Los Angeles Whale Watching
Looking for something to do as a family or with out-of-town guests? Want to marvel at nature and escape the city? There is nothing quite like spending a few hours on a boat in the ocean on a Los Angeles whale watching tour. With the sun on your face, the salty ocean breeze, the sound of waves breaking in the distance, and the chance to cross paths with one of nature’s most majestic creatures – the mighty whale.
It is a thrilling and educational experience that you are sure to remember, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. We often find great deals on Groupon.
Scheduling Your Los Angeles Whale Watching Trip
There are a number of great whale watching tours all over Los Angeles. A quick Google search will provide you with a number of great options. Once you’ve decided on the company or Los Angeles whale watching tour service, it’s time for the fun part.
Pick your boat, choose the day of the week that you want to go whale watching, and select a time slot. Most tours go out multiple times each day, but read the fine print as the more popular time slots may have additional fees. Most whale watching excursions are about 2-3 hours.
The Cost
Los Angeles whale watching tours can vary in price. You might be able to find a great deal during the week for trips that can range from $15 – $45 per person. On the weekends, when more folks seek out a whale watching adventure, prices might be a little higher. Expect to pay in the $35 – $100 range.
The number of people on the boat can be an indicator of how much it will cost as well. Large boats that can carry dozens of people may charge less for a whale watching tour. Smaller boats that provide a more intimate experience or are available for a family to charter will be more expensive.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for a smaller size boat and a more intimate experience. We have been on catamarans, (look up types of boats and seasons for whale watching)
Arrival
It’s a good idea to arrive early. Traffic in the Los Angeles area can be very unpredictable, especially on the weekend. The last thing you want is to stress out over traffic and parking and nearly miss boarding for your well-planned Los Angeles whale watching trip. Be sure to research parking in the area or call ahead and speak to one of the whale watching tour reps to get the best advice on parking.
Once you arrive, be sure to check in with the tour company. They will let you know exactly when it’s time to board the boat.
Your Los Angeles Whale Watching Tour
Once you’re on the boat, you may be directed to a seating area. While having a seat on the top deck may seem nice, it may not provide the best view of the water. You want to be able to move around freely because you never know where that puff of water may blow from a whale’s blowhole.
Definitely find a spot on the deck if possible. Once you’ve got your spot, sit back and listen to the volunteer naturalists onboard describe fascinating facts and unique behaviors of these creatures and their fellow sea life as they migrate along the coast.
Depending on the time of year you will have more activity and perhaps the chance to see the fully breached whale. But more often than not, you will witness a playful arm or tail slap.
What to Bring on Your Los Angeles Whale Watching Trip
Bring some binoculars, a sun hat, sunscreen, a sweatshirt, a camera, a water bottle for everyone in your group, and a bag of snacks. There are often snacks and beverages for purchase on the boat in addition to bathrooms. If you are susceptible to seasickness, maybe consider bringing some Dramamine or preemptively take some prior to boarding the whale watching boat.
Make a Day of It
After your adventure, plan to stick around and check out the local offerings. You can walk the boardwalk, pop into some shops, grab a coffee or an ice cream, or order some fresh fish tacos and a margarita at a local spot with a harbor view.
The Top 7 Reasons to Go Whale Watching in Los Angeles
- Oh how majestic! Whales are magnificent creatures that captivate our imagination. Seeing these gentle giants gracefully swimming in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring and provides a unique connection to the natural world — and a great experience for the whole family!
- Wildlife observation. Los Angles whale watching offers a chance to observe marine wildlife up close. It’s not just about whales — you may also encounter other fascinating marine species such as dolphins, seals, seabirds, and even sharks. Los Angeles whale watching provides an opportunity to appreciate the full biodiversity of the oceans.
- Conservation and education. Whale watching promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts. It helps people understand the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and the need to protect these incredible animals and their habitats. And don’t tell the kids, but they might actually learn something that they’ll remember their entire lives!
- Emotional and spiritual experience. Being in the presence of such large and powerful beasts can evoke strong emotions and a sense of wonder. Many people find the experience of whale watching to be a deeply moving and spiritual encounter.
- Adventure and thrill. Los Angeles whale watching often involves being on a boat out on the water, which adds an element of adventure and excitement to the experience. The anticipation of spotting a whale, the thrill of getting close to them, and the unpredictability of their behavior make each trip unique and memorable.
- Family-friendly activity. Whale watching in Los Angeles appeals to people of all ages, making it a great activity for families. It provides an opportunity to bond with loved ones, learn together, and create lasting memories.
- Eco-tourism. Whale watching contributes to local economies through eco-tourism. It supports sustainable practices and promotes the value of preserving natural resources, providing economic incentives for communities to protect marine ecosystems rather than exploit them.
Whale watching in Los Angeles offers a combination of adventure, education, and a profound connection with nature that leaves a lasting impact on individuals and encourages a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of our oceans.
We absolutely love going whale watching! What’s your favorite whale watching experience? Let us know! And don’t forget to check out our blog for more family-friendly Los Angeles excursions.
