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San Diego Whale Sightings 12/22/24 to 12/27/24. Please find the Naturalist Notes for the week of 12/22/24 to 12/27/24 from the onboard team of volunteer naturalists for our San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure: up-close views and educational moments by expert captains and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Don’t forget that kid’s cruise is FREE in December and January; use promo code WHALEYFUN.
12.22.24
9:15 am Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
Ocean Sunfish
As we ventured out of San Diego Bay, the fog lifted and passengers enjoyed the sun and beautiful views of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
We sighted 2 mola molas (aka Ocean Sunfish) and some passengers witnessed a small shark launch itself out of the water.
We traveled west/northwest and kept our eyes open; but the dolphins and whales evaded us.
Pam
12.23.24
9:30 am – Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
Sea Lions
It was an overcast day, temps around 60°. Waves were about 5′ with a mixed swell. We saw a pair of sea lions rafted together. Lots of brown pelicans and cormorants, no whales or dolphin spotted today.
Walton
12.24.24
9:30 am – Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
Grey Whale
Foggy morning with smooth waters. Shortly after leaving the bay, we encountered a grey whale headed south. We followed along for over an hour observing many blows and flukes. Was wonderful to see.
Your naturalists,
Elizabeth McFarland, Jennifer Egan
12.25.24
9:30 am – Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
No photos today; captain had to turn back after a few miles due to large swell/rough sea conditions. No wildlife sightings other than sea lions on channel markers.
Your naturalists,
Jennifer Egan, Kaylyn
12.27.24
9:30 am – Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
Common Dolphins
We saw 1500 common dolphins. There was a lot of sea bird activity throughout the trip.
Your naturalist,
Valentina Lewis
12.31.24
10:00 am – Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:
Whale
The high excitement levels at pre-boarding for today’s outing were gradually lessened over the first two hours by the lack of sightings of any type of marine mammal. It was a fairly flat sea with some fog but visibility was not the issue. There just seemed to be no whales or even dolphins out today. However, the luck of today’s cruise changed in the last hour when another whale-watching vessel informed Captain Rick of a whale in the area, finally our patience was rewarded! Suddenly, the guests were eagerly on deck, watching for the signs of our sought-after prize. We had at last found a lone gray whale in no hurry as it headed south, no doubt to join its kind in a warm lagoon in Baja. Guests and crew alike were very happy to see one of these magnificent creatures, a great way to end 2024. Happy New Year!!
Your naturalist,
Wray