The majestic California Gray Whale can be seen off the Washington coast every year in March, April and May. Thousands of people watch them on their northern migration which begins in Baja California and ends in their artic feeding grounds in the Chukchi and Bering Seas. 

There are currently about 23,000 whales that make this migration. As they travel, they will feed and play. Their diet is primarily made up of small shrimplike creatures called amphipods, as well as small schools of fish, krill, and even kelp.

Amphipod

These whales are also very curious and often swim up next to boats on the ocean to watch people or scrape off a few barnacles. Frequently, they will play next to the boats by rolling on their sides. Since they are in no hurry, they sometimes just relax and drift along. At times they will stick their heads completely out of the water to get a better look, but the most excitement of all comes when one of these 35 ton giants jumps completely out of the water.