Whale Waching

Thar’ she blows! It’s whale-watching season again and the gray whales are making their way from the icy Alaskan waters to Baja, where they will give birth in warm waters. When the newborns are strong enough, they make the 6,000-mile trek back to the Arctic with their mothers. Here are a few outfits that will help you get the best view of the migration, which lasts until about mid-April.

* American Cetacean Society 20th Annual Around Catalina Island Cruise (Catalina Terminal, Long Beach, [310] 548-6279). This daylong expedition, Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., is led by John Olguin, director emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Olguin will provide information on whales, dolphins, seabirds, fish and other wildlife, as well as the history of Catalina Island. Adults (nonmembers), $40; adults (members) and seniors, $35; children 12 and under, $25.

* Cabrillo Whalewatch (Boats depart from four sites: 22nd St. Landing, San Pedro, [310] 832-8304; Redondo Sportfishing, Redondo Beach, [310] 372-2111; Catalina Cruises, Long Beach, [800] 228-2546; and Del Mar Sport Fishing, Marina del Rey, [310] 372-3712). Volunteer naturalists provide narration about whale behavior, feeding and migration habits, as well as other marine life and harbor history and geology on these 2 1/2- to 3-hour tours. $7-$15. Group rates available.

* Island Packers Cruises (Boats depart from Ventura Harbor, next to the Channel Islands National Park building at the end of Spinnaker Drive, or from Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard, [805] 642-1393). Weekend tours at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Ventura), or 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Oxnard). Some weekday tours. Adults, $22; children 12 and under, $15. Reservations recommended.

* Los Angeles Harbor Cruises (Village Boat House, Berth 78, Ports o’ Call Village, San Pedro, [310] 831-0996). Daily 2 1/2-hour narrated cruises at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. through mid-April. Adults, $12; children (6-12), $6; children under 6 free. One child free with paid adult on morning cruises.

* Dana Wharf Sportfishing (Next to Jolly Roger Restaurant, Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, [714] 496-5794). Whale-watching tours daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays an additional tour leaves at 8 a.m. Adults, $14; children 12 and under, $8. Weekdays a senior rate is available for $8. Reservations recommended.

* Orange County Marine Institute (24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, [714] 496-2274). Weekend cruises. Call for times. Marine biologist provides information on sea lions, dolphins and whales, and casts a net for sea urchins and sand to look at under an on-board microscope. Adults, $18; children under 12, $12. Reservations required.