Blue Whale Nature Cruise Sailing From San Diego Bay

Friday, 24 July 2009
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

For a limited time only, San Diego residents and visitors can see blue whales up close.

Port of San Diego tenant H&M Landing, located on Shelter Island, is offering blue whale cruises through the month of September. The brand new adventure takes passengers on an 8-hour cruise off the Pacific Coast where whales, some as long as 100 feet in length and weighing up to 190 tons, are being spotted nine to 30 miles offshore.

“This trip was exciting because it was the first time I’ve seen a blue whale up close,” said James H. Murphy Jr., a resident of San Diego. “I think it’s important because it lets us know we’re just a very small part of nature and there are things that are much larger, especially after seeing the blue whales that were probably larger than this boat.”

“We also spotted a couple of blue whale calves,” said passenger Rochelle Dickenson. “There were mothers who had their babies with them.”

According to National Geographic, the whales can be found alone or in groups in every ocean on the planet. Their exact migratory patterns remain a mystery but can travel from Costa Rica to Alaska.

“The Blue Whales come (to San Diego) mainly during the summer months. Everybody knows the grey whales but nobody understands how many Blue Whales there are out there and how virtually extinct they are,” said Capt. Spencer Salmon of Horizon Charters.

The cruise begins at 9 a.m. and returns about 5 p.m. The sightings are breathtaking – well worth the $100 adult price and $80 for children. H&M's fleet of whale watching vessels are built for the open sea. Spacious and comfortable, they provide outdoor and indoor seating, galley lounges with hot food and beverage service.

The cruises also include commentary and interpretation by staff from H&M’s partners, the San Diego Natural History Museum.

For more information visit H&M Landing.com or call 619-222-1144. Shelter Island also offers many hotels for overnight accommodations. All Big Bay® hotels are offering discounts of up to 30 percent off through Labor Day.