Last Friday, my boys and I were invited to go on our first whale watching trip aboard the M/V La Espada, the specialized high-speed whale watching catamaran docked next to the Long Beach Aquarium from Harbor Breeze Cruises. Since it was our first time, we really didn’t know what to expect. Right as we stepped onto the boat I was relieved to see that there were plenty of comfortable seats with a wonderful view of the ocean.
As the boat made its way towards the whales, Captain Dan Salas, CEO of Harbor Breeze Cruises presented us with lots of great information throughout the tour. We also had the privilege of hearing from the Aquarium of the Pacific education coordinator about conservation issues affecting whales in these urban waters. Throughout our trip, we spotted over 50 dolphins swimming all around us. The boys were so amazed at how close the dolphins got. The best moment was when we got to see the mama gray whale and her newborn. We even got to see the massive tail of the gray whale before it went down for a dive. Afterwards we visited the Aquarium and saw Whales: Voices in the Sea multimedia exhibit. We learned about the environmental threats facing gray, blue, North Atlantic right, humpback, sperm, and other whales. I would highly recommend taking your family. It was a memorable experience. If you go on this cruise I would recommend sitting at the front of the ship for the whale sightings. You’ll get the best view.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Migrating gray whales, fin whales, orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sperm whales, and other animals have been spotted in the waters off Long Beach recently. 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. and 3:00 p.m. The Gray Whale Watch combo ticket is available for purchase on site at Aquarium and may be purchased in advance by calling 562-590-3100. Prices are $49.95 adult ages 12+, $45.95 senior 62+, and $33.95 child (includes whale watch and 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, visit: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery/whales.
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 June Keyes Penguin Habitat, the interactive Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest exhibits, and the new Vanishing Animals and Horses and Dragons exhibitions. 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 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. For more information, visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.
HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES: Southern California’s premier cruise company offers harbor cruises in addition to fun and educational encounters with gray whales and 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
