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Long Beach Minke Whale Watching |
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 Southern California Minke Whale Description
The Minke whale is considered the smallest relative of the baleen whale family. It typically does not get any bigger than 6-8 meter long and weighs about a maximum of 4-5 tons. But, although rare, there are some adult Minke whales that have been known to weigh as much as 13 tons. Minke whales may be one of the smallest whales in the ocean, but they make up one of the world’s largest whale populations. Because they are abundant, Minke whales can be seen very often during whale watching cruises. This is why the Minke whales are a favorite sighting of whale watching spectators. Minke Whales can often be recognized by their varying dark gray to black color and white underbelly. Like other whales, Minke whales can also dive deep into the water and remain at these depths anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes. They also enjoy coming to the surface. When they do so, Minke Whales will often expose their dorsal fin, blowhole, and much of their backs. The Minke whales can swim at a speed of about 13-15 mph.
Southern California Minke Whale Population
The true numbers of the Minke whale population is the object of much debate. Some researchers will say that it is as low as 338,000, while other experts believe that it is as high as 900,000 worldwide. Japanese whaling experts generally encourage the greater numbers. But the International Whaling Committee is expected to determine the actual worldwide number of Minke Whales over the next few years.
Southern California Minke Whale Feeding Habits
As a baleen whale, the Minke Whale has a “baleen” or a filter that enables it to catch and eat even the tiniest sea creatures, including microscopic plankton. While they usually eat small fish like the herring and the capelin, the Minke Whale will choose to eat whatever is available at the time just to sustain their growth.
Southern California Minke Whale Migratory Patterns
Minke Whales can be found in nearly all the oceans throughout the world, except in tropical waters. Not much is documented about the migratory patterns of the Minke whale, but it is known that they do migrate in the North American region between Canada and California.
Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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, please click on the link below:
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