Have a Whale of a Time in Long Beach

Harbor Breeze Cruises see: longbeachcruises.com
100 Aquarium Way, Dock 2,
Rainbow Harbor
Long Beach, CA
(562) 432-4900

We recently ventured out on our first whale watching tour of the season aboard the impressive, especially designed Harbor Breeze ship, Christopher. It has a cool, outdoor stadium seating section in the bow (front), where you can see (and hear) marine life up close and personal and listen to wonderful narration of what you're seeing from veteran Captain Bill Collins and Marine Biologist Dee Ann Auten of Aquarium of the Pacific.

Once at sea, the knowledgeable captain guided us to a pod of more than 100 porpoises, who swam for miles right next to the ship. Captain Collins cut our speed so we could enjoy them even more. We were literally surrounded by these beautiful creatures, whose smooth swimming styles, endurance and speed, made us wish they were performing for the U.S.A. at this year's London Olympics.

The gracefulness with which these mammals move effortlessly through the water gave us a deep appreciation for the beauty here on Earth. They accompanied us for miles before the captain guided the vessel to an ocean buoy so we could catch a close look at a group of Sea Lions, one male, surrounded by several females, atop the buoy. He looked like king of his domain until a stronger male comes along. These characters could care less that a boat had arrived and was circling them. They knew we weren't a threat and only a couple rolled an eye to acknowledge our existence.

"Part of the fun of a whale watching trip is being the one who first spots a whale," said the Aquarium's Auten. "We tell all the passengers to look for water spouts and other giveaways that a whale is nearby." (Reminded me of Moby Dick--"Thar she blows!") Ship captains and marine biologists have said they have never seen more blue whales--the biggest mammal of the sea--than in recent years.

"When we spot one, we'll sometimes turn off our engine," said Capt. Collins, who has been plying the seas in fishing boats, tugboats, tour boats and other vessels for many decades. "Some whales are curious and come over to check us out. They all come up for air before disappearing beneath the sea in search of food. They are really something to see."

Heading back to homeport, we passed many Harbor Seals, basking in the large rocks that form a harbor wall. I didn't see them at first because they blend so well with the rocks that came from Catalina Island. But once you spot one, just check out the neighboring boulders and walla--you'll see many Harbor Seals of various shapes, sizes and colors.

We recommend the Harbor Breeze Whale Watching Cruise because of the unusual adventure--never sure what you're going to see, what you're going to catch in your camera lens as well as the unique sounds you'll capture at sea. The tour personnel--from the captains to marine biologists to first mates and snack bar attendants--are all very friendly, helpful and trained to make sure you're having a whale of a time.

Note: We were first introduced to Harbor Breeze Cruises when they offered tours to see the battleship USS Iowa arriving in Southern California.