 Whale Watching Season
Date: 12/15/04 - 3/31/05
Witness the remarkable annual migration of the California gray whale as it makes its
10,000-mile pilgrimage from feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to birthing grounds in
the shallow lagoons of Baja California. From December through March, approximately
25,000 whales will pass by the coast of San Diego making it the perfect spot for viewing
these peaceful "giants of the sea." Best bets for viewing are Cabrillo National Monument,
the Birch Aquarium, special whale watching cruises or a breathtaking flight 1,500 feet
above the Pacific Ocean in an open cockpit biplane
Other Winter Warmth Highlights:
Winter Vacation Specials,
2005 San Diego Opera Season,
2005 Buick Invitational
Dates: 1/22-1/23
Celebrate the annual migration with festivities and informative lectures
by experts. A glassed-in observatory, overlooks, telescopes, exhibits and
taped narrations will enhance your visit during the entire whale-watching
season. For best viewing, don't forget to bring binoculars (a limited
number of binoculars are available at the visitor center). A film about the
Pacific gray whale is shown daily at noon & 3pm December thru February.
Hours: 9am - 5:15pm daily
Location: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., Point Loma
Entrance fees: $5.00/vehicle (no buses), valid 7 days; $3/individual
(walk-in), valid 7days; children under 17 free with adult.
Information: 619-557-5450 or http://www.nps.gov/cabr
Dates: 1/15/05
Visit the aquarium during Ocean Giants Family Day (11am-3pm)
to learn more about whales through an interactive presentation, crafts,
whale stories and more! The aquarium's balcony overlooking the Pacific
Ocean is a spectacular location to spot gray whales migrating past San Diego.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
Admission: adults, $10; children (3-17), $6.50
Information: 858-534 - FISH (3474) or http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Dates: 12/15/04 - 3/31/05
Experience a unique four-hour whale-watching excursion aboard a quiet sailing yacht complete with beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
Departures: 8:30am & 1pm
Location: 2051 Shelter Island Drive
Cost: $65 per person; reservations required
Information: 619-224-0800, 800-659-0141 or www.classicsailingadventures.com
Dates: 12/18/04 - 3/20/05
Enjoy a three-hour local cruise as well as highlights of San Diego Bay including resident marine wildlife, the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and the U.S. Naval Fleet.
Departures: 10am & 1:30pm
Location: 2803 Emerson St., San Diego
Cost: adults, $20; juniors (13-17 yrs.), $17.50; children (2-12 yrs.), $15.
Information & reservations: 619-222-1144 or www.hmlanding.com
Dates: 12/18/04 - 4/3/05
Journey into Mexican waters for a five-hour cruise to the Coronado Islands Marine Sanctuary to see whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine wildlife.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.
Departures: 10am
Location: 2803 Emerson St., San Diego
Cost: adults, $50; juniors/children (17-2 yrs.), $40.00
Information & reservations: 619-222-1144 or www.hmlanding.com
Dates: 12/18/04 - 4/3/05
Take part in an exciting three-and-a-half hour expedition on the largest whale-watching boat in San Diego. View an entertaining video documentary, listen to the Captain's live narration about the natural history of whales and other marine life, and take home additional information on the gray whale, all developed by naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Binoculars available to rent.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or receive a free pass for another whale watching or bay cruise.
Departures: 9:30am & 1:30pm
Location: 1066 N. Harbor Island Dr., San Diego
Cost: adults, $25; children (4-12yrs.), $15
Information & reservations: 619-725-8888 or www.hornblower.com
Dates: 12/26/04 - 3/31/04
Join naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps for a three-and-a-half hour narrated cruise that includes gray whale artifacts, specimens and a take-home information packet. A "Whale-of-a-Savings" coupon good for shopping, dining and attraction discounts is also included. Binoculars available to rent.
Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.
Departures: 9:45am & 1:30pm
Cost: adults, $25; children (4-12 yrs.), $15. Reservations strongly recommended.
Information & reservations: 619-234-4111, 800-442-7847 or www.sdhe.com
Want an exciting bird's eye view of the gray whale migration? Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures offers a whale of a good time with breathtaking flights along San Diego's glorious coast in an open cockpit biplane. Flying 1,500 feet above the Pacific Ocean, you'll have the unique opportunity to view whales swimming in pods. From mid-December to mid-March, flights are available 7 days a week from mid-morning until one hour before sunset. Prices range from $149 for 20 minutes to $359 for an hour flight.
Hyatt Regency Islandia Hotel & Marina (Whale of a Time Package) - Rates starting from $204.00 based on availability
Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina (Extended Stay Special) - Rates starting from $99.00 based on availability
Best Western Inn by the Sea - Rates starting from $94.00 based on availability
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites - Rates starting from $109.00 based on availability
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines - Rates starting from $139.00 based on availability
Hilton San Diego Harbor Island/Airport - Rates starting from $134.00 based on availability
Want to learn even more about whales? View whale fossils found in San Diego, including several new species, in the fascinating new exhibit "Fossil Hunters San
Diego" at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Visitors will learn how the museum's paleontologists hunt for local fossils, how they excavate and transport them
and how the fossils are prepared for study and display. View the giant-screen film,
"Ocean Oasis," to learn more about whale migration and visit the museum's bookstore
for a wide-range of books on whales. For more information: 619-232-3821 or
www.sdnhm.org
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