The northern coast of California is a popular spot for watching nature's largest mammals as they migrate south to warmer waters in winter or head north in the spring. The Farallone National Marine Sanctuary off San Francisco and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offer year round whale watching tours, but with a little luck and field glasses, you might spot whales from other northern California coastal look-outs.
While marine biologists watch whales in their native habitat to further scientific research, most people watch whales for fun. Recreational whale watching in northern California is largely a commercial activity, generating millions of dollars a year for the myriad whale watching tour companies.
Toothed whales rip chunks from larger prey and tend to be more aggressive, while baleen whales use a filter in their lower jaw to extract food from the sea water. Northern California whale watchers are most likely to see grey, blue and humpbacks whales, all of which are baleen whales.
You can see blue whales--the largest species of whale--off the northern California coast between mid-April to mid-December. Blues are loners, and can grow up to 108 feet long and weigh 190 tons. You can watch humpback whales during the same window of time. They are easily recognizable because of the hump over their dorsal.
If you see whales in groups off the northern California coast between December and April, they are likely to be gray whales. Grays travel in pods of from four to 16 members and dive out of the water at high speeds.
In northern California, it is possible to spot whales from land look-outs with a good pair of binoculars. However, whale watching cruises are a more reliable option and there are many to choose between, from kayaks to small sailing vessels to luxury yachts. Cruises can last a few hours or a few days. depending on your preferences and your pocketbook.
