http://www.ocean-institute.org
There’s more to the Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises than the sightings of dolphins and whales during the 18 cruises offered during the whale migration season between January and March. The 2.5-hour cruise gives insight into the “personalities” of the sea mammals as well as providing for an adventurous outing. The next Marine Mammal Cruise is Jan. 22, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the 70-foot R/V Sea Explorer.
“A gray whale sighting must be experienced,” said R/V Sea Explorer Capt. Mike Bursk, a 13-year veteran of the Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises. “Nothing can prepare you for seeing marine life on the mammals’ terms—whales, dolphins or sea lions.”
- Why have gray whales learned a new technique of breathing called “snorkeling?”
- What is acoustic pollution and does it make marine mammals get cranky?
- Why are some marine mammals more curious than others?
The Marine Mammal Cruises explore behavior patterns and feeding strategies of gray whales to dolphins and sea lions. During the next three months the gray whales sweep down the coast, some headed south to warmer warmers, others returning north in their annual migratory pattern.
An adult gray whale can reach up to 46-feet long and weigh up to 36 tons (72,000 pounds). The whales’ migration “road trip” is often described by experts as the longest known mammal migration in the animal kingdom as they leave the chilling Arctic areas of the Bering and Chukchi seas. They travel south along the California coast singly, in pairs or more rarely in threes or more.
In addition to the Jan. 22 cruise, other dates for Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises are:
1p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 25, Feb. 26, March 3, March 4, March 10, March 11, March 18 and March 31. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 3, March 4, March 10, March 11 and March 24.
Spaces fill up quickly during the whale migration season and Dana Point’s Festival of Whales held March 3 and 4 and March 10 and 11. Prices are $35 for adult, $22 for adult Ocean Institute members, $22 for children (4 to 12), $19 for children members. The minimum age for the Marine Mammal Cruise is four years old. Information may be obtained by calling the Ocean Institute at 949-496-2274 or at the website www.ocean-institute.org.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org.
