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Whale Watching – Santa Barbara, California
The last time I went whale watching was a great loss of innocence for me, like the time you first realize your parents aren’t perfect or that (spoilers) Santa Clause isn’t real. We weren’t thirty minutes from the coast of Juneau, Alaska when the naturalist on board the ferry pointed out a family of Bald Eagles in the nearby trees. Heads snapped to the starboard side and eyes bulged forward in wonder as two white specks darted from treetop to treetop in elegant jaunts.
As the ferry closed the gap it became easier and easier to make out the majestic birds, mighty American symbols standing with pride and preternatural wisdom. But something was off; a turbulent whistle on the wind that not a one of us could place. It seemed to call back and forth between what we suspected were mama and papa eagle. It couldn’t be: were these great and powerful birds … chirping?
The naturalist said, “But of course they are.” Turns out, that menacing scream that has set the tone of so many desolate scenes out on the western range is only made by the red-tailed hawk. It’s cold-blooded Hollywood propaganda. Bald eagles chirp like blue jays.
Needless to say, I was crushed! But you can avoid such perilous revelations of your own by avoiding the coast of Alaska and its hurtful truths and instead doing your whale watching off the coast of Southern California, near Santa Barbara to be specific.
The height of the Gray Whale watching season strikes the west coast in mid-January, but only lasts until early February so the time to act is now. Pretty much the accepted authority on Whale Watching out of Santa Barbara is Condor Express. During the winter season they offer one half-day cruise per day, so reservations are recommended. Seasonal animals include Gray Whales obviously (and in copious quantity), dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions and the occasional orca. Excursions also include an ecological tour of the coastline. They’re confident enough to offer a guarantee, as well, so that’s always nice.
For Santa Barbara hotels, consider the Holiday Inn Santa Barbara – Goleta. They provide a shuttle to and from Santa Barbara airport, and being a Holiday Inn, offer a family-friendly price/atmosphere.
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