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The Brief

The most important stories for you to know today
  • The L.A. Report
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  • News
    Find Orcas In SoCal
    A quick guide to whale watching
    By  Julia Paskin
    Published December 23, 2023 8:27 AM

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    A mostly black orca with a white chin and circle around it eye is in profile breaching above ocean water enough to reveal its head and dorsal fin. The fins of three other orcas are seen in in the background.
    A pod of orcas
    (
    NOAA
    )
    Orcas are hard to spot in Southern California but not impossible.

    Why now: After spending nearly a week in the Los Angeles and Orange counties, a pod of orcas appear to be moving south.

    Migration season: Orcas are most active while migrating through our waters in the spring so you may be able to see them in just a few more months. Depending on migration patterns, our coast features blue whales, gray whales, humbacks, minkes, and more. Not to mention dolphins and some of their closer relatives.

    Read on...to find out where to whale watch in Southern California

    Orcas are hard to spot in Southern California but not impossible.

    They are most active while migrating through our waters in the spring so you may be able to see them in just a few more months.

    But there are all kinds of majestic marine mammals near us year-round.

    Depending on migration patterns, our coast features blue whales, gray whales, humbacks, minkes, and more. Not to mention dolphins and some of their closer relatives.

    Sometimes you can see them from the shoreline or while out surfing, but it’s best to get away further out to sea on a boat. A handful of local companies operate whale watching tours and they handle the tracking for you.

    Pro-tip: It can get windy out there so bring a jacket and hold onto your hat! Sunscreen is also a good idea.

    Where to Whale Watch In Southern California
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