Whales are one of those creatures that humans cannot seem to get enough of, and for good reason. They are huge, reaching over 100 feet in length in some cases, and they are intelligent and warm blooded, just like people. If you want to see them out in the wild, there are a few ways to do it, but none are more fun or exciting as a whale watching Catalina Island tour.
The reason Catalina Island draws so many whale watching visitors is that it is the perfect location due to its proximity to breeding and birthing grounds. Many whales spend their summers in the Arctic waters surrounding Alaska. However, during mating season, they come to the Catalina area to either mate or give birth before heading back north again.
There are many species that make this annual trek. Among the most popular are the blue whales, grays and humpbacks because of their sheer size. They also have propensity for surfacing frequently and even jumping out of the water, creating a truly breathtaking show of size and power. Minke whales, fin backs and even orcas, also known as killer whales, are also usually spotted in the area.
When it it time to book your tour, the kind of experience you want will dictate which one you book. There are large boats, but also smaller ones not much bigger than a speedboat. These are able to go faster to bring you closer to the action when some of the whales begin to surface, letting you really get close.
There are many reasons to take the smaller vessel, and many reasons not to. Perhaps you want a slower pace, more relaxed experience. Or, if you have a walker, wheelchair or an elderly person in your party who needs assistance getting around, then the larger barge-like boats are a much better option. The are also better for families, especially if you have a service dog or children who will need to be attended to while you are watching for the whales.
You can take a short tour that only lasts a couple of hours if you are short on time. If you have all day, then a day tour that comes back in the evening is ideal. You can even book an overnight experience where you stay in a room on a nearby island, allowing you to maximize the amount of whales you can see.
Besides the many species of whales, there may be plenty of other creatures to see in the area on a good day. Besides seagulls and other marine birds, you may be able to spot bald eagles on occasion. In the water, look out for dolphins and harbor porpoises that sometimes congregate.
You should book your tour in advance, as the busy season fills up quickly and you don't want to get left out. Look out for the weather on your appointed day. Choppy waters may force the tour operator to cancel, so if the weather looks bad, call before you leave to ensure that the boat is still going out so you do not waste your time and can reschedule faster.
The reason Catalina Island draws so many whale watching visitors is that it is the perfect location due to its proximity to breeding and birthing grounds. Many whales spend their summers in the Arctic waters surrounding Alaska. However, during mating season, they come to the Catalina area to either mate or give birth before heading back north again.
There are many species that make this annual trek. Among the most popular are the blue whales, grays and humpbacks because of their sheer size. They also have propensity for surfacing frequently and even jumping out of the water, creating a truly breathtaking show of size and power. Minke whales, fin backs and even orcas, also known as killer whales, are also usually spotted in the area.
When it it time to book your tour, the kind of experience you want will dictate which one you book. There are large boats, but also smaller ones not much bigger than a speedboat. These are able to go faster to bring you closer to the action when some of the whales begin to surface, letting you really get close.
There are many reasons to take the smaller vessel, and many reasons not to. Perhaps you want a slower pace, more relaxed experience. Or, if you have a walker, wheelchair or an elderly person in your party who needs assistance getting around, then the larger barge-like boats are a much better option. The are also better for families, especially if you have a service dog or children who will need to be attended to while you are watching for the whales.
You can take a short tour that only lasts a couple of hours if you are short on time. If you have all day, then a day tour that comes back in the evening is ideal. You can even book an overnight experience where you stay in a room on a nearby island, allowing you to maximize the amount of whales you can see.
Besides the many species of whales, there may be plenty of other creatures to see in the area on a good day. Besides seagulls and other marine birds, you may be able to spot bald eagles on occasion. In the water, look out for dolphins and harbor porpoises that sometimes congregate.
You should book your tour in advance, as the busy season fills up quickly and you don't want to get left out. Look out for the weather on your appointed day. Choppy waters may force the tour operator to cancel, so if the weather looks bad, call before you leave to ensure that the boat is still going out so you do not waste your time and can reschedule faster.
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