Summer has officially begun and when you're in San Diego that means planning all activities around the Pacific Ocean. Right now there are some exciting happenings going on centered around the ocean that will educate, entertain, and fill you with wonder. Get up close and personal with some underwater behemoths or try to spy the miniature octopuses hidden in tiny shells or set sail on the open water searching for the earth's largest animal.
Situated on the San Diego Bay in the center of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a non-profit zoo and aquarium. The Living Coast that allows visitors to learn about the environment while exploring the aquatic and dry mini-ecosystems they have built. Running through September 5th is "Passport to the Pacific," which offers a small sampling of of the animals and habitats found in and around the Pacific Ocean. "Passport to the Pacific's" goal is to bring awareness to the intricate and sometimes delicate world of the largest ocean on earth. The exhibit includes a look at the newly expanded turtle lagoon and exotic animals such as the scarlet macaw and the blue tongue skink from Southeast Asia. The Discovery Center is also home to an array of birds, rays, crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks, also know as the octopus. Adult admission is $14 and $9 for seniors, students and children (children under 3 are free). Be sure and ask about the discounts for military and first responders (fire, police, EMT) and their families.
Another exhibit that celebrate the oceans' creatures is "Whales: Giants of the Deep" at the San Diego Natural History Museum (or theNAT). Also running until September 5th, this interactive exhibit will feature the latest in whale research and technology and mixes scientific discoveries with ancient storytelling and history. This is literally a massive event, with two full-size sperm whale skeletons (including a 58-foot male) and a life size replica of a blue whale's heart that children can actually climb in and explore. Works of art, both old and contemporary, will be on display from the people of the South Pacific, who have always had strong ties to these graceful giants. There will be video portholes to look in and see recorded footage of the whales underwater. Check out the area dedicated to the haunting songs of the whales, which also includes scientific data explaining how we can identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean. Entry into the museum is $19 for adults; $17 for seniors, students and military; $14 for youth ages 7 to 17; $11 for children ages 3 to 6 (children under 2 are free).
It's only natural that you will want to get out and explore the real thing after these museum visits, and now is actually the perfect time. The largest group of blue whales (2,000 to 3,000) feed off the California coast during the summer months and Hornblower Cruises offers a special "Summer Whale Watching" tour until September 4th. The blue whale is the earth's largest creature that has ever existed and having the chance to see one in person is thrilling and unforgettable. The four-hour cruise will also take you past notable San Diego landmarks and explain some local environmental efforts that are currently underway to protect the Pacific and its creatures. There is live narration on marine life from a volunteer naturalist from theNAT and if you don't see a whale, you will receive a return pass for another boat ride. Tours run on Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday and adult pricing starts at $65.
It's time to dive right in to all the summer fun in San Diego. Our town is filled with people who are passionate about not only preserving our natural wonders but educating everyone on simple ways we can contribute. So start with booking a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then set out to explore the fascinating world of the Pacific Ocean.
