Whale watching in California highlights top coastal viewing spots.

Whale watching in California offers seasonal sightings from San Diego to the Bay Area, including winter gray whale migrations and summer blue whale feeding; researchers report gray whale numbers have fallen sharply and recent December counts were unusually low.

Capt. Rick Podolak said building trust is a key part of whale-watching as a boat left North San Diego Bay near Point Loma. December typically begins the annual gray whale migration from the Arctic to Baja California. Gray whales make roundtrip journeys of 10,000 miles or more and California is a prime viewing area through May. Along the coast from San Diego north past the Bay Area, seasonal feeding grounds draw several whale species at different times of year. Key facts: - Podolak noted trust, speed, timing and luck all matter when seeking migrating gray whales, which some operators call "Christmas whales." - Gray whale numbers along the Pacific Coast have declined by about half over the last decade to roughly 13,000, a drop researchers link to climate impacts on Arctic food supplies. - Volunteer counts recorded 14 southbound gray whales in December 2025, 33 in December 2024 and 393 in December 2014. - In San Diego waters, boat operators report seasonal sightings of blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, occasional orcas and several dolphin species. - Advocacy groups and federal agencies address how tours operate; federal guidance sets a 100-yard buffer for most whale species and some organizations promote selecting ethical tour operators. Summary: Whale-watching activity can raise public awareness and contribute funding and data for research while scientists report notable declines in gray whale numbers along the coast. Observations and tourism continue at many California ports, and monitoring of population trends remains active. Undetermined at this time.