When my hubby asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday this year, I told him I wanted to see whales to try out my new camera lens.
Where can you see whales? Actually, not that far from where we live: Long Beach Harbor.
Highly recommended by a photographer friend, we picked Harbor Breeze Cruises because of their experience providing whale watching cruises in Long Beach for over 18 years.
Although not
guaranteed because animals are unpredictable, we saw several gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and lots and lots of seagulls...talk about picking the right tour!
Our tour boat was a double-deck 65 foot, 149 passenger vessel, which provided ample space to meander and relax as we got out into the ocean. While Frank mostly chatted with midwest tourists on the outdoor seating area and enjoyed the snacks he bought at the snack bar, I walked around the outside viewing area to get a full view of the ocean in the hopes I would see a whale...
The tour operator was great and would call out when a whale, dolphin, or any other marine animal was in sight to prepare our cameras....and boy was that awesome!Coincidently I connected with a professional photographer that takes the tour every month. So while she was shooting on her pro camera, she would turn to me to give me tips.
Call it my birthday field trip!
I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday because I got the gift I wanted: I SAW WHALES and was able to immortalize the moment by getting my most sought-after me-gift: PHOTOS!
These are a a few photos of the last whale we saw during our tour:
Harbor Breeze Cruises is located in Rainbow Harbor adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific at Dock #2. Exit the 710 South, follow the signs to the aquarium. [click for directions]
The two-hour tour Whale and Dolphin Tour, which typically runs November through April 30 was $35. Harbor Cruises offers seniors discounted tickets for only $30; while tickets for Children 11 and under is $25, and children two and under can ride for free.
Ana Lydia
