Do you like to travel? You should try to be a gray-whale.
Every year, these huge aquatic animals, that the Oceanic Society Explained can weigh over 72,000 pounds and make the journey from their feeding grounds to the Arctic lagoons in order to breed and calve. That means they swim about 6,000 miles—not once, but twice in a calendar year. The Oceanic Society says it’s the equivalent of “traveling three times across the United States, from San Francisco, California, up to Washington, D.C.”
You get to see them twice because they go round-trip. It’s impossible to find a better place than the coastline. Sonoma County coast.
“Whale watching “Sonoma County offers a variety of experiences that are rewarding throughout the year,” said Captain Mike Harbarth. Sonoma Coast Adventures Bodega Bay in California is shared with Travel + Leisure. Harbarth says that the best time to see them is from late summer to early fall because “nutrient-rich water, active feeding behaviour, and greater species variety closer to shore” are all present. “This period, combined with calmer oceans and good visibility, delivers the most engaging wildlife encounters along Sonoma Coast.”
This season is well-known, and it falls right in the middle the most popular tourism period. But fret not because there’s another secret season—and it’s happening right now.
As Harbarth explained, there are currently a “smaller number of gray whales” moving along the coast in the winter—specifically, from January through May. It’s also a good time to see them if you want to see babies. This is when they are returning to the colder waters.
There are many ways to view them. You can see them from the land or even closer at sea.
As Sonoma County’s official website According to the site, you can find the most of them at Bodega Head peninsula, which has sweeping views along the four-mile coast. The site says you won’t be alone when going sightseeing. Volunteers from the Whale Watch Public Education Program will be at Bodega Head on weekends between January and Mother’s Day to answer questions and provide their knowledge about whales and migration. Gualala Point Regional Park and Stillwater Cove’s coastal bluffs are also highly recommended. The six public access paths at The Sea Ranch provide plenty of room for everyone.
Harbarth offers trips lasting two to three hours for those who are looking to get closer. Guests can try to spot passing whales as well as dolphins and sea lions. There are other charters in the area if Harbarth is full. Find out more about these magnificent whales and other places you can observe them from the land. sonomacounty.com.
