Gray whales are here!
January 8th, 2009, 11:05 am · Post a Comment · posted by Laylan Connelly, staff writer
I just got a note this morning from the folks at Newport Landing Sportsfishing and Whale Watching that the gray whales have been showing up for the past two days.
The first batch of grays showed up unusually early this year in November, when a number of charters reported seeing them cruising the coast. The sightings slowed a bit since then, but should be picking up soon. The best time for whale watching for grays is usually January through March. 
Sciencedude Gary Robbins had some info on this the other day, reporting that the naturalists at the American Cetacean Society have had 86 sightings since Dec. 1 out of Palos Verdes. Read more here.
The gray whales have the longest migration in the world, and are headed down to Baja for warmer waters to breed.
Here’s a list of whale watch charters out of Dana Point and Newport Beach:
Dana Wharf Whale Watching: 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. daily; $19-$29. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. Reservations and information: www.danawharfsportfishing.com or 949-496-5794. (Every Tuesday is half off)
Davey’s Locker Whale Watching: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Friday. 9 a.m., Noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $20-$25. 400 Main St., Balboa, Newport Beach. Reservations and information: www.daveyslocker.com or 949-673-1434.
Newport Landing Whale Watching: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m., Noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sightings are guaranteed; $20-$25. 309 Palm, Suite F, Balboa, Newport Beach. 949-675-0550.
Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari: 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Dana Point. Cost: $49 adults, $35 kids. Reservations and information: www.dolphinsafari.com or 949-488-2828.
