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Los Angeles Fin Whales |
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 Southern California Fin Whale Description The Fin Whale, also known as the Razorback Whale, is a unique looking creature that makes for a beautiful sighting during a Whale Watching tour in Newport Beach. This is because the Fin Whale has a way of deceiving the eye. While they appear to be rather small in the water, Fin Whales are in fact the second largest mammal in the world, next to the Blue Whale. Known more for their impressive, size-deceiving lengths (like 90 feet!), Fin Whales have been estimated to weigh about 77 tons (though no formal weigh-in has ever been achieved). Its other physical traits include: a brownish-gray coat, a light-colored underbelly, and a long dorsal fin, that is mostly exposed during a blow from their blowhole.
These whales can blow a “water spout”, as it is referred to, that can reach up to 18 feet high!
Another remarkable feat of these enormous animals is just how gracefully they can launch their bodies out of the water. After each jump out of the water, the Fin Whale will remain at the water’s surface for about 60 to 90 seconds so that it can take in several breaths. These breaths sustains their oxygen capacity for when they finally return to the ocean, when they then swim as far down as 250 feet. They will then stay at these depths for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Fin Whales are also known to be the fastest swimmer of any other whale. They can swim as fast as 25 mph for short periods of time when they feel the need to move fast, but are able to sustain a 22 mph speed, if necessary for longer timespans.
Southern California Fin Whale Population
Whaling, or the hunting of whales, devastated most if not every whale population on earth back in the early 20th century. The Fin Whale population, in particular, was severely destroyed during this period. In fact, one finding concluded that over the span of 75 years, almost 750,000 Fin Whales were slaughtered by whalers. Today, its worldwide population stands at just around 35,000. Despite an international ban on whaling, this popular sport is still illegally practiced in various regions of the world and Fin Whales remain a choice target. Sadly, because of whalers, as well as collisions with ships, and noise pollution, Fin Whales continue to fight for survival today.
Southern California Fin Whale Feeding Habits
Fin Whales prefer eating a variety of fish as well as crustaceans and krill. It seems ironic that Fin Whales can sustain their massive bodies by feeding on creatures whose own sizes pale in comparison; but they do manage to stay alive by eating as much as 4,000lbs of food every day. Naturally, when catching these small creatures, the large mouths of these whales also scoop up a considerable amount of water---as much as 18,000 gallons in a single mouthful! However, most of the water is not swallowed. Instead, the whale expels the water through its baleen, an appendage that acts as a filter that allows food to be retained while an excessive amount of water and other unwanted elements are excreted from the mouth.
There is one notable hunting behavior that Fin Whales use when preying on schools of fish. They begin by encircling the fish in swift, but controlled speeds. This enables the whale to gather their prey close together. This method of herding allows for more fish to be consumed at one time. After enough fish have been collected, the whale will turn the fish onto its sides and consume them. Typically, Fin Whales will have to dive as far as 650 feet deep into the ocean to find food.
Southern California Fin Whale Migratory Patterns
Fin Whales have been seen swimming through almost every large body of water in the world, but they are most comfortable in temperate climates. This is why Fin Whales can be seen swimming in the calm Southern California waters throughout the year. They are especially populous in the summers and winters when they migrate by the masses to the area. Speaking of the masses, Fin Whales are naturally companionable. It is not usual for them to travel in pods, or groups with 6 to 10 other Fin Whales. Sometimes, when food is plentiful, there can be as many as 100 whales congregated in a single area.
Whale Watching in Newport Beach
Though Fin Whale populations have been thinned because of whaling, there are still many opportuinites to see these amazing creatures year round. To experience the beauty of the fin whale call our Newport Beach Whale Watching tours at 562-432-4900 and begin your adventure.
If you are in interested in Whale Watching in Newport Beach, we conduct tours seven days a week with tours beginning at 12 and 3 p.m. You might want to arrive early because our tours fill up quickly. Tours will generally last from 2 to 2 ˝ hours. Below is ticket pricing and information regarding group rates:
Individual Ticket Prices – Two Hour to 2 ½ Hour Cruise
Adults $30
Seniors (62 and over) $25
Children (11 and under) $18
Children (2 and under) FREE!
Ticket Prices for groups of 25 or more.
Adults $22
Seniors (62 and over) $18
Children (11 and under) $12
Children (2 and under) FREE!
You can order your tickets online by clicking the button, or calling 562-432-4900. If you have a discount coupon, please present it at the ticket booth.
We look forward to seeing you and continuing to make us your destination for the best whale watching in Newport Beach. Parking is never a problem and we are within walking distance from popular spots such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike, Shoreline Village, and Pine Street. Our Los Angeles Whale Watching Tours are a great time for anyone regardless of age. We look forward to providing you with a memory that will exceed your expectations.
For more information on different California whales or other sea life in California, please click on one of the link below:
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