Calling All Whale Lovers
As the first Whale Heritage site in the Americas, Dana Point reigns supreme as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World.”
Yes, you read that right – it’s an official recognition, and depending on the season, you are bound to see Blue, Fin, Gray, Humpback and Minke whales off the coast of Dana Point. If you’re lucky, you may see some of the rarer species as well, such as Pilot, Sperm and more. This year, Orcas (aka Killer Whales) joined the party, astounding whale watchers with their antics, beauty, and prey prowess. It was a sight to behold, and the videos and pictures from our local tour operators were truly remarkable. Here’s hoping they come back next year!
Looking to spot a specific type of whale? In our ocean waters you’ll be most likely to see Blue, Fin and Humpback whales from May through November. Gray whale season starts in November and goes through April. It’s during this time that Gray whales make one of the longest migrations of all mammals - over 10,000 miles. Year-round, you can expect Minke whales and a variety of dolphins as well – Dana Point made famous the “dolphin stampede” after all and its ocean waters contain more dolphins than anywhere else in the world with over 450,000. Have you ever witnessed a stampede? It’s an incredible “can’t believe your eyes” event. Hundreds of dolphins swimming at lightning speed while jumping in and out of the ocean. Truly mesmerizing.
With its moderate weather, mild ocean conditions, underwater coastal canyons, and kelp beds, Dana Point makes for a prime location to view these majestic marine mammals as they migrate up and down the West coast. For years, whales have called these waters their playground and it’s one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the largest animal to have ever lived on earth – the magnificent Blue whale. We think that’s pretty special.
Speaking of special…join in the celebrations next month as the 53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of the Whales returns to Dana Point from March 1-3, uniting nature and culture in a weekend event featuring informative educational exhibits, family-friendly entertainment, marine-themed activities, clam chowder cook off, beach clean up with Stand Up to Trash and more. First held in 1971, it is one of the longest-running whale festivals in the United States celebrating these colossal and amazing creatures. For a complete listing of events, click here: www.festivalofwhales.com.
Considering getting out on the water for a chance to get up close and personal to some amazing sea life? Dana Point Harbor is the perfect launching pad. Here are three options to get your whale watching on…
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching // 34678 Golden Lantern | (949) 496-5794
In operation since 1971, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is the first and oldest whale watching company in Orange County, started by Don Hansen. Many years ago, at the urging of his good friend, he began by taking local school children out on his fleet to immerse them in the beauty of the natural world, right in their “backyard.” As the original founder of the Dana Point Festival of the Whales, Don’s legacy lives on to this day. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers a variety of whale watching adventures depending on your budget and the amount of time you want to spend on the water. If two hours isn’t enough, they offer an 8-hour ultimate whale watching tour. In addition, they offer private charters, and of course, fishing and sport fishing trips.
For reservations and more information, visit them online: www.danawharf.com
OC Ocean Adventures // 34675 Golden Lantern | (888) 224-0603
For a different type of experience, why not check out OC Ocean Adventures? Presented by Dana Wharf, their public and private experiences get you on board a state of the art 63-ft catamaran which offers a 59-person capacity, underwater cameras, full-service bar, smooth travel and sun benches to enjoy the ocean air. In addition to their public whale watching excursions, OC Ocean Adventures offer wine cruises, cocktail cruises, Catalina Adventure charters and more.
For reservations and more information, visit them online: www.ococeanadventures.com
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Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari // 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive | (949) 577-8403
Located in the Dana Point Harbor, and home to the world’s only underwater viewing pods, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari is owned and operated by Captain Dave Anderson and his wife, Gisele. Captain Dave’s tours have delighted nature and whale watching enthusiasts for over 20 years, while Dave himself is an accomplished marine naturalist, award-winning filmmaker, and author (he spent five years filming his documentary “Wild Dolphins & Whales of Southern California” which went on to win awards at the International Wildlife Film Festival and Wildscreen in England – think the Academy Awards of Wildlife films). Offering year-round boat tours on their high-tech catamarans, underwater viewing pods, private charters and more, their daily, year-round tours are not to be missed. In addition, Capt. Dave’s offer a two-hour zodiac-style boat tour (think rigid-inflatable) for more adventurous boaters, seeking a thrilling and fast voyage out to sea and an arm’s length away from whatever may pop up to say hello.
For reservations and more information, visit them online: www.dolphinsafari.com
For the Zodiac tour option: www.whalewatchingdanapoint.com
Ready to get out there? Book a tour today, and remember…..
"To have a huge, friendly whale willingly approach your boat and look you straight in the eye is without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet." - Mark Carwardine
