Did you know that there is a high-speed, custom-built whale watching catamaran (the M/V La Espada) docked right next to the Aquarium of the Pacific? On July 3, 2019, we brought all four kids and joined the Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises on a press trip aboard the La Espada to see the Endangered blue whales.
Blue Whales and fin whales are the largest whales on the planet and are being spotted in the waters off Long Beach during the summer. On our trip, experts from the Aquarium’s blue whale photo ID program discussed recent findings about Southern California’s endangered blue whale population and revealed how they can identify individual whales spotted in local urban waters.
It was a beautiful trip at sea and on our way to the deep waters we saw the LA lighthouse and passed by the Queen Mary and saw a lot of dolphins. About three times we spotted the blue whale! We would first see the blowhole, and soon after see the enormous back arch as he dived down for food. During one of the times, we saw the turn ending with his tail in the air. Everyone cheered at that site. In about 15-20 minute intervals, we had a chance to see him again as the whale went up for air. Check out our video on instagram. On our way back to Long Beach Harbor, Our kids really enjoyed seeing the artifacts on the boat which taught them about whale bones, what they ate, their teeth etc.
Summer time is a great time to take your kids whale watching. Afterwards you do not want to miss the New Pacific Visions wing at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Please see our review on Pacific Visions here.
For more information about whale watching, click here.
