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Gray Whale Migration
Up
Endangered Gray Whale
Gray Whale Migration
Gray Whale Enemies
Gray Whale Habitat
Gray Whale Migration
The migration route of the Eastern Pacific, or California, Gray Whale is
often described as the longest known mammal migration. Beginning in the Bering
and Chukchi seas and ending in the warm-water lagoons of Mexico’s Baja
peninsula, their round trip journey moves them through 12,500 miles of
coastline.
This journey begins each October as the northern ice pushes southward.
Travelling both night and day, Gray whales average approximately 120 km (80
miles) per day. By mid-December to early January, the majority of the Gray
whales are usually found between Monterey and San Diego, where they are often
seen from shore.
By late December to early January, the first of the Gray Whales begin to arrive
the calving lagoons of Baja. These first whales to arrive are usually pregnant
mothers that look for the protection of the lagoons to give birth to their
calves, along with single females seeking out male companions in order to mate.
By mid-February to mid-March the bulk of the Gray Whales have arrived the
lagoons. It is at this time that the lagoons are filled to capacity with
nursing, calving and mating Gray Whales.
The three primary lagoons that the whales seek in Baja California are Scamnon's
(named after a notorious whale hunter in the 1850's who discovered the lagoons
and later became one of the first protectors of the Greys), San Ignacio and
Magdalena. As noted, the Greys were called the devil fish until the early 1970's
when a fisherman in the Laguna San Ignacio named Pachico Mayoral (although
terrified to death) reached out and touched a Grey mother that kept approaching
his boat. Today the whales in Laguna San Ignacio are protected but it is
possible to visit a whale camp there and have the same experience that Pachico
had.
Throughout February and March, the first Gray Whales to leave the lagoons are
the males and single females. Once they have mated, they will begin the trek
back north to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas.
Pregnant females and nursing mothers with their newborn calves are the last to
leave the lagoons. They leave only when their calves are ready for the journey,
which is usually from late March to mid-April. Often there are still a few
lingering Gray Whale mothers with their young calves in the lagoons well into
May.
A population of about 2000 gray whales stay along the Oregon coast throughout
the summer, not making the farther trip to Alaska waters.
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The Skipper's Corner
"The Legendary Captain" Ron King, Owner Operator
of Sea King Adventures, has over 35 years of experience
in the beautiful waters around Victoria and Vancouver Island. He is a certified
Master Skipper with naturalist and conservation education.
Since staring in business in 1995 Ron boasts a perfect
safety record.
Born and raised in Victoria, Captain Ron has over 30 years
of professional marine experience - including 25 years of commercial fishing and
11 years whale watching.
Like his father before him, going to sea is the only life he’s known. He began
his career as a deckhand on board his father’s fishing boat "Five Kings II" at
the tender age of 11. By the time he was 20, he owned and operated his first
fishing vessel, "Aquarius".
In 1995, with the commercial fishery in decline, he
discovered his passion and purpose in whale watching and founded SeaKing
Adventures Inc.
Because SeaKing Adventures is Victoria’s only 100% family owned and
operated marine tour company, Ron’s commitment to quality, safety and
satisfaction is guaranteed! His central location on board the vessel allows him
to provide Victoria’s most comprehensive fully narrated, totally interactive and
personalized tours. Boasting a spotless safety record and sightings guarantee,
Ron’s qualifications and experience combine to make him the city’s premier
guide.
Our vessel can accommodate groups of 12 comfortably and is
Canadian Coast Guard inspected annually. The soft riding boat has comfy leather
seats, an onboard toilet and is equipped with all the latest in GPS, radar and
communications apparatus. Safety survival suits are supplied for each passenger.
Passengers can all expect a exciting, educational, safe and
comfortable tour of the area whales and wildlife.
Reservations
Recommended Book early!
2009 Rates
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(250) 381-4173
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