Summer vs. Winter Whale Watching: Which Season Is Best in Dana Point?
Whale watching in Dana Point is a year-round experience — but depending on when you go, you’ll encounter very different sights, species, and conditions. So which season is better: summer or winter? The truth is, it depends on what you’re hoping to see and how you like to spend your time on the water. Let’s…
Beyond the Whales: What Else Can You Spot on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching Tour?
When most people think of a whale watching trip, they picture giant blue whales or breaching humpbacks — and while those sightings are unforgettable, Dana Wharf tours offer so much more than just whales. The waters off Dana Point are alive with an incredible range of marine wildlife, especially during the summer months. From playful…
Best Whale Watching Trips to Take This Summer with Dana Wharf
Summer is the perfect season to go whale watching in Dana Point. Warm weather, calm seas, and active marine life make it an unforgettable experience. Dana Wharf Whale Watching offers several types of tours, so whether you want a quick outing or a full-day adventure, there’s a perfect trip for you. 2-Hour Whale…
How to Read a Tide Chart and Why It Matters for Your Fishing Trip
Want to fish smarter, not harder? Learning how to read a tide chart is one of the easiest ways to improve your catch rate. Tides affect where fish go, when they feed, and how you should fish — and at Dana Wharf, we use them to our advantage. What Is a Tide Chart?A…
Full-Day vs. 1/2-Day vs. Twilight: Which Dana Wharf Trip Is Right for You?
Not sure which fishing trip to choose at Dana Wharf? Each trip offers a unique experience, and the best choice depends on your goals, skill level, and schedule. Here’s a closer look at what each option offers. ½-Day Trips – Great for Beginners and Families Trip Length: ~5 hours
The Evolution of Sportfishing Gear: Then vs. Now at Dana Wharf
Since opening our doors in 1971, Dana Wharf Sportfishing has seen massive changes in fishing technology. From rods and reels to sonar and bait systems, today’s gear is more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed — the thrill of the catch. Back Then: Simplicity & GritEarly anglers fished…
Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Saltwater Anglers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Trying saltwater fishing for the first time can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Dana Wharf Sportfishing welcomes thousands of first-timers every year, and we’ve seen it all—from tangled lines to seasick struggles. Here are the top five mistakes beginner anglers make and how to avoid them so you can focus on catching fish and having…
Summer Surface Game: Targeting Tuna, Yellowtail, Bonito & Barracuda off Dana Point
Summer in Southern California means long days, warm water, and one of the most exciting times of year for local anglers: surface fishing season. From fast-charging yellowtail to foaming schools of bonito, the topwater action off Dana Point delivers unforgettable thrills — and great catches — for anglers of…
What Whales Hear: Exploring Underwater Soundscapes off Dana Point
When we think of whale watching, we usually focus on what we can see — the spouts, the breaches, the tail flukes vanishing into the blue. But beneath the surface, whales are experiencing a completely different world: one made of sound. At Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point, we get to observe these incredible…
How Whale Watching Has Changed: From Early Tours to Modern Marine Adventures
Whale watching has come a long way from its early days as a niche hobby for marine enthusiasts. At Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point — where the first whale watching trips began in Orange County back in 1971 — we’ve seen the transformation firsthand. What was once a quiet coastal activity has grown…
Summer Fishing Forecast: What’s Biting at Dana Wharf This July
Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better time to be out on the water in Dana Point. At Dana Wharf Sportfishing, July has delivered excellent variety, strong action, and exciting surprises for anglers of all levels. From surface bites to deeper structure fishing, we’re seeing a wide mix of local favorites and some…
Overnight Fishing Adventures with Dana Wharf: Southern California’s Premier Deep Sea Experience
Looking to take your fishing game to the next level? Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s overnight trips are the perfect way to do just that. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner eager to learn, these 1- to 1.5-day excursions offer an exciting opportunity to fish some of the most productive offshore waters in…