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An Atlantic gray whale was recently spotted off the coast of Massachusetts, which is extremely rare. It is believed that gray whales disappeared from the Atlantic Ocean around 200 years ago, so spotting one now is impressive. What is a Gray Whale? Gray whales are large creatures; they grow to between 42 and 49 feet…

Sailing can be an exhilarating way to explore the open waters, develop new skills, and connect with nature. As a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information out there, but this guide will cover everything you need to get started on your sailing journey. From essential gear to terminology, we’ll help you…

If you are visiting Southern California, going on one of the whale-watching tours in San Diego should be at the top of your list of things to do. The warm waters off the coast attract various types of whales throughout the year. No matter the month you are there, you have a great chance of…

The ocean has its share of fascinating wildlife. The blue whale is the largest animal known to live on earth, even larger than the dinosaurs. Here’s how to imagine the size of a blue whale: It’s as long as three back-to-back school buses, around 100 feet—that’s a 10-story building. The average weight of a blue…

If you are a San Diego resident or visiting, you may be wondering if orca sightings are possible today. The good news is that you may spot these marine mammals, also known as killer whales, off the coast of this fabulous city. Orca Sightings in San Diego San Diego is a popular place for whale…

When plastic was introduced in 1907, it changed many industries. Plastic is a versatile and cheap material used in everyday products, from home construction to food packaging. How much plastic is in the ocean? In the 1950s, just 2 million tons of plastic was manufactured yearly. Today, that figure is around 450 million tons. About…

Exploring the seas with your furry friend can be a memorable adventure you will both treasure. At Next Level Sailing, we’re proud to offer dog-friendly whale-watching experiences where you and your pup can enjoy the thrill of the ocean together. This guide’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a fun, safe, and well-prepared…

If you are wondering when the San Diego whale-watching season is, the good news is that you can see whales at any time of the year. The warm coastal waters attract different types of whales at various times of the year. So, the best strategy is to decide what kinds of whales you want to…

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 about these endangered whales and what conservation…

When looking for a boat rental or yacht charter in San Diego, you might think you are looking for the same thing, but in reality, a rental and a charter are very different experiences. Granted, both activities mean paying someone for the use of their boat, but a charter, depending on the type, is often…

Recently, there was a rare sighting of orcas in San Diego off the coast and other areas off the coast of Southern California. Although they are also known as killer whales, orcas are members of the Delphinidae family and are the largest of those species. Orcas are one of the sea creatures that the Marine…

In December 2023, scientists and researchers off the coast of Alaska had what they describe as a 20-minute “conversation” with a whale named Twain. The experiment was a collaboration between the University of California, Davis, the SETI Institute, and the Alaska Whale Foundation. The endeavor was not only an experiment in whale communication but also…