Each winter, in a dramatic pilgrimage of nature, California gray whales embark on an amazing 7,000-mile trek from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to their winter breeding grounds at the tip of Baja California near Cabo San Lucas.  Luckily for San Diego visitors, sportfishing and cruise companies have made it easy to sail the coastline in search of these magnificent mammals. Head out late in the season as they journey back to Alaska, and you just might spot calves cavorting alongside their moms.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Whale-watching tours typically run from 90 minutes to half a day.  Prices vary by length, type of vessel and amenities.  Here in SD, Hornblower Cruises and Events partners with the San Diego Natural History Museum to offer 3.5 hour tours that include San Diego's Big Bay landmarks, narrative about marine life and the new onboard Whale Exhibit.  Experts from Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla guide trips offered by San Diego Harbor Excursion. And Helgren's large cruise boats take up to 140 passengers to scan the horizon for tell-tale signs of whales.

NATURAL WONDERS
Like most natural wonders, whales don't appear on a set schedule, though boat skippers have a knack for finding them on almost every trip.  Some cruises offer free return trips if you don't spot any whales.  But whale watchers are rarely bored.  Friendly bottlenose dolphins love to show off near cruise boats to entertain passengers.  California sea lions may lounge on harbor buoys - or poke their noses out of the water to watch strange critters (namely, you) float by.  The whale migration is a special miracle of nature that thrills adults and kids alike, and could well be the high point of your visit.  If you decide to go, dress warmly, bring sunscreen and sunglasses - and don't forget your camera.

LEARN MORE
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
858-534-7336  www.aquarium.ucsd.edu
• Helgren's
760-722-2133  www.helgrensportfishing.com
• Hornblower Cruises and Events
888-HORNBLOWER  www.hornblower.com
• San Diego Harbor Excursion
619-234-4111  www.sdhe.com
• San Diego Natural History Museum
619-232-3821  www.sdnhm.org
Adult: $25 / Senior: $20
Jr. 15-16: $20 / Child: $15
For Adult Discount 5