Whale watching season in San Diego traditionally occurs from December through April when California gray whales journey from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California. It's a majestic sight to see the world's largest mammals cutting through the water and making their way south, but there are also other species of whales and dolphins that are equally as stunning that can be seen all year long in San Diego. Several whale watching companies have expanded their range of sea outings, and visitors now have the unique opportunity to glimpse all types of marine life year round on cruises out of San Diego's harbors.

Guests on a winter cruise can witness thousands of California gray whales come within a few miles of the San Diego coastline on their 5,000-mile southern voyage passage as these "peaceful giants of the sea" swim to warmer climates to birth and rear their young. Their journey is one of nature's most extraordinary events and is the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis.

In the fall and summer months, whale watching excursions also tout the opportunity to see humpback, fin and minke whales, along with frequent year-round sightings of bottlenose, pacific white-sided and common dolphins. With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes an ideal location for viewing this impressive parade of marine life.

WHALE WATCHING FOR "LAND-LUBBERS"

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla celebrates the gray whale season with educational activities and whale exhibits. The aquarium's outdoor tide-pool plaza, overlooking La Jolla's shoreline and the Pacific Ocean, offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the gray whale's epic journey.

The 5th annual Big Bay Whale Days and Whale Festival on January 25, 2014, offer family fun and entertainment along San Diego Bay's downtown waterfront Embarcadero. Throughout the month of January, guests can also celebrate with "Whale of a Deal" packages that provide discounts and coupons for whale watching excursions, restaurants and museums located along the Embarcadero.

Cabrillo National Monument overlooks the ocean and provides a spectacular coastline to discover marine life. Located on the panoramic Point Loma peninsula, the park offers a glass-enclosed observatory for whale watching; guests can also explore whale exhibits and listen to a taped narration describing characteristics of these popular animals. Cabrillo's 27th annual Whale Watch Weekend and Intertidal Life Festival occurs January 11-12, 2014 and features presentations, exhibits and films. Rangers are also on hand throughout the weekend to assist visitors in spotting whales in the ocean and explore the park's magnificent tide pools. Admission is $5 per private vehicle.

WHALE WATCHING DAY EXCURSIONS

From December 15, 2013 through April 14, 2014, Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are offering a the first "No Seasickness Guarantee" unique whale watching experience aboard the yacht America, a historic replica of the world's first America's Cup winner. The 139-ft. long sailing yacht is perfectly suited for whale watching due to its low sleek lines, deep keel for stability and the ability to quietly approach the whales under sail without using noisy engine power. The 4-hour whale watching excursion departs daily at 11 a.m. from the Maritime Museum, located at the downtown waterfront along San Diego Bay. Excursions cost $79 for adults and $39.50 for children (ages 12 years old and under) on weekdays and $89 for adults and $44.50 for children (ages 12 years old and under) on weekends. The price includes admission to the Maritime Museum, soft beverages, snacks and a narration about whale migration habits and the history of the America.

From December 26, 2013 through April 13, 2014, naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps partner with Flagship Cruises & Events to venture out on twice-daily public cruises from San Diego Bay to locate gray whales. Two 3.5-hour cruises depart daily at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Birch Aquarium naturalists narrate the tours while guests receive gray whale fact sheets. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and a full galley is onboard. Ticket prices are $37 for adults on weekdays and $42 for adults on weekends, and $18.50 for children (4-12) on weekdays and $21 children on weekends. Reservations are recommended.

From December 14, 2013 through April 27, 2014, Hornblower Cruises and Events offers 3.5-hour deluxe whale watching adventure cruises in partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum. Passengers receive a professional narration on the whales' migration and other marine life, and the boat features snack bars, binocular rentals, climate-controlled indoor seating and a museum-curated whale exhibit with fossils and video. Expeditions depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; ticket prices are $38 per person on weekdays and $43 per person on weekends. Children (4–12 years old) cruise for 50% off. Discounts are available for seniors, groups and military personnel. Hornblower guarantees to take guests out to sea again for free if no whales are spotted.

Throughout the year, H&M Landing offers several whale-watching and marine-adventure excursions. During December through April, a three-hour grey whale watching cruise departs daily at 10 a.m. Prices are $45 for adults and juniors (13-17 years old), $37 for seniors and military and $20 for children (12 years old and under). Beginning December 26 through February, a six-hour nature tour takes you outside San Diego Bay into International waters for an up close and personal view of whales and other marine life on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Boarding starts at 10 a.m. and prices are $80 for adults and juniors, $70 for children (4-12 years old) and discounts are available for military and seniors. During June through mid-October, a six-hour whales-of-summer cruise departs at 10 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday. Prices are $80 for adults and ages 15 and under are $55. Each cruise includes informative narrations on marine wildlife, and the boats feature indoor and outdoor seating and a full-service galley with hot food and beverages. Special group rates are also available upon request for all trips. All H&M whale watchers receive an Official Whale Spotter Certificate, and H&M guarantees to take guests out to sea again for free if no whales are spotted.

San Diego Whale Watch offers year-round whale watching excursions boarding from Seaforth Landing aboard The Privateer, a unique boat built specifically for whale watching. Whale watching trips are 3 hours and are offered daily. A 1½-hour sunset cruise is also offered Thursday-Saturday evenings, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Whale watching ticket prices are $44 for adults and $38 for children (3-17 years old). Prices for the sunset cruise are $38 for adults and $30 children.

During December through April, Sail San Diego offers daily whale watching excursions aboard three sleek 40-ft. Catalina boats. Guests can take the helm of the boat or sit back and enjoy the sights and learn about marine life from captains who are trained naturalists. Tours are available for up to six passengers and provide a comfortable and intimate whale watching experience accompanied by soft drinks, hot chocolate, wine, beer and snacks. The 3.5-hour tours depart daily at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and cost $85 per person. Groups of more than six can be accommodated, and private whale-watching charters are available.

From November 15, 2013 through March 1, 2014, Everyday California offers a 2-hour whale watching kayak tour that allows guests to paddle within 40 feet of gray whales, seals and sea lions. The approximate one-mile paddle tour launches daily from La Jolla Shores; the cost is $80 for a single kayak and $120 for a double kayak. Prices include transportation of the kayak to and from the beach, kayak rental, guided tour, life vest, paddle and wetsuit.

Guests can experience a thrilling whale and dolphin watching excursion year round aboard an authentic 25-ft. Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.) with Adventure RIB Rides. Passengers enjoy a fast ride to the ocean and learn about the natural and migration habits of marine life from a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, who also serves as the on-board naturalist. Groups up to six passengers can charter the entire boat for $175 per hour, plus tax. From December through April, public tours focusing on gray whale migration are offered daily from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m.; ticket prices are $85 for adults and $70 for children (5-12 years old), plus tax.

During December through February, La Jolla Kayak provides close encounters with gray whales and other marine life including sea lions, garibaldi and leopard sharks. The 2.5-hour tours take guests along the La Jolla coastline and through La Jolla's incredible Sea Caves. Tours depart daily at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and cost $59 for a single kayak and $99 for a double kayak.

During December through March, Hike Bike Kayak offers 3-hour whale watching tours through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve near La Jolla Shores. A trained naturalist educates visitors about gray whales and the fascinating sea life that lives in the Reserve; the tour ends with complimentary tea and hot chocolate at the Hike Bike Kayak shop. Tours depart daily at 10:30 a.m. and cost $60 per person (total $120) for a tandem kayak and $70 for a single. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wet suits and a guide are provided.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.

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