Whale Watching at Point Vicente

A whale blows near a small craft, as seen from the bluffs above at Point Vicente.

A family observes the ocean activity below.

Observers and visitors check for sightings from the viewing deck at Point Vicente.

From the helpfully numbered posts along the cliff path, watchers at Point Vicente can spot the approximate location of a distant blow or pod of dolphins.

Signpost 14 near Point Vicente overlooks a scenic spot.

A docent uses her maps and charts to explain the gray whale story to visitors.

Sharp eyes catch a glimpse of a tail fluke not far offshore from the observation area at Point Vicente.

Observers and visitors scan the water from the Point Vicente interpretive center’s viewing deck.

The whale count is updated. At about lunchtime on Feb. 27, 34 grays had been spotted northbound and four southbound. By late afternoon, that total climbs to 46 grays northbound and eight southbound.

Next to the interpretative center is the Point Vicente lighthouse, now automated with electronic sensors instead of a keeper. The lighthouse is open to the public about one day a month.

Picture-perfect beach, on the way to Point Vicente, which is on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.