Whale watching first became an organized activity in 1950. The observation of gray whales was given an official public spot at the Carbillo National Monument in San Diego. Five years later, the first whale watching trip was put together. Customers paid $1 a trip for the privilege. By the late 1970s whale watching was a booming industry, as excursions began to pop up in New England. The popularity of whale watching continues to grow and adds significant support to the protection of these creatures from commercial whaling.
Whale watching isn't as a big of an industry in Florida as it is in other parts of the United States. California and New England both have extensive options for whale watching tours. To see whales in Florida, your best bet will be to take one of the many dolphin cruises available and hope for the best. The species you are most likely to see in Florida is the North Atlantic right whale.
Most right whale sightings in Florida occur between the months of November and April. The National Marine Fisheries Service has designated the coastal waters off Florida as right whale critical habitat. This location, which reaches up into the coast of Georgia, is the only known calving area for right whales.
North Atlantic right whales are dark gray or black, and may have a few patches of white on their belly. Adults measure on average of 35 to 55 feet in length. Right whale calves are 13 to 15 feet long at birth. Right whales have a wide back with no dorsal fin.
Right whales are one of the most endangered species in the world. There are estimated to be about 300 North Atlantic right whales alive. Their name was coined by hunters who deemed this the "right" species to hunt. Their slow speed and habit of traveling close to shore made them easier targets. Today, ship strikes are a major threat to these beautiful creatures. If you do spot a right whale, you should keep a distance of at least 500 yards.
