What is a kelp forest? What’s a California kelp forest? And is the California kelp forest dying? Our team at Harbor Breeze Cruises will answer all three questions in this blog post!          Our business exists not only because we want to give you the opportunity to try to spot whales and other marine animals in their natural habitats but also because we believe in the importance of educating our guests and being environmental stewards. Kelp, is a type of seaweed that’s instrumental in maintaining the health of the entire marine ecosystem. Allow us to ex ..read more

         At Harbor Breeze Cruises, we specialize in taking you on unforgettable whale-watching excursions. We love what we do, and it’s always a pleasure when we get to witness our passengers smiling, pointing, taking photographs, and relishing the panoramic ocean views that our cruises provide. We appreciate when people like you visit our website to learn about the cruises we offer, the majestic creatures we spot, and the educational opportunities our cruises afford people of all ages. We’re always impressed by the questions people ask us, and two of th ..read more

    It seems safe to say that otters are the teddy bears of the ocean. Children and adults alike enjoy encountering these adorable, playful, and fluffy creatures in zoos and aquariums or even in their natural habitat. Related to river otters, weasels, and ferrets, the much-adored marine mammals known as sea otters live in three separate geographical locations, and this geographical diversity warrants their classification into three different subspecies. These subspecies are southern sea otter, northern sea otter, and Russian sea otter. The first subspecies reside in California ..read more

The Pacific Garbage Patch, a colossal vortex of plastic waste and debris swirling in the Pacific Ocean, stands as a somber reflection of our environmental crisis. What started as a minor concern has bloomed into a full-blown issue, affecting more than just marine life – it also impacts the entire ecosystem and, by extension, humanity. This article will delve further into ten critical insights about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, revealing not just its startling size and devastating impact, but also why it demands our immediate attention. The Overwhelming Great Pacific Garbage Patch Size Of ..read more

If we were to ask you what tuna, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies all have in common—and you’re not allowed to mention their consumption by humans—then the most suitable response would be to say that all of these fish are known as pelagic fish.          What is a pelagic fish, you ask? Read on to find out! What Is a Pelagic Fish?          Pelagic fish are types of fish that inhabit the pelagic zone of the world’s lakes, rivers, and oceans. The pelagic zone is defined as the open water column that’s not associated ..read more

Did you know that the Pacific Ocean is home to many major ocean currents? Currents of the Pacific Ocean play a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns and keeping ocean waters in a constant state of circulation. Pacific Ocean currents help distribute heat around the planet, influence the temperature of coastal regions, redistribute nutrients, and give us insight into how the planet’s climate system is changing. Currents of the Pacific Ocean even help fish and other mammals migrate, creating the pathways these creatures need as they feed, breed, and venture into new territory. If one ..read more

Most people are familiar with killer whales, also known as orcas. These apex predators are widely recognized marine mammals belonging to the dolphin family. Known for their distinctive black-and-white coloring, as well as their intelligence and complex social behaviors, orcas are one of the most captivating and well-studied marine mammals in the ocean.          But what is a false killer whale? Have you ever heard of this marine mammal? They, too, belong to the dolphin family, but public awareness seems to be lacking. With their dark gray to black bodies ..read more

The world’s oceans are full of fascinating creatures, including quite a few large and rather intimidating marine animals! If you love nature and the ocean as much as we do at Harbor Breeze Cruises, we hope you’ll be excited to gain some insight into two predators found in the oceans: the orca and the great white shark.   Meet These Impressive Apex Predators          Great white sharks and orcas are known as apex predators, which means that they reside at the top of the food chain. They play a crucial role in regulating the populations of other speci ..read more

When you think of dolphins, you likely picture oceanic dolphins—gray in color, leaping out of the water, and swimming in pods. Another type of dolphin, the Amazon pink river dolphin, may be less familiar to you, but these fascinating mammals are worth learning about so you can gain an appreciation for what makes them unique. Here are eight must-know pink river dolphin facts from your friends at Harbor Breeze Cruises: #1:  Pink River Dolphins Live in Freshwater          Sometimes referred to as “boto” or “bufeo,” the Amazon pink river dolphin resides ..read more

What is ambergris? It’s often referred to as the “treasure of the sea” or “floating gold.” Humans have been procuring this substance for centuries, and for quite a long time its origins remained a mystery. Ambergris is produced by sperm whales, and it is one of the most unusual substances found in nature. Here are ten facts about ambergris that will give you a better understanding of what it is and what makes it so fascinating.    Fact #1: Its Origins Were a Constant Source of Speculation          When humans first discovered ambergris, they fi ..read more