Whales

Every February, people around the world come together to honor one of the planet’s most extraordinary species: the whale. World Whale Day 2026 is on February 15th and is set to be one of the most exciting global celebrations yet—and there is no better place to experience it than aboard Yacht America, the iconic sailing…

If you’re visiting Southern California or living locally, you may be wondering: Can you see orcas in San Diego? The answer is yes—although rare, orca sightings in San Diego do happen, and recent years have brought an exciting increase in activity. These powerful black-and-white marine mammals, commonly called killer whales, occasionally appear along the Southern…

Whale watching is one of the most iconic outdoor experiences in Southern California, and gray whale season in San Diego is one of the best times of year to see these gentle giants up close. You can spot gray whales right from the shoreline or join a dedicated whale-watching tour that gets you close enough…

Gray whales are among the most remarkable marine mammals on earth, traveling thousands of miles each year along the Pacific Coast. During the gray whale migration season in San Diego, these gentle giants pass just offshore, offering incredible opportunities for locals and visitors to witness them up close. Seeing gray whales in San Diego Bay…

Whale watching is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with marine life, and the waters off San Diego offer a front-row seat to some of the world’s most fascinating whales. But how do you know what you’re looking at when that massive shape breaches the surface? Learning how to identify different whale species…

Decades of overhunting and a changing environment have left many species of whales facing extinction. Many of the whales seen on Next Level Sailing trips face some endangerment. That could be from rising climate change, pollution, or collisions with boats in an increasingly congested marine environment. Learn more whale facts about these endangered animals and…

Whales are among the most magnificent creatures in the ocean, spanning a range of species with dramatically different feeding styles. From the massive blue whale to the agile orca, each type of whale has evolved to thrive on specific food sources. In this post, we’ll explore the various types of whale diets, uncover what fuels…

San Diego is a prime whale-watching location, especially during humpback whale season. These majestic creatures migrate through the waters off California’s coast, allowing locals and visitors alike to witness their awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you are planning your first whale-watching trip or are a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will cover everything you need to know about…

San Diego is one of the best destinations for witnessing the majestic gray whale migration. Every year, these magnificent creatures embark on one of nature’s most impressive journeys, traveling thousands of miles along the Pacific coastline. If you’re in San Diego during migration season, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience this awe-inspiring spectacle. What Is…

Whale watching offers a thrilling glimpse into the lives of these majestic marine giants, and two of the most awe-inspiring species you might encounter are the blue whale and the humpback whale. While both are breathtaking, blue whale and humpback whale differences in their characteristics set them apart. Understanding the differences and similarities between these…