Gray whales have the longest known migration of any mammal. Their 10,000 – 12,000 mile round trip route takes them from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic seas, down to the warm waters of Mexico. Along the Baja Peninsula, established ‘calving lagoons’ offer sanctuary from harsh Arctic winters and provide the perfect nursery.
Each year from January to April, we gaze from boats, piers, and shoreline, scanning the waves for a sight of these barnacle encrusted leviathans. During their migration, they pass close to the San Diego coastline. To the delight of the lucky, they’ll breach the water with an inquisitive eye to see what all the fuss is about. When they do , it’s truly a sight to behold. In celebration of their much anticipated arrival, San Diego is holding their 2nd annual Big Bay Whale Festival and it’s all happening this Saturday, January 23rd!
Read on for festival details, ‘children cruise free’ & more…
When: Saturday, January 23, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Where: Embarcadero – [Downtown San Diego bay-where the ships are docked]
What’s happening? Participating businesses with freebies and coupons for food & services. Educational events. For children, there will be music, face painting, and an inflatable gray whale that they can walk through!
Money Saving Tips:
- Families can enjoy a free child’s cruise with every sailing adult with both Hornblower Cruises & San Diego Harbor Excursion.
- Children can get free admission to the USS Midway Museum with paid adults.
- The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers free admission to the museum with the purchase of a ‘Whale Watching Adventure’ on the tall ship America*.
