Avila Beach Whale Watching Adventures

 

The Central Coast waters are teeming with marine life. The bay provides shelter and food for a wide variety of marine mammals. Baitfish like krill and anchovies attract the mammals, along with a mix of birds. Within full view of the shore, passersby can often catch a glimpse of frolicking whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

The Whale Trail along Highway 1 boasts some of the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, including Avila. Visitors will find the Whale Trail sign standing at the entrance of the Avila Beach Pier just off Front Street. So, if you’re seeking a whale-watching adventure, this is the place to start!

What to Look for

Gray whales and humpback whales feed in the protected waters of Avila Beach every year. Gray whales migrate past Avila Beach annually between December and April, while Humpback whales are visible from the shore all year long and have been increasingly seen in these waters. Further along Avila Beach Drive off the Hartford Pier, onlookers might also spot dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters as they come into the bay to forage and play.

Onlookers on the pier hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale should look towards the horizon and they might just see a whale spout. Gray whale spouts are heart-shaped, while humpback whale blows are tall and bushy. If you see a big splash, it could mean that a whale has just breached. If you spot large groups of birds feeding on the krill, it could mean that whales and dolphins are nearby.

Where to Whale Watch

The best view of Avila’s abundant whale life is going to be by boat. Avila Beach Whale Watching offers whale-watching tours seven days a week. Ranked the best for the past 12 years by TripAdvisor, they offer family-oriented educational boat tours and whale-watching adventures in the waters of San Luis Obispo Bay.

What to Bring

Plan ahead for your whale-watching excursion. You’ll definitely want to bring a pair of binoculars for a closer view of the wildlife, as well as a camera to catch a photo of these majestic creatures. As for what to wear, we recommend you dress in layers. The weather in Avila is generally mild, but it can be breezy, especially on the water. A hat, sunscreen, and water are other needed supplies.

Are you staying at Cobbo’s Beach House, the best luxury vacation in Avila Beach, accommodating up to 18 guests? We can help you plan your very own whale-watching adventure. Contact the host after you make your reservation, and we’ll get everything set up.