Where can I see whales? Where are whales mainly distributed?
Overview of whale watching on the west coast
About 20,000 gray whales swim in 6,000 miles of water every year, migrating from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico and back. Gray whales migrate all the way from the Bering Sea habitat to Baja California lagoon in Mexico for mating and reproduction, which is the most spectacular wildlife migration on earth.
Although gray whales are the stars of the west coast, other cetaceans, including killer whales, humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins and giant blue whales, also appear in California waters in different seasons. You can arrange your trip according to the season and watch these fascinating marine animals.
1. Seattle: San Juan Islands
Whale watching period: April -65438+ 10.
San Juan Island is the most attractive of a series of islands that the United States and Canada cross the Strait. The winding coastline winds to the blue Pacific Ocean. This tranquil archipelago is famous for killer whales all the year round. If you are lucky, you can see killer whales jumping out of the sea in Lighthouse Park. Of course, taking a professional whale watching boat to sea is the best choice. It is also considered as the best place to watch killer whales, with a success rate of 90%.
The main whale species to watch is killer whale, the majestic overlord in the sea. Even sharks are afraid of existence, and sometimes you can see the wonderful scene of hunting seals with clear division of labor.
Tips: Tickets for whale watching are basically enough, but tourists must book in advance when they are busy in summer.
Vancouver and Victoria, which are in the same strait as Seattle, are also good places to watch whales. Take the children, enjoy a vivid nature lesson and watch the overlord jump out of the water or prey. There are minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds and eagles. Experienced sailors often explain knowledge about these creatures to children, which can also make them cherish nature more.
2. San Francisco
Whale watching period: 1- 10 month.
Most whales pass through here in January, and usually more than 1000 whales swim every day. The best coastal whale watching spots include Montalat and Half Moon Bay, where you can enjoy the fascinating scenery of whales and cities along the bay.
A calm day is best for whale watching. It is very easy to see the water column ejected by whales in this weather. Cruise ships to watch gray whales will depart from San Francisco Pier 39, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. If you want to observe more kinds of whales, you can go to the Faralon Islands, which is remote but rich in wild animals. There are about 26 endangered species, including whales, seabirds and marine life.
Gray whale is the main ornamental whale species and the most primitive shallow water species among existing baleen whales. It has two spray holes and can spray two fog columns. Because the fog column is short and thick, and the top is flat and close, there is only one fog column from the side.
3. Los Angeles
Whale-watching period: all year round
Los Angeles is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round. In the Pacific Aquarium in Long Beach, there is a huge blue whale model. When you go offshore, you may see a real blue whale. From June 65438+ 10 to June 65438+ 10, there is a great chance to see blue whales. From February of 65438 to mid-May of the following year, a large number of gray whales migrated. If you are lucky, you can also see humpback whales and killer whales.
Main whale species for viewing
The blue whale, the largest animal on the earth, can be called the giant tyrant and Hercules in the animal kingdom. The body is slender, and the sprayed water can be seen thousands of meters away.
Gray whales are the most primitive shallow water species among the existing baleen whales. It has two spray holes and can spray two fog columns. Because the fog column is short and thick, and the top is flat and close, there is only one fog column from the side.
Humpback whales are famous for their graceful jumping out of the water, long front wings and complex calls. They swim slowly, eat well and are gentle. They are one of the most common ornamental varieties.
Black whales, majestic sea tyrants and even sharks are afraid of their existence, and sometimes they can see wonderful scenes of hunting seals with clear division of labor.
Tip: 1. Pay attention to the departure time of whale watching. It is recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes in advance.
Generally speaking, whale watching has different gains at different times. But while enjoying the sunrise and sunset at sea, whale watching in the morning and evening is also a good experience.
4. San Diego
Whale watching period: 65438+ February-March of the following year.
Port of San Diego is the largest and busiest port in North America, and it is also an observation deck for the beautiful scenery of San Diego. Here, you only need a pair of binoculars to observe whales in the highlands of Pines National Reserve in Marie Laure Gigon and the Birch Aquarium of Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Every year from 65438+February to March is the migration season of local gray whales. They will cross the San Diego Bay and swim into the lagoon in the south. You can also visit the coronado Islands, a protected marine resort, and watch blue whales, walruses and killer whales with sprinklers.
Main whale species for viewing
Grey whales and killer whales
5. Alaska
Whale watching period: March-May
Starting from March, flocks of gray whales will cross Easter Bay and head for the North Pole. The seawater here is rich in nutrients, with herring and other fish, krill and plankton, which is a good choice for whales to feed on the way. You can see groups of humpback whales, seals and sea otters, such as vultures and black-tailed deer, from the cruise ship. If you choose to go north by boat from Seattle, you can enjoy the scenery and whale watching all the way in summer.
Main whale species for viewing
Grey whales and humpback whales
Overview of whale watching on the east coast
Every year from March, when the ocean current warms up, many whales migrate to Strowgen Coast National Marine Reserve to breed. As a result, with its unique geographical advantages, Boston has become the most famous whale watching resort on the east coast.
Boston (Boston)
Whale watching period: March-165438+ 10.
The main purpose of whales coming here is to have children. Usually, the mother whale will teach her calf how to jump out of the sea to breathe, how to hunt and how to survive. When they are old enough, they can travel around the world and go to the frozen North Pole.
It is also a bird-watching resort. Abundant plankton and fish and shrimp attract more than 40 species of seabirds, the most common of which are silver gulls, big black-backed gulls, laughing gulls, common terns, red terns, northern gannets, petrels, meat birds, gray-leafed snipes and short-tailed skua. In addition, there are opportunities to see groups of dolphins.
Main whale species for viewing
Humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and white-edged dolphins. Whales such as fin whales and snapper.
Every year 165438+ 10, herds of whales set off from distant gulf of alaska and sail 3,000 miles to the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands in less than two months. They stay here until the end of April, mate and breed, and they can be seen in mid-May, and then they travel long distances back to Alaska. So 65438+February to April every year is the most unique whale watching season in Hawaii.
1. The Big Island of Hawaii
Whale watching period: 65438+February-April.
Hawaii is one of the best whale watching places in the world. You can enjoy these behemoths in Maui, Kaua, Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. Sometimes you can even see whales in the distance on the beach! Humpback whales are the most common whales here. This place with spring-like seasons and comfortable temperature also makes it a paradise for sea elves. Whales, dolphins, seagulls, seabirds and so on, countless.
Main whale species for viewing
humpback
2. Maui
Whale watching period: 65438+February-April.
The warm shallow sea near the west coast of Mau Island is mild and clear, especially the Aoo Strait protected by Hawaii. Poynter Observatory of McGregor, beaches in Paley, Kihei and Valia, and Cahana are also ideal places to watch whales.
3. Oahu
Whale watching period: 65438+February-April.
If you go to Wyana on the west coast, a whale watching group is waiting for tourists. Wyana's water is particularly clear, with high visibility, and whales can even be seen swimming underwater.