Whale Watching

Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and zip lining, there is something for everyone on this idyllic island. In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions and activities on Catalina Island, as well as provide tips for planning your trip. Getting to Catalina Island The most popular way to get to Catalina Island is by taking the Catalina Express ferry from Dana Point Harbor or Long Beach. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a helicopter ride from Long Beach or San Pedro, which takes about 15 minutes. Where to Stay Catalina Island offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts…

It has been a classic early fall week along the coast and off the beach. The shallows have been the spot for 1/2 day fishing trips targeting sheephead and bass. This week has seen some nice quality on these fish. There has been some flyline bass action on the live sardines. The water temperature is…

The vast ocean is a treasure trove of diverse marine life, ranging from the tiniest plankton to the most gigantic whales. Among these awe-inspiring creatures is the false killer whale, a species that often gets overshadowed by its more well-known cousin, the killer whale or orca. Despite its misleading name, the false killer whale is…

8 Eight-hour whale watching trips are for adventurous and marine life lovers; people come from all over to experience these life-changing trips !! 7 Humpback Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1 Bryde’s Whale, and 3 Minke Whales, plus Risso’s, Bottlenose, and Common Dolphin! Future trip dates: Friday, November 10, 2023 & Sunday, December 31, 2023. https://danawharf.com/whale-watching/8-hour-ultimate-whale-watch/  Friday…

At Dana Wharf, we deeply appreciate the mesmerizing marine life that graces our oceans; among the most captivating creatures are the pilot whales. These remarkable beings never cease to amaze us with their intelligence and social complexity. Join us on our tours to witness these majestic marine mammals up close and personal. Fact 1: Not Your Typical Whale Despite their misleading name, pilot whales are not whales; they are oceanic dolphins belonging to the genus Globicephala. They are often called “blackfish” due to their distinct dark coloration. These sleek, black bodies make them stand out in the ocean. Fact 2: Masters of Social Living Pilot whales are renowned for their highly social nature. They live in tight-knit groups known as pods, which can vary in size from small groups of 10 individuals to astonishing assemblies of up to over 100…

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights: A Sweet Spectacle for the Holidays Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the holiday season? Look no further than the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, a beloved annual event that will leave you in awe. Taking place from December 8 to December…

Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Humpback Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Common Dolphin, plus a Frigate Bird! We had a great week with SIX different cetacean species!  Two Blue Whales with one of these leviathans seen feeding just a few miles off our coast.  We were very excited when in the distance we saw the…

Risso’s Dolphins: Masters of the Deep Risso’s dolphins, scientifically known as Grampus griseus, are a captivating species of marine mammals that belong to the Delphinidae family. These unique dolphins have earned a special place in the hearts of marine biologists and enthusiasts alike due to their distinct appearance, behavior, and habitat preferences.  Anatomy of Risso’s…

Another week with Rare Sightings of both Bryde’s Whales and Guadelupe Fur Seals, also Minke Whales, A Dolphin Trifecta Week with Risso’s, Bottlenose and Common Dolphin! Early in the week, just north of the Dana Point Harbor, a Bryde’s whale was spotted by the Dana Wharf Sportfishing vessel Helena close to the area where a megapod of Long-beaked…

Bottlenose dolphins, with their enchanting grace and intelligence, have captured the hearts of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. These charismatic marine mammals, scientifically known as Tursiops truncatus, reign supreme as the most recognized and adored of all dolphins. Bottlenose Dolphin Anatomy & Lifespan: Bottlenose dolphins are the epitome of aquatic elegance. They boast a sleek,…