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Newport Beach Harbor Seal Watching |
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 Southern California Harbor Description
The Southern California Port Harbor Seal is referred to by several different names. Along with being known as the “So Cal Port Harbor Seal”, it is also often called the “Common Seal’. Scientists classify them as pinnipeds, or ‘fin-footed’ animals. These Harbor Seals are found in most regions around the world including: the Baltic Seas, the North Seas, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In any given season, these creatures can be seen sitting atop the ocean-dampened, sun-kissed rocks of the Long Beach, California harbor. Physically, Harbor Seals vary in color from gray to brown. Their average 6-foot frame weighs around 300 pounds. V-shaped nostrils are one of their most distinctive traits. Interestingly, females Harbor Seals tend to live a decade longer than males, who survive 35 years at the most.
Southern California Harbor Seal Population
Based on the latest numbers, there are approximately 500,000 Harbor Seals existing in the world today. While such strength in numbers should be celebrated, these statistics only apply to the general population of Harbor Seals. The reality is that there are several subspecies of Harbor seals who are teetering on the brink of endangerment. Specifically, Harbor Seals that live in Greenland, Hokkaido, and the Baltic Sea areas have become especially vulnerable to potential extinction. Experts pinpoint illegal seal hunters as the primary culprits. But recent reports show that the newest threats to Harbor Seals are fishermen who kill these animals as a means of protecting their fisheries. Ironically, it is the commercial fishermen's fishing nets that cause more injury and death to these seals than anything else.
Southern California Harbor Seal Feeding Habits
The Harbor Seal enjoys eating a rainbow of sea life including cod, herring, mackerel, menhaden, and sea bass. While fish is the primary food source, these seals will also feed on crab, shrimp, and squid when it is available. Homebodies in many ways, Harbor Seals only travel far when they are in searching food. They will journey as much as 50 kilometers from their homes to find a copious food source. To add to these 50 kilometers, Harbor Seals must also swim as deep as 1,500 feet into the water, and for as long as 3 minutes during a single hunt.
Los Angeles Whale Watching conducts whale and dolphin watching cruises seven days a week with tours at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. It is a good idea to arrive early as these cruises do fill up quickly. Tours usually last from two to two and a half hours. Ticket prices are as follows:
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 Los Angeles Whale Watching your choice for whale watching in southern California. We offer convenient parking and are located near many area attractions such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Lighthouse and Queen Mary as well as excellent shopping and restaurant so you can make a day of it. Whale watching is a wonderful experience regardless of age. We can’t wait to provide the best whale watching in southern California experience possible.
For more information on other Southern California Whales and other California sea life, please click on the link below:
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