Whales

Key Takeaways November is historically the best month to see humpback whales in San Diego. Humpbacks pass our coast in fall on their way to breeding grounds in Mexico and Central America. Peak humpback season runs from mid-October through November, with November the standout month for sightings. Spring (March and April) is a second chance…

Key Takeaways Size is the biggest difference. Blue whales can reach about 100 feet and more than 150 tons. Gray whales top out around 49 feet and 45 tons. They eat in different ways. Gray whales are bottom feeders that suck up amphipods and other small invertebrates from the sea floor. Blue whales lunge through…

Whales are among the most majestic animals on Earth. Like us, they’re mammals: they breathe air, have warm blood, and are even born with a few whiskers of hair. If you’ve seen one in the wild, you know how powerful and graceful they are. Whales also make some of the longest journeys in the animal…

What Is the Biggest Whale in the World? The largest whale, and the largest animal known to have ever lived, is the blue whale. Blue whales can grow to around 100 feet long or more and weigh over 150 tons (more than 300,000 pounds). The largest individuals have been recorded in the Southern Ocean around…

Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth, and their behavior is just as remarkable as their size. From how they feed and dive to how they find a mate and raise their young, understanding blue whale behavior adds a new layer of appreciation to every sighting. Below, we break…

Choose the Right Season: Check the migration patterns of the whales you’re hoping to see. Blue whales are best spotted in summer, while humpback whales are more visible in winter and early spring. Dress Appropriately: Weather on the ocean can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable. Bring Essential…

Whales are among the most fascinating and long-lived creatures in the ocean. Their longevity varies significantly by species — some live only a few decades, while others can survive for over two centuries. Understanding what influences a whale’s lifespan helps us protect these animals for future generations. Below, we cover the average lifespan of a…

Orcas—also known as killer whales—are among the most fascinating marine animals you can encounter on a whale watching tour. Known for their intelligence, striking black-and-white coloring, and powerful hunting abilities, these apex predators play a vital role in ocean ecosystems. If you’re planning a trip with Next Level Sailing or simply want to learn more,…

Whales are some of the most fascinating marine mammals on Earth — not just because of their size, but because of their incredible ability to dive deep and stay underwater for extended periods of time. If you’ve ever watched a whale surface for air on a San Diego whale watching tour, you may have wondered:…

When people think of whales, they often picture massive adults breaching the ocean’s surface. But what about baby whales? Just how big are they when they’re born? The answer may surprise you. Some baby whales are born weighing as much as a car — and others are nearly the length of a school bus before…