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San Diego Whale Sightings 1/17/26 – 1/26/26 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 kids cruise FREE in December and January; use promo code WHALEYFUN.

1.26.26

9:00 am Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:

10 Gray Whales
10 Common Dolphins
50 -75 California Sea Lions
5 -7 Pacific White-Sided Dolphins

 

The ocean was very calm and the weather was beautifully clear and sunny. We saw a few common dolphins shortly after leaving San Diego Bay. For nearly the entire cruise we enjoyed watching 7 – 10 adult gray whales spouting and snorkeling as they traveled southbound. We were able to carefully travel south with them until just before they crossed into Mexican waters. We also enjoyed the site of a very large “raft” of approximately 50 -75 California Sea Lions heading east towards SD Bay. Finally, as we turned to head back towards San Diego Bay, we delighted in watching 5-7 Pacific White-Sided Dolphins joyfully bowriding.

Your naturalists,

Karen L, Caren, Jim & Maddie

1.24.26

9:00 am Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:

Gray Whales

 

Today, while whale watching, we saw 10 adult gray whales in various locations off the coast of San Diego Bay. They were heading south to the lagoons in Baja California, Mexico. At one point, three were just hanging out at the surface, and they may have been resting. We’re five adults altogether. They may have been mating; that’s unusual to see that number of adults together at one time. We had blows in various directions from the boat. And lots of tail flutes and two breaches. Were a bit choppy, and it was overcast, but it was a pretty amazing day on the water.

Today’s whale-watching trip off the coast of San Diego Bay was nothing short of amazing. We spotted ten adult gray whales at various times over the 3.5-hour trip. They were heading south on their annual migration to the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. At one point, three gray whales lingered together at the surface, possibly resting. At another time, 5 gray whales were cuddling up—possibly mating—as it’s unusual to see that many adults gathered together. From the boat, we were surrounded by blows rising in every direction, along with countless tail flukes slicing through the water and two curious gray whales spy-hopping, which really thrilled the guests. Though the sea was a bit choppy and the sky overcast, the raw beauty and energy of the whales made it an unforgettable day on the water.

Your naturalist,

Jaden

1.17.26

9:00 am Whale Watch & Dolphin Sightings:

3 Gray Whale
20 Sea Lions
50 Common Dolphins

 

We had a beautiful sunny, clear day with passengers from near and far. Three grey whale sightings!!! What an amazing journey. We also saw about 20 sea lions frolicking past us and about 50 common dolphins surfing and skimming the waters around our boat! Thank you for the great voyage.

Your naturalists,

Nicole and Raquel

 

 

A great way to time your whale-watching adventure is to check out our Whale-Watching Naturalist Notes, which include sightings and reports of whales, dolphins, and other birds and sea life. This blog-style report provides valuable insights that help future guests plan and enhance their experience. It can identify the best time for spotting, update on weather conditions, highlight active whale and dolphin species, and educate guests about local sea life. Please review our website’s more detailed helpful hints blog and how-to guide for your whale-watching adventure.

 

San Diego Whale Watching: Naturalist Notes – 1/17/26 – 1/26/26

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