Expert: Steve Summers - 11/2/2011

Question
When are the optimal times to go Whale Watching, specifically from Newport Beach?  I'm not sure I can trust the whale watching tour companies there to give me a straight answer; they may try to talk me onto their boat at a sub-optimal time for financial gain.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jim,

I believe that we have passed peak whale watching season, as we are at the end of the blue whale season. That's not to say you can't get a great shot of a blue if you go out today. Blue season is May through November. Grey Whale season is December through April. Newport Landing is my operator of choice, since I really love their Boat Parade tours. You can find their site at http://www.newportwhales.com/. You might also want to subscribe to their newsletter. I get regular updates via email, and when the whales are really showing off, I get emails from them several times per week. That's when to go. I haven't seen much from them in a couple weeks.

Have fun!