Today, I decided to take le kid whale watching in Newport Beach. He loves marine life and I figured it would be a good way to end the year with yet another adventure. Despite living in L.A. my entire life, I’d never been whale watching, so after I peeped a deal for $20 tickets, I decided to jump on it.
Le kid and I arrived in Newport Beach at about 2pm to take the last cruise of the day. I figured it might be a little cold, so I brought along a really warm sweater. Although it was a little cool, it was bright and sunny outside, so I thought we’d have a beautiful trip.
And we did…for a while. We boarded the boat (which was packed!), and le kid was all smiles. He talked up a storm as we jetted through the ocean, pointing out birds and using our rented binoculars.
Our ocean jaunt started off quite promising as we spotted several bottle-nose dolphins and some seals (or sea lions, I always mix them up). Everyone excitedly crowded to the side of the boat to snap pictures and shoot video of the dolphins. Le kid yelled excitedly, and I was hopeful we’d see some whales.
As we ventured further into the Pacific, the weather got VERY cold and the sun disappeared behind the clouds. Immediately there was a huge patch of fog, and I began to get a little worried that we wouldn’t see any whales. Le munchkin found a seat (and almost fell asleep), while I kept watch for the whales.
(See what I mean!)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VGZxJN-KmQ]
Although we didn’t spot any…and being on the ocean was FREEZING…riding the waves was very peaceful. I marveled at the vastness of the ocean and the tranquil nature of it all. I’ve always loved the water, but believe it or not, I’ve never been that far out on a boat. It was beautiful and I’m definitely doing it again (and on a lager scale, cruise anyone?).
Because we didn’t spot any whales and because it was such a foggy day, the company–Newport Landing Whale Watching–gave everyone free passes to return for another trip (and because I’m so nice & chatted with a woman from New Mexico who was leaving tonight, she gave me hers as well. Score!). I really appreciated the free passes because le kid and I were bummed we didn’t get to see any whales. So we’ll definitely be back for another shot at seeing them!
Have you ever been whale watching?
Awesome experience. I’ve never been whale watching either. Need to try it. You all should also go to Catalina Island for a weekend. It’s just one of those things you should do living in LA. 🙂
Very true! I’ve never been to Catalina, but I’m definitely going in 2012!
Sign me up. I’ve never been to Catalina either.
I’ve been meaning to go on a nice whale watching experience for years but like you, never got around to it! So glad you got to experience a peaceful boat ride. Too bad about the fog though! What a great experience for Le Kid!
I enjoyed reading this post. I live in L.A. and I don’t think I’ve been to Newport Beach. I’ve taken my daughters to San Pedro on the short boat ride (good for young first timers on a boat). I visited Catalina Island as a teen, but not as an adult, so I’d like to visit there again as well. I’m looking forward to reading more posts on your blog.
Thanks for reading, Chloma.
You know…I’ve never been to Catalina and I’ve lived here most of my life. Must change that. Thanks for the reminder.