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Long Beach Fin Whales |
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 Southern California Fin Whale Description Sighting a Fin Whale during a Long Beach Whale Watching tour will certainly be breathtaking. At nearly 77 tons in weight and 90 feet in length at maturity, the Fin Whale, (a.k.a. the “Razorback Whale”) is one of the biggest mammals on earth. The only other animal grander than this sea giant is the Blue Whale (height, 100ft; weight, 150 tons), who is the single largest mammal known to man. However, the Fin Whale is famous for being a great deceiver of its true size. Owing to their amazing lengths, the Fin Whale can appear to be slimmer than they really are. Brownish-gray in color with a pale underbelly, this colossal creature also has a distinctively long dorsal fin that can be seen when the whale come to the surface for air. And coming to the surface is an arduous task for the Fin Whale. It begins with a brief rise
to the surface of the water to take in a number of breaths; followed by a long return to the ocean, where the animal dives as far down as 250 meters, remaining for 10 to 15 minutes thereafter. Finally, the Fin Whale resurfaces with a blowing a water spout that reaches high as 18 feet into the air! As a splendid finale to this the Fin Whale shows off its notorious, gravity-defying leap out of the water.
Southern California Fin Whale Population
Like their other relatives, the Fin Whale population, too faced imminent extinction as a result of whaling. Research has shown that in the span of 75 years, nearly three-quarters of a million Fin Whales have been killed. Today, the current population of Fin Whales stands at just 35,000. Despite the outlawing of whaling, there are several countries around the world where these whales are still killed for sport. Ships and noise pollution also continues to harm the livelihood of these animals.
Southern California Fin Whale Feeding Habits
A single Fin Whale can eat up to 4,000 lbs of food a day! The feeding process for theisanimals is an elaborate and remarkable one that begins with the whale swimming as deep as 650 feet into the ocean in search of schools of fish, krill, and other crustaceans. Cruising at a speed of 7 mph, the Fin Whale will approach the school of fish and swim swiftly around the fish in order to gather them into a tight circle. Then a sequence of grooves along its lower body allows for an incredible expansion of the throats, thereby enabling the Fin Whale to take in as much as 18,000 gallons of water in a single gulp! Finally, the Fin Whale will shut its jaws tight and push the excess water out the sides of its mouth. Its baleen acts as a filter, allowing the whale to hold on its food while simultaneously dispelling the water.
Southern California Fin Whale Migratory Patterns
Fin Whales prefer temperate environments and can be found in most oceans. They can be seen in Southern California throughout the year, but are particularly plentiful in the summer and winter. Fin whales are keenly sociable compared to many other whale populations. It is common practice for Fin Whales to swim in groups of 6 to 10 whales. Additionally, it is not uncommon for 100 Fin Whales to congregate during feeding time. Fin Whales can also move at impressive speeds of 25 mph in short bursts and 22 mph for extended periods of time.
Whale Watching in Long 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 Long Beach Whale Watching tours at 562-432-4900 and begin your adventure.
If you are in interested in Whale Watching in Long 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 ½ 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 Long Beach. Parking is never a problem and we are withinin walking distance from popular spots such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike, Shoreline Village, and Pine Street. Our Long Beach 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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