Whale Watching

A Pair of Minke Whales and a Dolphin Trifecta Week with Risso’s, Bottlenose, and Common Dolphin! Early one morning, off Aliso Canyon, close to a pod Common Dolphin, was a pair of Minke whales.   With one following the other, we watched as they were likely tracking the dolphin to join in feeding on small…

Sperm whales, known scientifically as Physeter macrocephalus, are fascinating creatures that have captured the curiosity of humans for centuries. Known for their massive size and unique physical features, these marine mammals have a complex social structure and are highly intelligent. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of sperm whales, exploring their…

Blue Whales, Fin Whales, and a Dolphin Trifecta Week with Risso’s, Bottlenose & Common Dolphin, plus a Great White Shark, a Boogie Boarding Nazca Booby, and a Sea Turtle! On the Dana Wharf 8-hour Ultimate Whale Watch, we encountered a Blue Whale with a dive time of 8-11 minutes.  This Blue Whale seemed to be…

With 5 Species of Whales ~ Blue, Fin, Humpback, Brydes, and minke, plus 3 Species of Dolphin ~ Risso’s, Bottlenose & Common, this week certainly exemplified why Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World!  In just one day, we experienced what we like to call a “Whale Grand Slam Day”…

Minke whales, members of the baleen whale family, are often called the enigmatic giants of the deep. These magnificent marine mammals are renowned for their elusive nature, remarkable anatomy, and important role in ocean ecosystems. In this article, we delve into the world of minke whales, exploring their anatomy, distribution, feeding habits, social structure, and…

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable day in Dana Point, California? This coastal paradise, nestled in Southern California, beckons with its stunning beaches, enchanting harbor, and a myriad of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh experience or a visitor seeking the perfect day in Dana Point, we’ve got you…

Quick Facts about Fin Whales Nickname: Fin Whales are often called the “greyhounds of the sea” due to their sleek and streamlined body shape, allowing them to swim swiftly through the water. Unique Features: They have asymmetrical coloring on their lower jaw, with the right side white and the left side dark. This characteristic is…

Quick Facts about Humpback Whales Acrobatic Displays: Humpback whales are known for their spectacular acrobatic behaviors, including breaching (jumping out of the water) and tail-slapping. Unique Songs: Male humpback whales are famous for their complex and haunting songs that are believed to be for mating purposes and communication. Some can last up to 20 minutes!…

Quick Facts about the Gray Whale Gray whales are one of the oldest baleen species, existing for around 30 million years. They have a mottled gray coloration on their skin, covered in patches of barnacles and whale lice, giving them a distinct and recognizable appearance. Gray whales have two rows of baleen plates in their…

Passengers from around the globe are excited to witness the grandeur of the Majestic Blue Whale – the largest animal to have ever existed on earth! Sadly, Blue Whales are still endangered, with only 1,900-2,200 estimated to be present in the local population in Southern California Bight during summers. These Blue Whales migrate north from…