Whale watching is a fun thing to do near carlsbad and its visitors enjoy not just whales but dolphins and the beautiful scenery that san diego whale watching and whale watching dana point in newport beach sightings takes place on board our cruises. A scenic harbor in southern california known as the whale capital of the west, dana point makes an ideal spot for spotting majestic marine animals. Dana point is the premier location for whale watching along the california coast and home to over 400,000 common dolphins and 4 species of whales. The warm waters right out of dana point harbor are flourishing with sea life including whales, dolphins, harbor seals, and california sea lions. Watch video in an emotional moment, those watching an entangled whale from a dana point whale watching boat witnessed a. About twodozen surfers were hanging out between sets at doheny state beach in dana point when the whale calmly made its way through.
From migrating gray whales in the winter to blue whales in the spring and summer, dana point harbor is a reference landmark for the whales. Whale and dolphin watching in newport beach captain. Winter celebrates the gray whale, and yearround, regularly viewed whales include blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales. During the dana point festival of whales, we had what felt like a private tour for watching whales, dolphins, and sea lions with our captain reed, which was incredible. Drones over blue whales, gray whales in surf, megapod of. Whale gets close enough to pet off southern california. Dana point whale watching pacific coast highway travel. Whale watching season never really ends on the california coast, according to many tour guides and boat operators.
Whale and dolphin watching from dana point orange county. It will proceed east on dana drive toward the rh dana statue and then leftnorth over the island way bridge to dana point harbor drive. Weve seen a blue whale just about every day this last week and at least 500 to 1500 dolphins. Dana point festival of whales is the worlds first and longestrunning annual whale festival. Three gray whales, migrating down the coast of southern california near dana point on christmas eve, seemed to enjoy the company of sea lions and a pod of pacific whitesided dolphins. A baby gray whale is back out to sea after hanging out in dana point harbor for several hours. Southern california has some of the richest sea life in the world. If you want to whale watch, do it from dana point with dana wharf, the industry pioneers. Dana point whale watching tours, dana point, ca california. Drone footage shows massive whale checking out california surfers. Juvenile gray whale is heading north after a day thrilling.
Dana wharf sport fishings patrons can find places to park in the area. Beginning in 1971 we are the pioneer of whale watching adventures in orange count. Right now is blue whale season which goes till about december and our sightings have been really great. Dana point festival of whales 5 star whale watching tours.
Whale watching guide for dana point, california getmyboat. Once youve done it, it seems obvious, but the dana point marina is a big place, with several different harbors. Tripadvisor whale watching excursion in dana point. Dana point sportfishing dana point fishing charters. Tripadvisor whale watching excursion in dana point provided. Minke whales swim at a rate of 516 mph, but can sprint up to 1821 mph when chased by orca. Whale watching at dana point and coastal orange county. Jul 31, 2017 entangled whale finally freed off dana point. Sep 20, 2016 community corner entangled humpback whale frees itself near dana point. Near dana point, they are most often found in small pods of 1050, but in other regions are found in much larger numbers. Newport landing whale watching proudly supports crystal cove alliance, the nonprofit partner of crystal cove state park, which is dedicated to education, conservation, and restoration efforts within the state park and its marine conservation area. Minkes are torpedo shaped and have white bands on their fins making them easy to identify. Familyfriendly fun, food, festivities, and of course, whale watching await you at the dana point festival of whales.
Dana wharf dana point boat rentals, whale watching. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife. Dana wharf whale watching began in 1971 and was the first whale watching company in orange county. So climb aboard and find your nautical adventure with dana. Dana wharf sportfishing are on the western side of the most eastern harbor see the map. The ocean near dana point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whalewatching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 12 people aboard an rhib. Migrating gray whales are still being seen off the coast of. Whale watching in dana point book now at captain daves. This funfilled event draws thousands of visitors to dana point harbor each year over the first two weekends in march. Dana point located in south orange county dana point is an excellent place to spot passing whales.
Receives text messages on this line as well 949 2015650 email. Dana point sportfishing provides the ultimate whale watching trips, giving you an up close and personal experience with the wildlife we have just outside dana point harbor. Whale gets close enough to boat for passenger to pet it near dana point share this. Dana wharf is the premiere yearround whale watching company in dana point. You can whale watch with other whale watching public on a guided tour or you can get your own group together and charter a boat for a private guided cruise. Danny is an experienced and personable captain and we quickly found a pod of gray whales that we followed along for some time. The dana point whale festival is one of southern californias largest whale celebrations. All of our excursions include intimate narration and discussion from your captain, as you learn more about these majestic creatures. For information regarding your booked whale watching trip, or to book a whale watching trip, please contact the chosen whale watching company directly. Aug 08, 2017 baby gray whale coaxed back to sea laguna niguel dana point, ca the possibly ill, young whale, that looks really skinny, was swimming directly underneath a paddle boarder. Baby gray whale coaxed back to sea laguna nigueldana point, ca the possibly ill, young whale, that looks really skinny, was swimming directly underneath a paddle boarder. According to wyland, dana wharfs tours are californias best for whale watching and when you see the whales, dolphins and sea lions frolicking in the surf. On a boat designed specifically for whale watching, come facetoface with the gentle giants on this exciting cruise off the coast.
Mere minutes from the harbor, the waters off dana point are teeming with all. But theres one special time of year when visitors get to explore the wonders of whales, the sea and all that dana point has to offer its the festival of whales each year in march. Dana point family hotels business hotels dana point spa resorts dana point romantic hotels dana point dana point luxury hotels dana point beach hotels. Orcas off dana point california, rare eastern tropical. The best place to watch whales from land near dana point is from the trail along the headlands near the marina, but its not the only place you can try. Blue whales are most likely to be encountered off of dana point harbor from may through october. Travel along the pristine southern california coast and enjoy the many boating options in dana point harbor. The most wellknown and commonly seen whale is the california gray whale. Baby gray whale coaxed back to sea from dana point photos. When and where can i see pacific whitesided dolphins.
The warm waters right out of dana point harbor are flourishing with sea life including. Dana point whale watching tours introduce you to magnificent wildlife and extraordinary views. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the california coast. That could be because of dana point s twomilewide, eastwest facing coastline. Dana point whale watching tours take off from dana point harbor, the pride of the southern california small craft harbor system. Dana point whale watching complete guide to whale watching. Due to the unique shape of dana point harbor, it is ideally located for easy and quick access to board a boat and be in open ocean in 5 minutes. Dana point is the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world. The 2020 festival of whales parade, march 7 will be held entirely within the harbor. Dana point whale watchers can depart from newport harbor at multiple times during the day for one of our excursions. Cruise the pacific ocean off dana point on a whale watching excursion aboard a comfortable 95 vessel.
Set your course for dana wharf sport fishing in dana point for a relaxing afternoon of boating on one of their shipshape vessels. Whale swims under paddleboarders and kayakers in california. Experience upclose wild dolphins, migrating gray whales, playful humpback whales, huge fin whales, silly sea lions, and so much more. Blue whales are the biggest mammal on earth so seeing one is absolutely amazing.
Dana point is the best spot for whale watching in the oc. In the 1950s and 60s, the rightbreaking waves that tended to form here could produce 12. Oh my gosh, thats her face, a passenger exclaimed on a video posted online by captain daves. These dolphins are found off the coast of southern california more frequently in the winter months, as there appears to be some northsouth migration according to seasons. A pod of about 9 or 10 rarely seen orcas were spotted less than three miles off the coast of dana point by captain chuck gathers of capt. Our whale watches near dana point have good chances of spotting this species which is the second smallest baleen whale, at 30 feet and weigh 10 tons. Best places for whale watching from shore in southern. It draws the whales and dolphins close to the shore. The parade will be staged on the west island side of the harbor near the dana point yacht club. The curious whale approached the boat monday near dana point, the orange county register reported. A gray whale is seen in dana point harbor during captain daves dolphin and whale watching safari in dana point, on tuesday, august 8, 2017. Book a whale watching tour in dana point, southern california.
Youngsters dont need to sit out a trip to this club. The southern origin of californias highway 1 winds through some gorgeous locations, like beach town and whalewatching mecca dana point. Meanwhile baby gray whales have a play date in the surf near dana point while their moms and whale watchers ashore enjoy the show. How to go whale watching in orange county share this. Dana point will celebrate gray whales and other marine.
The harbor offers easy access, free parking and the small towns locals tout to those who come to enjoy a boat ride during the whale watching season and throughout the year. The dana point festival of whales is an oceanfriendly event with many of our booths, displays and exhibits being very close to waters edge. Catch an exciting peek with whalewatching cruise in dana point. Whale swims under paddleboarders and kayakers in california harbor. Entangled humpback whale frees itself near dana point. But theres one special time of year when visitors get to explore the wonders of whales, the sea and all that dana point has to offer. Allow plenty of time to find the office, and the right wharf.
We are the premier yearround whale watching facility in southern california. That could be because of dana points twomilewide, eastwest facing coastline. The dana point headlands is undeveloped and there is a public trail on top of the headlands that takes you out to the promontory. How to go whale watching in orange county orange county. You can whale watch with other whale watching public on. New parade route the 2020 festival of whales parade, march 7 will be held entirely within the harbor. Whale watching tickets from ocean explorer cruises up to 71% off. Our private deep sea sport fishing charters are lead by a team of captains born and raised fishing out of dana point harbor. Book now to go whale watching in southern california. Your 5 stars experience is our 5 stars reputation, experience today. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities while traveling along orange countys beautiful coastline.
A blue whale nurses its calf off the dana point headlands. Wishing you health and happiness and to see you back in dana point next year for the 50th annual festival of whales. Dana point whale watching complete guide to whale watching in. Find more information about this attraction and other nearby dana point family attractions and hotels on family vacation critic. Visitors come from all over southern california to celebrate the annual migration of gray whales from alaska to mexico. Whale gets close enough to boat for passenger to pet it. Dana point whale watching deals in dana point, ca groupon. Aug 09, 2017 whale swims under paddleboarders and kayakers in california harbor. Help us keep whales safe with the whale alert app ocean institute. Daves dolphin and whale safari in dana point, california, at great personal risk, has recently filmed and edited a 5minute video. We ask that all our sponsors and exhibitors keep this ocean location topofmind and refrain from using balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, flyers or other materials that might find their way to the. Fishing off the southern california coast started out as a passion and naturally progressed into full time careers. There is no better way to experience it than on a private boat with just your family and.
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