We continue to see a large number of Gray Whales including some incredible mother-calf interactions. We’ve also enjoyed many sightings with whales all around the Adventure Hornblower. To date, we’ve spotted 305 Grays during the current season. See our updated Sightings Reports at https://sandiegowhalewatching.com/
January 30, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: 7 Gray Whales
Another nice cruise out on the ocean on the Adventure Hornblower today. We spotted a total of 7 southbound Gray Whales. Guests joined us from Santa Barbara and several other states including Utah, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: 15 Gray Whales
What a beautiful, sunny clear day out on the water! The one word that describes our experience today on Hornblower is SPECTACULAR!!! Captain Eric, dubbed “Whale King of the Day”, headed southward towards the Los Coronados Islands. We first came upon a cow-calf pair of Gray Whales, which thrilled the guests on board. We observed the pair for about 15 minutes when we noticed more heart shaped blows nearby and discovered two juvenile whales heading south to the lagoons. Within moments we spotted another mother that was assisting her newborn calf with swimming techniques. The Hornblower began to head in a more Westerly direction when we came upon lots of spouts and found 6 more juvenile whales within a short distance of each other. We continued to observe the 6 juveniles that snorkeled then breached a couple of times. As we moved away, we saw another 3 whales that were engaged in mating behavior. As our time began to run out and we turned to head back into the bay, we found 2 more adult whales we also were able to observe. We saw many spouts all around us. Guests on board were absolutely enthralled with seeing so many whales as well as the whalers, Kristine, Larry & Pam on board! Thank you 1st mate Jesse, all the Galley crew and guests aboard for helping make this such an awesome journey. We certainly enjoyed our united, “WHOHOO!!” memories.
January 31, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: 11 Gray Whales
A windy and clear morning. We enjoyed multiple sightings of Gray Whales including 2 cow-calf pairs. We also spotted a Gray Whale breaching multiple times in the distance. Guests from 5 other states and China were very excited about seeing the whales.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: n/a
A thunderstorm rolled in as we were heading to the mouth of San Diego Bay. After seeing several lightning strikes off shore, our Captain headed us back to safety out of the incoming rainstorm.
February 1, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: 6 Gray Whales
A beautiful, calm day on the water. We first spotted a juvenile Gray Whale heading south. Soon after, we spotted three adults swimming together. Another whale was spotted after that. Visitors joined us from the Midwest enjoying the nice weather and sightings.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: 4 Gray Whales, 100+ Common Dolphins, 5 Pacific White-sided Dolphins
The flat, calm conditions continued into the afternoon. We spotted a Gray Whale immediately outside of the Harbor that was very cooperative. It swam close to the boat and showed us its tail flukes several times. We then went out farther and spotted the spouts of several other whales that were elusive. We wrapped up our cruise with a mixed group of Common Dolphins and Pacific White-sided Dolphins feeding on fish beneath the surface. Cormorants, gulls, pelicans and a few terns decided to dive in and catch some fish along with the dolphins. All the guests were happy to be in San Diego and away from freezing storms back home. We had people from Germany, Japan, Minneapolis, Ohio, and New York on the afternoon cruise.
February 2, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: n/a
Whale Watching cruises cancelled due to high winds and heavy rain.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: n/a
Whale Watching cruises cancelled due to high winds and heavy rain.
February 3, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: n/a
Whale Watching cruises cancelled due to high winds and heavy rain.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: n/a
Whale Watching cruises cancelled due to high winds and heavy rain.
February 4, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: 10 Gray Whales
Choppy trip with gusty winds, but we watched a Gray Whale cow-calf pair and spotted 8 solitary Gray Whales. We also spotted many more blows in the distance, and perhaps even a breach. One of the whales even spyhopped near our boat this morning.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: No whales spotted
The weather closed in all around us, with bands of rain moving through with wind and rough seas. Our guests were very fortunate to see a beautiful double rainbow as we headed out of the bay. A couple from England mentioned they have been coming to San Diego for 25 years and always go whale watching. We are sure they will be back for another trip. And youngsters with a Texas family enjoyed coloring drawings of marine mammals even if we weren’t lucky enough to spot the real thing today.
February 5, 2019
Morning Cruise
Sightings: 2 Gray Whales
Off and on rain showers and heavy winds didn’t stop us from spotting whales today. We were able to find 2 Gray Whales that gave us some great double spouts and tail flukes.
Afternoon Cruise
Sightings: 3 Gray Whales, 30 Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Rain showers continues into the afternoon. We spotted 3 Gray Whales that also showed us their flukes. We also encountered 30 Pacific White-sided dolphins to finish out the afternoon.
Whale Watching Report from Hornblower for January 30 through February 5
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