Gray whales, up close and personal

Whale-watching fans rejoice: 'tis the season to see gray whales as they migrate south to Baja California. 

While there are many ways to see the whales in person, a San Diego-area company offers guided kayaking tours that let you see the whales "without the sound of a boat engine breaking the silence," as our colleague Kelly Burgess explains on the Outposts blog:

The tour takes participants through some spectacular coastline, including La Jolla's Seven Caves and the Underwater Reserve, to about one mile offshore to hopefully catch a glimpse of the whales. Along the way, sea lions, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other marine life may be spotted.

Tours leave twice daily, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., through Feb. 15. Cost for these tours are $60 per person for a single kayak, $110 per couple for a double kayak. This includes the guided tour with a certified instructor, transportation of kayaks to and from the beach, a training session, wetsuit, life vest, backrest and paddle.

For more information, check out La Jolla Kayak's website.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo credit: Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times