Whale Fest Makes A Splash At Birch Aquarium

Whales are taking over Birch Aquarium at Scripps for a week-long celebration of family fun. Winter is the peak time to see Gray Whales off the coast of San Diego, and Whale Fest highlights these marathon-migrators and their cousins.

Guests will learn how to to spot whales from the panoramic Tide-Pool Plaza; get hands-on with whale biofacts like baleen and bones, learn about unique ways whales and dolphins survive in their aquatic home, dive deeper into whale evolution and conservation, and join a Gray Whale’s journey on a story path through the Hall of Fishes. Whale Fest is an opportunity for guests to become experts in local whale and dolphin species, which will be highlighted at the event.

In addition to the daily activities, on weekends guests will meet whale scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego or NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center. These scientists study everything from the sounds whales make to the food they eat, and will discuss the latest whale research and conservation efforts. Weekends include additional activities and take-home crafts.

“Whale Fest provides our guests opportunities to dive-in to whale research with experts in the field and get hands-on with fun whale-themed activities and more,” said Delanie Medina, education specialist at Birch Aquarium. “We hope to inspire curiosity with these marine mammals and empower our guests to take action to help protect them by continuing to find ways to connect with our ocean planet.”

Whale Fest occurs in conjunction with whale watching season. Whale Fest occurs in conjunction with whale watching season. Twice-daily tours with Flagship Cruises & Events that feature Birch Aquarium naturalists depart from downtown San Diego.

See you there!