Additional information
| Dates (Blue Whales CA) |
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Blue Whales and Blue Sharks in San Diego
Location
San Diego, California
Guests
4
Dates
2020
June 13 – 20
June 20 – 27
Duration
7 Days
Transportation
Counter Shade dive boat
Activities
Snorkeling with blue whales
Diving with sharks, dolphins and mola mola
Surface photography
Conditions
Temperature
Water 66 – 72°F (19 – 22°C)
Land 70+°F (21+°C)
Expedition Summary
Free diving with blue whales is filled with the excitement, anticipation, and joy that are the defining qualities of true exploration. This experience deepens understanding and appreciation of our ocean realm, the lifeblood of our planet.
During this expedition, a scout plane lifts off from Montgomery Field to locate the exact location of the whales while we depart from Dana Point or Mission Bay on the Humboldt dive boat. Designed for divers, it has an overall length of 40 feet with a 14-foot beam. Employing the use of a scouting plane has proved repeatedly to be the best way to locate Blue Whales and is the method we used when filming for both BBC and national Geographic. Our accomplished pilot has worked with us for the last seven years and knows exactly what to look for when scouting for blue whales. Despite their huge size, they are easy for an inexperienced eye to miss, but our skilled pilot spots them every time. He looks for red algae, a popular food for blue whales, as well as their characteristic breathing blows.
Price
2020
$10,800 per person
Trip costs, and dates are subject to change without prior notice until deposits are completed.
Weather, surface and water temperatures, and animal behavior are all subject to change. Our information is correct as of the last season.
Expedition Leader
Question? Contact Us
Trip Details
Each kayak is paddled and maneuvered into position by expert master kayakers. We wait topside in the warm air and inviting west coast sunshine for just the right moment to quietly slip into cool, blue water. This perfect combination of temperatures is ideal for blue whales. We primarily snorkel with the blue whales, but if you are a skilled freediver, this is also possible. With less than 5m (15ft) of water separating you from these graceful and gigantic denizens of the sea, you are sure to come away from the expedition with a deeper understanding of and connection to these amazing animals we are lucky enough to share our water planet with.
Following your arrival and hotel check-in, we will discuss camera gear and settings, logistics and whale viewing strategy during the evening briefing and dinner. For the next five days, we will operate from Mission Bay. Weather permitting (there is an occasional wait for the marine layer to lift) the spotter plane will leave as early as possible in the morning. our pilot will scan a radius of 15 to 25 miles between San Diego and Mexico searching for blue whales for up to four hours.
Already headed in the same direction as the scout plane, our boat will stop if we site any bait balls, mola molas, whales, sharks, sea lions, or other marine animals. The blue whales are the main attraction, but we often have the opportunity to get in the water and photograph a variety of other amazing sea creatures. You may also choose to spend a day flying in the scout plane for aerial photography. Our boat skipper is an additional observer and maintains constant contact with the pilot plane.
Each kayak is paddled and maneuvered into position by expert master kayakers. We wait topside in the warm air and inviting west coast sunshine for just the right moment to quietly slip into cool, blue water. This perfect combination of temperatures is ideal for blue whales. We primarily snorkel with the blue whales, but if you are a skilled freediver, this is also possible. With less than 5m (15ft) of water separating you from these graceful and gigantic denizens of the sea, you are sure to come away from the expedition with a deeper understanding of and connection to these amazing animals we are lucky enough to share our water planet with.
Day 1
Arrive and prepare equipment
Days 2–6
Free dive with blue whales and blue sharks from Mission Bay
Day 7
Return home
What’s Included
- 6 days free diving with blue whales and blue sharks
- Spotter plan assistance every other day, up to 4 hours per day
- 4 two-person kayaks with an expert kayaker to take us quickly and quietly to the whales
- Lunch and snacks on board
- Expedition leader
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol and soft drinks (soda)
- Unspecified meals
- Hotel arrangements
- SCUBA gear (snorkeling only)
- Overweight luggage
- Items not listed in what’s included
- Insurance (travel, health, and diving insurance mandatory)
- Personal charges such as laundry, fishing, or telecommunication charges
- Gratuities
While accommodations are your responsibility, this BigAnimal Expedition operates at the height of San Diego tourist season. We suggest that as soon as you sign on to this trip, your book your airline and hotel reservations.
Hotel Suggestions
Haytt – Mission Bay
Dana – Mission Bay
Book flights to San Diego
Expedition Gallery
Reservations
A deposit of 33% of the total trip price is required to secure space on the trip.
You may reserve now by paying through our online booking system or by by mailing a check to the address below
Deposit Amount Below ($USD)
Reserve Online with 33% Deposit
Reserve by Check
Please mail deposit check to:
BigAnimals Expeditions
189 Evans Avenue, Suite A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
Contact BigAnimals
Payment policy and deposit
When we receive your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive and detailed trip preparation document about the experience and the destination. All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. All trips require you carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit.
Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
Cancellation policy
- Must be made in writing.
- More than 90 days before trip: Amount paid will be refunded less unrecoverable costs from promotional sales, administration costs, and processing fees.
- 90 days or less before trip: No refund will be made unless space is sold, less unrecoverable costs from promotional sales, administration costs, and processing fees.
- No refund is made for unused parts of the itinerary.