The Winter of Whales! Several Species Spotted in the Waters Off Long Beach

January 13, 2017

Migrating gray whales, fin whales, orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sperm whales, and other animals have been spotted in the waters off Long Beach recently. On January 13, 2017, the Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises invite the media to set sail for the chance to see whales and dolphins in local waters while exploring current conservation issues. Members of the media will board the M/V La Espada, the specialized high-speed whale watching catamaran docked next to the Aquarium. Experts will delve into conservation issues affecting whales in these urban waters. Join us to learn more about the diversity of whale populations and other marine life found off the coast of Southern California.

Media will also be able to explore the Aquarium of the Pacific’s award-winning Whales: Voices in the Sea multimedia exhibit. As guests explore this exhibit, they will learn about the environmental threats facing gray, blue, North Atlantic right, humpback, sperm, and other whales. Press can preview the bilingual English-Spanish exhibit after their whale cruise. This exhibit was made possible by the Pacific Life Foundation and was developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography with the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The public can visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and embark on Harbor Breeze Cruises for a two- to two-and-a-half-hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts daily at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Gray Whale Watch combo ticket is available for purchase on site at Aquarium and may be purchased in advance by calling 562-590-3100. Prices are $49.95 adult ages 12+, $45.95 senior 62+, and $33.95 child (includes whale watch and Aquarium admission). Guests will be able to listen to the whales they see and can learn more about whale communication through the Aquarium’s interactive Whales: Voices in the Sea kiosk exhibit featuring the largest and smallest whales on the planet—the blue whale and the vaquita.