Health & Fitness
Blue Whales Are Coming
It's Blue Whale "season." Get on board early at the Ocean Institute for a chance to see the largest animal on Earth.
Few of nature’s experiences are as awesome as sighting a Blue Whale.
What can prepare you for a look at an animal as large as three school buses parked end to end? The Blue Whale is largest animal to have ever lived on Earth!
Dust off your sea gear and head out on an Ocean Institute Blue Whale Safari. This year’s first 5-hour Blue Whale Safari is around the corner on June 30.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Trust me. It’s never too early to reserve a spot for this E-ticket ride (for those Disneyland buffs who remember the ticket booklets). Other dates are July 7, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Sept. 1. Join our Captain and naturalists for a chance to be wide-eyed and speechless (except for the excited screams that escape).
Last year the Blues arrived about one month earlier than usual with sightings in early to mid-May. Some of last year’s early arrivals did more than pass through. A 70-footer lingered around, feeding in the krill layer about 300 feet down. The RV/Sea Explorer with students aboard witnessed the Blue Whale surfacing to take eight to 10 breaths.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I think the students’ gasps of amazement still linger in the air off shore.
10 Blue Whale Factoids
- 90-feet to 110-feet long
- Up to 150 tons (300,000 pounds)
- Fastest of the whales (cruising at 10 mph and speeds up to 30 mph)
- Calves consume 100 gallons of milk a day
- Favorite food: sea krill (and small fish)
- Only predators: Orcas and humans
- Move over AT&T, Verizon, etc. Under the right circumstances, they communicate over a distance as far as from Hawaii to California (no roaming fees)
- Home: all of the world’s oceans
- Science `stuff’: Cetacea (order), Mysticete (Baleen) (Suborder)
That barely scratches the surface about Blue Whales.
For the more insight into their habits and personalities and protected status, go for a Blue Whale Safari. The 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. cruise is for ages 8 to adult. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $55 ($49 Ocean Institute members).
Like rock star concerts, the Blue Whales draw crowds. Be sure to check for availability since the Blue Whales cruises sell out quickly.
You’ve been alerted. The Blue Whales are on the way.
