Gray Whale PicturesThese gray whale pictures will show you what to look for when you go whale watching along the California coast. Gray whales are the most commonly seen whale, so it pays to learn how to spot them. More than 20,000 gray whales migrate along the California coast from November through March, though stragglers can be seen even later. These whales make the longest migration of any animal, but sometimes they like to just hang around in areas where the eating is particularly good. (Don't we all?) Since they like to travel in groups (pods), they're not hard to spot. Just look for the "blows" - like a giant water fountain up to 14 feet high.
Gray Whale BreachingThis gray whale is jumping out of the water (breaching).
Photo by Camille Goebel, NMML
Gray Whale's Head Close-UpSometimes whales will come up close to whale watching boats, so you could get a close up view like this.
Photo by Dave Withrow, NMML
Gray Whale SpyhoppingThis gray whale is poking its head out of the water to take a look around. This behavior is called "spy-hopping." Whales use their powerful flukes to propel themselves out of the water this way.
Photo by NOAA's Ark Collection
Gray Whale's BlowHere you see the gray whale's distinctive blow. Notice that the blow is "split" like a V.
Photo by Dave Withrow, NMML
More California Whale Watching InformationWhale Watching California StyleBest Places for California Whale Watching Best Places for California Whale Watching Tours California Whale Watching Festivals More Gray Whale Pictures Blue Whale Pictures More Blue Whale Pictures Humpback Whale Pictures More Humpback Whale Pictures All photos are courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Marine Mammal Laboratory.
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