11:30am | The Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises will embark on an educational whale adventure through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Whale Watch Combo program. Gray whales have been spotted off the coast of Long Beach and the Aquarium is offering this chance to see these gentle giants upclose.

Click here for Long Beach Post coverage from the September 2010 whale sightings off of the Long Beach coast. 

Adventurers will explore the nearby seas aboard the specialized Harbor Breeze Cruises whale-watching boat, the Christopher, to seek out such travelers as gray, fin, blue, and Minke whales, various dolphin species, sea lions, and a host of migratory sea birds. 
 
“This season is off to a great start with more gray whales than last year over the same period,” said Michele Sousa, Aquarium of the Pacific whale expert.
 
Aquarium experts will be on board to answer questions and discuss tips for helping whales and other animals inhabiting local waters. Included in the adventure is a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific to meet over 11,000 ocean animals and to learn more about whales through the award-winning bilingual (Spanish) Whales: Voices in the Sea kiosk exhibit and the Whales: A Journey with Giants film. 

The Whale Watch Cruise combo ticket is available for purchase on-site at Aquarium of the Pacific and may be purchased in advance by calling (562) 590-3100. Prices are $43.95, per adult (12+); $29.95 per child (under 11); $40.95 per Senior (62+); all tickets include Aquarium admission. 

The two and a half hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts is available daily at noon & 3:00 p.m. and also for a discounted rate at 9 a.m. on weekends only ($11 off adult, $8 off senior, and $6 off child price). 

Visit www.aquariumofpacific.org for more information.