The
annual migration of thousands of gray whales (up to 50 long and 45 tons each)
is now underway. It begins in Alaskan and moves south along
coastline to birthing and breeding waters in
opportunity to view the return of the gray whale, the state’s official marine mammal,
in a number of prime locations in California State Parks. We have included a
listing to make your selection easier.
“Whale watching along our coast is a wonderful
and exciting family adventure,” said Ruth Coleman, director of California
State Parks. “I would suggest a little research on whales along our
coast to get the kids primed, and then find a safe spot where crashing waves
won’t interrupt your adventure. And, bring the binoculars!”
On their journey, the whales move past Point Reyes,
the
through
Southern California before reaching
groups and stay close to the shoreline for protection from predators, such as
killer whales.
Traveling 70 to 80 miles per day, the whales’ spouts
of vaporized water (at times reaching 12 feet high) can be seen as the whales
surface every three to five minutes to breathe. Their 12,000-mile round-trip
trek is the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis. The
whales’ migration pattern reverses when they lead their new-born calves back to
State park whale watching sites include:
phone: (707) 677-3121
Patrick’s
Wedding Rock) in
677-3570
(
phone: (707) 464-6101, extension 5300
(Laguna Point) on the
phone: (707) 964-9112 or (707) 937-5804
Point, Highway 1), phone (831) 667-2315
Montaa de Oro State Park, phone: (805)
528-0513
San Simeon State Beach, phone: (805)
927-2035
BARBARA
OUNTY
Estero Bluffs State Park (805)
772-7434
a number of programs and locations for viewing migrating whales. For details on
what programs are offered, contact the state park listed below or call (800)
777-0369 for general information on all state parks or go on line to www.parks.ca.gov
(707) 937-5804
Park
Patrick’s
Point
Lobos State Reserve (831) 624-4909
Point
Sur State Historic Park (831) 625-4419
Park
Fort
Ross State Historic Park (707) 847-3286
(707) 847-3221
Dana Point Festival of Whales
http://www.dpfestivalofwhales.com/home.html
Mendocino Whale Festival
http://www.mendowhale.com/events.htm
Point Mugu to Point Dume
Whale Festival (
Park
http://www.parks.ca.gov/events/event_detail.asp?id=2184
Whale and Jazz Festival
http://gualalaarts.org/Festivals/2009WhaleJazz.html
Visit California State Parks on line at www.parks.ca.gov