Pacific Nature Tours

A great day for whale watching and the Coronado Islands...Pacific Nature Tours

A couple of weeks ago we found a deal on Living Social for an 8 hour whale watching cruise for just $69. Since I can't spend enough time on boats and the deal was so great we bought. Today we used our vouchers and we want to go again, although considering the normal price of $195, we probably won't be able to unless we find another deal.

Growing up in Coastal Southern California harbor tours are one of those things your family does every now and then, like going to the zoo or Disneyland. Since moving to San Diego I've gone much more frequently, because I'm an adult and can buy a ticket whenever I want. I would not recommend taking your kids on this trip though, and not because they might be loud or annoying but because they will be bored to death. The trip is great but it's 8 hours on a boat that you can't leave. There were some very exciting moments but there's a lot of just cruising along in between. There was a couple who brought their 2 grandchildren and although they were very well-behaved kids, you could tell that they were dying of boredom at points. That being said, even though their web site says it's great for families, if you don't bring the kids you've got to go!

The tour goes down to the Coronado Islands, off the coast of Baja California, Mexico but you don't need your passport, people are not allowed on the islands. One of the things I loved most about this trip is, as I mentioned above, harbor cruises are a pretty regular thing around here but this trip took us way out into open water. Not that I haven't been on other trips into open water in many other places, just not as often. On the way to the islands we were treated to a display of white water pounding against the rock. The islands are beautiful, volcanic rock with areas of luscious greenery, brilliant turquoise water, a variety of sea birds (which means areas painted completely white with guano) seals and sea lions. It almost felt like a pirate movie or Disneyland, it was that perfect. We saw a large number of pelicans dive-bombing to find food. Pelicans may not impress you, but I've had a special love for them since my trip to Southern Mexico years ago.

Breakfast and lunch were included. No gourmet faire, just fruit, bagels and yogurt for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch, non-alcoholic beverages included, in a cramped galley (as most galleys are). Beer, wine, mimosas and bloody marys are available for a separate price. Its definitely not about the food, but you gotta eat, right? The staff is very friendly and there were 2 naturists on board to point things out and answer questions. After lunch the galley turned in to the nap room and when we woke up there were snacks. Just like kindergarten for adults, without scissors and paste.

On the way out of the bay there were sea lions and sea birds of course. As we got farther South we saw a large number of dolphins and a few grey whales. One of the whales breached 3 times. It was spectacular. "We" also saw a couple of minke whales. I say "we" because I never saw them. Evidently minke whales are pretty elusive and as soon as one of the naturists spots one they disappear. I think perhaps they are the aquatic version of a snipe hunt.

All in all I would say this trip should definitely be at the top of your list if you're visiting San Diego or if you're a local who has enough photos of the Coronado, bridge taken from the bow of a boat, to wallpaper your living room.