the Pacific’s award-winning Whales: Voices in the Sea multimedia exhibit. As you explore this exhibit, you will learn about the environmental threats facing gray, blue, North Atlantic right, humpback, sperm, and other whales. It's currently the gray whale season through May. You don't want to miss out!
Details:
The public can visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and embark on Harbor Breeze Cruises for a two to two and a half hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts daily at 12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. The Gray Whale Watch combo ticket is available for purchase on-site at Aquarium of the Pacific and may be purchased in advance by calling 562-590-3100. Prices are $49.95 adult 12+, $45.95 senior 62+, and $33.95 child (includes whale watch & Aquarium admission). Guests will be able to listen to the whales they see and can learn more about whale communication through the Aquarium’s interactive Whales: Voices in the Sea kiosk exhibit featuring the largest and smallest whales on the planet—the blue whale and the vaquita. For more information, the public can visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org//education/info/whale_watching_and_dolphin_cruise.
AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature's services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the new Jellies exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium has won a 2015 Travelers' Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.
HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES: Southern California’s premier cruise company offers harbor cruises in addition to fun and educational encounters with gray whales as well as the largest mammal on Earth, the magnificent blue whale, dolphins, and other marine life. Harbor Breeze Cruises' experienced captains and expert naturalists trained by the Aquarium of the Pacific will take guests on this exciting journey. Harbor Breeze's fast, custom built state-of-the-art luxury catamarans can cover greater areas of water than most vessels. Multiple daily departures offered year-round. www.whalewatchinginla.com
