Gray Whale Migration: An Epic Journey
Gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal - a round trip of up to 12,000 miles (19,000 km) each year.
Migration Route
From Alaska to Mexico
- Start: Bering and Chukchi Seas (Alaska/Russia)
- End: Lagoons of Baja California, Mexico
- Distance: 5,000-6,000 miles one way
- Duration: 2-3 months each direction
Key Waypoints
- Bering Sea (summer feeding)
- Alaskan coast
- British Columbia, Canada
- Washington State
- Oregon coast
- California coast
- Baja California lagoons (breeding)
Migration Timeline
| Month | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Oct-Nov | Begin southbound | Alaska |
| Dec-Jan | Passing California | US West Coast |
| Jan-Mar | Breeding/Calving | Mexico lagoons |
| Mar-Apr | Begin northbound | Mexico |
| Apr-May | Passing California | US West Coast |
| May-Jun | Arrive feeding grounds | Alaska |
Why They Migrate
Southbound (Fall)
- Escape freezing Arctic waters
- Warmer waters for birthing
- Shallow lagoons protect calves
- Fewer predators (orcas)
Northbound (Spring)
- Return to abundant food
- Arctic summer = krill bloom
- Must eat to survive winter fast
Migration Facts
Speed & Distance
- Travel speed: 5 mph (8 km/h)
- Daily distance: 80-100 miles
- Total journey: 2-3 months
- Little to no eating during migration
Mother & Calf Journey
- Calves born in January-February
- Must be strong enough for return trip
- Mother doesn't eat for 6+ months
- Most dangerous time for young whales
Best Whale Watching Locations
| Location | Best Months | Migration Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Bay, CA | Dec-Apr | Southbound & Northbound |
| San Diego, CA | Dec-Feb | Southbound peak |
| Depoe Bay, OR | Mar-Apr | Northbound |
| San Ignacio Lagoon, MX | Feb-Mar | Breeding |
| Tofino, BC | Mar-Apr | Northbound |
Conservation Success Story
Gray whales were nearly hunted to extinction:
- Population low: ~2,000 (1950s)
- Current population: ~26,000
- Removed from endangered list (1994)
- One of few whale species to recover fully