Note
The type of whale commonly seen off the Pacific Coast during migration is the Humpback whale.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are frequently observed along the Pacific Coast during their annual migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. These whales migrate from the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, where they feed during the summer, to warmer waters off the coast of Mexico and Central America for the winter breeding season. Known for their acrobatic breaches and melodic songs, humpbacks are a popular sight for whale watchers along the Pacific Coast, particularly in California. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their populations, allowing these majestic creatures to continue their migrations, which span thousands of miles each year.