Whale Watching in Redondo Beach
Voyager Yachts Tours Twice Daily & Weekends
A California Gray whale shows its "fluke," or tail, off Palos Verdes.
Photo: Jack Fleming Photography.
We saw whales.
That's the first thing everyone wants to know when they get on a whale watching boat, or what they want to know when they talk to someone who went whale watching.
Going whale watching is one of the pleasures provided by living in or visitng Redondo Beach, CA. Voyager Charter Yachts has two cruises a day, at 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., with the "season" going from roughly the end of December thru April. Depending on the whales, of course.
The tail of a California Gray whale spotted headed to Baja in 2012.
Photo: Jack Fleming Photography.
Just after the "blow," the back of the whale breaks the surface.
Photo: Jack Fleming Photography.
Actually seeing whales can be as unpredictable as UCLA's football team, but unlike the Bruins on many occasions, it's an inspiring sight.
And what a sight! The whales – mostly California Gray whales, migrating from the Artic to breed in Baja, and then back again – are huge, slow-moving, gentle creatures. Usually, you'll spot the spout, which looks like steam from a distance, and the skipper will head in that direction for a closer view. Just look for "the blow."
The whale breathes this way three or four times, so don't be dismayed if you miss the first one. This is usually accompanied by the whale's back arching; the full body rarely is exposed the way it is in that insurance company commercial. Occasionally there will be a "fluking," that picturesque point where its tail comes out of the water.
Camera are at the ready for a California gray to resurface.
People on the upper deck scan the surface for whales.
Heading out to sea, passengers see the scenic California coastline.
Even with no whales in view, a cruise on Voyager is time well spent.
The initial sightings usually happen in the distance and while the skipper steers the Voyager within good viewing range, there's a limit as to how close he can get to the whale. So bring binoculars!
Unlike dolphins, whales don't travel together, so you're likely to see only one at a time, though there may be several in the same area.
The thing about whale watching is that the skippers WANT passengers to see whales. They want them to have a good experience, yes, but they also want people to come back again and tell all their friends about it, too.
And while there's definitely a time for the California Grays, the Blue Whales can be spotted just about anytime of the year because they live off California. At more than 90 feet long, they are bigger than the 65-foot Voyager. The past two summers have brought a lot of blue whale sightings.
At the very least, you will see tons of California Sea Lions (they are not seals) and may even get really lucky. In early 2012, a pod of killer Orca whales have been patrolling the California coast and the week prior to Surfside Sam's whale watching trip a Voyage skipper witnessed a killing of a sea lion.
Beyond the whale watching and other wildlife, just being on a boat for a couple of hours and seeing the beautiful coastline, kayakers and the cliffs of Palos Verdes is a worthwhile experience. Especially for just $15 on a weekday.
The Voyager boat is a two-level vessel with multiple viewing areas. Passengers can go from one side to the other, from front to back, from bottom to the top level (just don't stand on the benches).
Surfside Sam on board the Voyager Charters whale watching boat.
There's a head (bathroom) and snack bar on board.
Voyager Charter Yachts is located at the small, wooden pier in Redondo Beach's King Harbor, just down from Polly's on the Pier, a great place for a pre- or post-cruise breakfast or lunch on a nice day.
Voyager offers service during the week and weekends. Trips last between two-and-a-half and three hour and depart at 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Rates are $15 weekdays and $25 weekends.
Link: Voyager Whale Watching Charters.
Related: Redondo Beach Pier Suggestions
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