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Gray whale

Eschrichtius robustus

The gray whale's migration is one of the longest of any mammal — from Alaska to Baja and back. Off SoCal you're catching them mid-journey.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
40–49 ft
WEIGHT
30–40 tons
LIFESPAN
55–70 yrs
DIET
Amphipods (bottom-feeder)
RARITY
Common in season
SEASON
Dec–May (migration)
How to ID

What to look for

Look for a heart-shaped blow and mottled gray skin.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Spy-hoppingHeart-shaped blowMother-calf pairsFriendly approaches
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
173
Days active
30/30
Last seen
May 1
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
Book

Operators that often spot this species

NW
Newport Whales
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 11:00 AM
Visit →
DL
Davey's Locker
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 12:30 PM
Visit →
DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · NEXT 10:00 AM
Visit →
HB
Harbor Breeze
LONG BEACH · NEXT 12:00 PM
Visit →
FC
Flagship Cruises
SAN DIEGO · NEXT 1:30 PM
Visit →