Exploring Oceanside: Cruising With Minke Whales

OCEANSIDE, CA — Living near the ocean is among the greatest benefits of being an Oceansider. However, our lives often get so busy or distracted by global pandemics that we can forget the sheer joy of being on the water. We recently spent an afternoon getting a reminder.

We embarked on our 2-hour cruise from the Harbor aboard the Oceanside Adventures Luxury Catamaran with Captain Chris and Deckhand Ivy. There isn't a bad seat on the boat due to the unique flat style with seating all around the outside. In the front is the open-air section that sits just a few feet off the water so you feel incredibly close to the ocean. There is also a clear enclosed area in the back that has a galley with snacks and drinks available for purchase and is great for those that prefer a more relaxed and comfortable cruise.

Since it was a Tuesday there were just 16 of us on our cruise, well 17 if you count the friendly Rottweiler service dog accompanying an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Oceanside Adventures was marvelous about accommodating both the dog and the wheelchair.

Our trusty crew, Chris and Ivy were friendly, fun, helpful and demonstrated their seafaring skills throughout the cruise. Upon boarding, Captain Chris welcomed us, reviewed the safety guidelines and let us know what we could expect on our cruise.

After heading about 8 miles west offshore Chris spotted something in the water and as we got closer explained that we were about to encounter Minke Whales, the smallest whale in the region.

Apparently, the 2 whales Chris spotted were as interested in us as we were in them because they allowed us to cruise nearby for over half an hour while they went under and around us numerous times. Everyone got excited when we'd see them come up for air, but it was even more wondrous to see them glide by just under the water's surface because of their bluish-white glow that was absolutely breathtaking. All of us on the boat felt incredibly privileged to have interacted with the Minkes.

After leaving the whales behind, Captain Chris cruised south full steam ahead towards San Diego. It was a perfect day for boating with the temperatures in the mid-70s and partly cloudy skies that kept it from getting too hot, while we all enjoyed the beauty of the California coastline.

Despite intense searching by Chris and Ivy we did not come across any other sea life until we headed back north toward Oceanside and came across a floating Sea Lion buoy. While the Rottweiler had not shown much interest in the Minke whales, he perked right up when we saw the Sea Lions, who seemed completely unconcerned about our presence beside them.

As we headed back to shore we were all struck by the beauty of the Oceanside Pier and Harbor when viewed from the ocean and we were reminded of just how fortunate we are to live in such a spectacular locale as Oceanside. Inside the harbor, the sights continued as we passed sailboats, kayakers and standup paddlers. You get the feeling as everyone waved and greeted each other that there is a sense of kinship with everyone else on the water recognizing and acknowledging it.

Enjoy this video filmed by Deckhand Ivy

For locals looking to explore offshore, Oceanside Adventures offers a variety of specials including discounts for Seniors, Kids Ride Free in October and coming soon an O'side Savers Special for locals only. Check their website for details and special events throughout the year like their Wine cruise on the first Saturday of each month featuring Beach House Winery.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how we can improve Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Patch? Interested in advertising your business in Oceanside? Email any inquiries to me at lisa.frost@patch.com.

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