Whale Watching in California

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. In 1991, there were more than 50 companies or non-profit
societies operating whale-watching tours from some 20 ports all along
the California coast. The impact of whale watching thus is spread out
along the entire 840-mile coast.

I would suppose that going in the summer in California would be
very different from going on the east coast or in Alaska.

Interesting information on this website about whale watching tours
in the California area

Are there any passenger restrictions?

Cruisers:
Children under the age of 6 years should not take part in these tours
as the floatation gear required on these vessels will not be
comfortable.
These are smaller, single hulled vessels, we do not recommend persons
in frail conditions or persons with neck or spinal problems to join
these excursions.
Women who are pregnant are recommended not to join these tours.

SuperCat (Catamaran):
There are no restrictions for this vessel.

Do you provide safety equipment?

Cruisers:
Each passenger is fitted with a full piece, coast guard approved
floatation suit.

SuperCat:
Although floatation suits are not required to be worn on this vessel,
coast guard approved floatation jackets are provided for our
passengers’ comfort.
This vessel is also equipped with life boats.

Whale Watching Tours

April to october
Departure Times

12 Passenger Open Cruisers
&
40 Passenger Supercat

10:00 am. , 2:00 pm., and 5:30 pm.
Prices

Adults: $89.00 CDN
Children (14 years of age and under): $59.00 CDN
Infants ( 2 years of age and under): FREE

It would seem they allow toddlers. My thought would be
that if there were any large safety concerns, they would
restrict this because they would be afraid of lawsuits
emanating from any problems. Of course, there are
bound to be safety concerns, but my guess is that they
don't often have problems *or* that despite the fact that
they allow infants, not many parents take children under
a certain age on such trips.