Time To Make Your Birch Aquarium Whale Watching Reservation

By Jessica Crawford

San Diego, CA - Gray whale season surfaces at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UC San Diego.

Dec. 26, 2008 - March 29, 2009

Ahoy! Gray whales are on the move this winter and you can be a part of the adventure! Celebrate the annual epic journey of gray whales with Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Enjoy daily local whale-watching cruises featuring Scripps naturalists as well as whale-watching expeditions to Baja California, Mexico.

Witness the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their annual, 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Bering Sea feeding grounds to Baja¹s lagoons, where they play, rest, breed and give birth. Come join the fun!

Daily Whale-Watching Cruises
Dec. 26 through March 29
Daily tours: 9:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. or 1:30-5 p.m.

Experience the gray whale migration with three-and-a-half hour, naturalist-guided whale watching cruises with Birch Aquarium at Scripps and San Diego Harbor Excursion every day from Dec. 26 to March 29. Enjoy stellar ocean and harbor views while Scripps naturalists search the seas west of San Diego Bay for gray whales. On board, naturalists share information about gray whales, the ecology and history of San Diego Bay and Scripps Oceanography. Dolphins, sea lions and marine birds make guest appearances.
Each trip is different, and the views are always stunning.

Adults (13 and up)
Monday-Friday, $30
Weekends, $35

Children (4-12 with paid adult)
Daily, $15

Reservations recommended! Call San Diego Harbor Excursion at 619-234-4111 or visit http://www.sdhe.com

Whale Watching in Baja California
Through Andiamo Tour Mexico

For a longer, more intimate whale adventure, see gray whales up-close at Baja California¹s beautiful lagoons with Birch Aquarium at Scripps and Andiamo Tour Mexico.

These extended four-, five- and six-day excursions take travelers to the heart of gray whale birthing grounds where the animals and their calves play, rest and investigate curious visitors. Hop aboard a small boat for guided encounters with these magnificent creatures in their temporary stopover grounds. Other memorable highlights include migratory-bird watching in a pristine salt marsh, visits to historic cave paintings and trips throughout the scenic desert coast of Baja.

Each trip travels by private motor coach with experienced naturalists.
Accommodations and most meals are included.

Reservations & information for all Baja tours: 800-661-1325 or www.andiamo-travel.com

Baja Weekend Whale Adventure (4 days)
Feb. 13-16 and March 12-15
$535 double occupancy
$665 single occupancy (subject to availability)

Whale Watching Safari (5 days)
Feb. 18-22 and March 25-29
$740 double occupancy
$920 single occupancy (subject to availability)

Whale Watching Expedition (6 days)
Feb. 25 - March 2
$885 double occupancy
$1,095 single occupancy (subject to availability)

For more information about Birch Aquarium at Scripps¹ whale programs and events, please call 858-534-7336 or visit http://aquarium.ucsd.edu

Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps:

Location:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.

Phone:
858-534-FISH

Website:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

Admission:
$11 Adult, 18+
$9 Senior, 60+
$7.50 Youth, 3-17
Free Children, 2 and under
Free Scripps Oceanographic Society Members

Directions:
From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive. West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.

Parking:
Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.