Migration of Gray and Humpback whales and can be seen in Long Beach, CA

By Jenny Álvarez

Photos Alfonso De Elías

Migrating gray whales, fin whales, orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sperm whales, and other animals have been spotted in the waters off Long Beach recently.  This year the Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises are documenting sightings of humpback whales, which are known for their acrobatics and friendliness, and gray whales, which visit local waters in the winter season.  Experts will delve into conservation issues affecting whales in these urban waters. Join us to learn more about the diversity of whale populations and other marine life found off the coast of Southern California.

The past January 15, 2020, The Aquarium of the Pacific’s award-winning Whales: Voices in the Sea multimedia exhibit, learned about the environmental threats facing gray, blue, North Atlantic right, humpback, sperm, and other whales. It was bilingual English-Spanish exhibit after their whale cruise. This exhibit was made possible by the Pacific Life Foundation and was developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography with the Aquarium of the Pacific with some experts such James Stewart, Aquarium of the Pacific, Captain Dan Salas, CEO, Harbor Breeze Cruises and Nilda Parrado, vice president of operations, Harbor Breeze Cruises (Español).

The gray–whale-watching season in California varies along the coast during winter and spring as the grays migrate south to the mating and calving lagoons of México, then return north to feed mainly off Alaska. In addition, during summer, blue, humpback and other whales can be seen. Since gray whales migrate relatively close to shore, whale watching for them has become very popular and this Aquarium might be one of your best options for more information about these great animals. Definitely this is a God’s miracle for these gifted creatures of nature!