Whale watching in Ventura CA: dolphins eclipse migrating grays, as stars of the ocean's show
- Christene Meyers
- Jan 23, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 28
THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: Whale watch!
WHALE OF A TALE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WHERE DOLPHINS ARE THE MAIN EVENT ON DELIGHTFUL ADVENTURE
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
Whale watching in Ventura
THE MIGRATION of the whale is one of nature's most impressive odysseys. Being on the water to watch them is helping us cope with the emotional trauma of the fires so very near us.
Every year, we passionately track whales. We've seen them on all seven continents. It's the most diverse critter we know and its presence in our lives -- especially this year --makes a huge difference.
A delightful fringe benefit of whale watching is the sight of beautiful and playful dolphins. Whale watching is really "whale waiting." Yet in dozens of whale watching trips, we've never failed to spot dolphins, often and before whale sightings. This week on the waters near Oxnard and Ventura, California, we saw whales -- beautiful grays and humpbacks. But the dolphin shows were beyond spectacular.
Whale watching in Ventura WE SAW thousands of dolphins, including an enormous pod which thrilled us as they jumped and frolicked on port and starboard sides of the vessels, darting in front of us and behind us, in the churning waters of the wake as well. A sight to behold which made international news.
TRUTH IS: where there are whales there are usually playful dolphins. They scout out the same food the whales eat and often lead the way for whales to dine, thus making it easier for us to spot them both.
It's true that each year, gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling 12,000 miles round-trip from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to calve and breed in the Baja lagoons, and the warm waters of Hawaii. But dolphins hang around.
OUR YEAR started with success in a fabulous trio of Island Packers outings out of Ventura and Oxnard.
The family owned and run operation knows the sea, dolphins, whales and sailing better than anyone. Owner Cherryl Connolly's late parents and her brother started two ocean adventures which merged recently to carry on the family tradition.
A humpback breeches on the southern California coast. |
We have the good fortune to live close enough to enjoy sea life expeditions near home each year. We explore both in San Diego and up the coast in Oxnard and Venture, north of Los Angeles. The Feb. 6 column will feature new photos we're taking this weekend off the San Diego coast where 20,000 migrating whales are making their way south, breaking records.
THE WHALES' remarkable trip is equivalent to traveling three times across the United States from San Francisco, California to Washington D.C. Imagine that. But don't overlook the pleasures of the dolphins. They're a huge draw for us and thousands of others. For while we don't always see an abundance of whales, we see dolphins every time.
NOW IS prime time for viewing these magnificent creatures: whales and their sidekicks, the dolphins. January through March is when whales migrate along the California coast, traveling mostly southward but also a few coming back north as time progresses. Most whales arrive to Baja’s lagoons during January and February, and by mid-March the majority of the population has reached the lagoons where they mate and calve. We've seen a few "early birds" heading back north in March, so that's always a possibility.
DOLPHINS ARE whales, of course, and so it was a thrill on this trip to see several species, including the more rare "tooth whales," including the Risso's dolphin, named after the man who discovered them and closely related to the pilot whale. They're a larger, lesser known creature than the other two dolphin species we saw this trip, the common dolphin and bottleneck.
In fact, the size comparison shows Risso's are more than twice as big as an average person.
Most dolphins are about our size or smaller.
One day, a pod of more than 500 "commons" followed our wake, playfully jumping and seeming to enjoy our admiration. Another day, we saw what a news team estimated to be over 4,000. A thrill.
The longed for "fluke" of a migrating humpback caught our eye.
ISLAND PACKERS hires terrific naturalists and captains. One tip for estimating dolphin numbers: Count what you can see and multiply times six or seven. Usually, the number of whales can be more precisely gauged because they have to come up for air and their size makes that visible. Southbound whales usually travel in pods of two or three so if you see one, you'll likely spot them all.
We lucky San Diegans may watch the journey close-up, so this time of year, look for us on the water. Sailor Keller has even piloted our own craft. But it's more fun for him to let someone else do the driving so he be photographer.
CHANNEL ISLANDS National Park is also worthy of a separate visit. We'll write about this wonderful natural environment down the road.
From our boats, we saw sea lions, seals and island birds, and if one hikes or camps, the encounters with wildlife are even more bountiful.
It's possible to enjoy these beautiful islands in many ways.
We saw backpackers and hikers, drawn to these remote islands and back country for spectacular views of the beaches, canyons and inlets.
But if your time is limited, you'll still in for a treat to simply stay on the boat. Options when you have more time include kayaking reservations, and special trips for school groups.
Island Packers does it all.
www.reservationdesk.com › Hampton-Inn › Oxnard
Coming up: Hollywood actor and special effects artist share personal insights into the tragedy.
The beautiful Getty Center was spared during the recent devastating fires. It will reopen Jan. 28 and we will feature the splendid complex. |
ON TAP: After closing in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires, the Getty Center reopened Jan. 28. We're there to celebrate this astonishing architectural complex -- with free admission to beautiful gardens and priceless art. Then we're back with new photos of whales on their record-breaking migration as 20,000 grays pass by Sam Diego enroute from the chilly waters of Alaska to warmer waters south of the Baja. Then on to Spain and the museums of Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi. Back in the U.S., we visit New York's Museum of Modern Art, then hike curious caves in Barbados and Bermuda. Visiting art created by both man and nature is a theme for us, as we hop back and forth across the pond. We return to a favorite city, Barcelona, where we explore a city offering famed art, architecture and a delightful modern tram to the city's top. Plus a look at a Montana museum devoted to the work of renowned western artist C.M. Russell.
Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, art, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com
Best whale watching ever ! Appreciate the tip.
We visit often and go out several times....love the boat and ocean life. So colorful and unspoiled. Thank you.