We are probably having an extended family vacation in San Diego the week between xmas and NY. I would like to do a whale watch tour at some point. I was hoping to go for only half a day. I understand that the gray whales can start migrating in December. So I am assuming that the last week of December should be productive for whale watching.

If so, what company would you recommend? We are actually staying in La Jolla if that makes a difference. The people who would definitely be going are me and husband plus our kids (ages 10 and 7). Not sure if aged Mother in law and sister in law would want to go (or could??). So I am looking for a company that would be kid friendly and very educational--my kids are animal nerds Thanks!

http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/o...+whalewatching

I think the whales can start their migrations and be off shore in San Diego mid-Dec so you should be ok.

This is just one of many companies, but it will give you some information to make comparisons.

I went on a morning whale-watching trip with Hornblower's a few days after Christmas two years ago, and we definitely did see whales. There were a lot of kids and adults both (of all ages!)

Bring gloves and/or a thick sweatshirt! It may be San Diego, CA, but on the Pacific ocean in December it can get COLD.

I will, however, give you a head's up: you may be a little bit disappointed if you have been whale-watching in New England before. Grey whales are less dramatic and harder to spot then than Humpbacks. I had a wonderful time just being out on the ocean and feeling the breeze and looking for whales, but it wasn't the same as whale-watching in the Atlantic.....

We have never been whale watching before so anything would be good. We did see a mom and baby break the surface and dive under when we were in Hawaii. But that's it.

Do grey whales just cruise along? Do they come out of the water? Or do you just see them blowing? (Clearly I know NOTHING about whales--desert and mountain animals yes, ocean life no)

They will come out of the water to breath every so often. I was driving along one day and happened to look over at the ocean and saw a whale breaching. I drove over to the little park area overlooking the water and a few people were there. The whale was pretty far offshore but still it was amazing to see.

The boats get fairly close to them so it should be pretty exciting.

Went on a Whale watching trip once (Hornblower) and it was fun - and we saw three? - but only for a few surfaces/spouts each. They are generally heading in the same direction for a few surface visits and then - poof - they are gone.

On just about every fall fishing trip - have also seen them - but again - only for brief moments, but still - quite a thrill.

The boat does get pretty close to them, and they come out to breathe. Sometimes you only see the spout, but sometimes you also see tail flukes, and even side breaching. For the most part, they don't come out of the water the way that you imagine dolphins doing...