Where to go whale watching in San Diego and what you might see

I recently got to play tourist and go whale watching and it didn't disappoint!

• We saw four fin whales all swimming together. They'd blow out air a few times and then dive down to feed.
• Even our guide seemed excited. "This is very special," she said.

It's not really the season to see gray whales, and we had to travel about an hour off the coast to get to these beauties.

• That's because the warm El Niño ocean water has pushed the krill further out, according to our guide.

But the journey was worth it! We were so close to the fin whales it took my breath away.

If you go: There are a few whale watching outfits in town.

• Gone Whale Watching: 40-passenger catamaran offers 360-degree views and can cover more water in search of whales. Tours start at $60 per person.
• Legacy Whale Watch: 80-foot boat with indoor seating, two outdoor decks and bathrooms. Tickets are $34.
• San Diego Whale Watch: Marine naturalists lead the trips. Tickets start at $63 for adults and $58 for kids, seniors and military.