Dana Wharf Blog

In an era of screens, tablets, and virtual reality, the most high-definition experience you can give a child in 2026 is still the real world. At Dana Wharf, we believe that you protect what you love, and you love what you know. That’s why our trips aren’t just “sightseeing”—they are immersive field trips into the…

When people book a trip with Dana Wharf, they usually ask, “Will we see whales?” But often, they leave the boat talking about something else entirely: The Dolphin Stampede. Dana Point is famous for having one of the highest densities of dolphins in the world, specifically the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin. But we don’t…

Have you ever wondered why Dana Point is considered the “Whale Watching Capital of the World”? It isn’t just luck—it’s geography. In January and February, our coastline transforms into a busy interstate for marine traffic, affectionately known as the Gray Whale Highway. Why They Hug the Coast Gray Whales are unique…

As we ring in 2026, the waters off Dana Point are bustling with activity. While many of us are making resolutions to hit the gym, thousands of marine mammals are hard at work on one of the longest migrations on the planet. If you are joining us in January or February, here is your forecast…

Whether you’re casting off the coast of Dana Point or boarding a Dana Wharf Sportfishing charter, many anglers have one thing on their mind: what can I catch — and eat? Southern California offers an impressive variety of game fish that aren’t just thrilling to catch, but also delicious on the plate. From…

If you’re wondering what’s biting this month at Dana Wharf Sport Fishing, here’s your data-backed answer. Based on recent fish count logs from, November is delivering diverse action, especially for bottom and mixed-bag species. Recent Catches Include: Rockfish: 300+ on 1/9/25, 245 on 11/3, 267 on 11/8. Sculpin &…

As the Southern California fishing scene cools into late fall and winter, savvy anglers shift their strategy. The surface bite slows, but the bottom fishing action is heating up — and the logs show it. What’s Working Right Now From November 1–9, the most dominant catches were: Rockfish: Over 2,200 caught…

Sand bass and calico bass are two of the most sought-after coastal game fish in Southern California. While they share similarities in behavior and habitat, each species has unique traits — and knowing how to target them specifically can lead to much better results on your next Dana Wharf trip. Spot…

When guests board a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel, they’re often brimming with curiosity — and we love it! Our captains and naturalists hear a lot of great questions every day, ranging from the practical to the truly fascinating. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to know what to expect, here are…

Whale watching is never just about luck—especially not at Dana Wharf. With decades of experience navigating the waters off Dana Point, the captains and marine naturalists at Dana Wharf Whale Watching have fine-tuned the art and science of finding whales. From cutting-edge technology to deep local knowledge, here’s how our team consistently delivers unforgettable whale…

At Dana Wharf Whale Watching, the spotlight often shines on the breathtaking moments when a whale breaches or a dolphin pod surrounds the boat. But there’s far more to see during your time on the water than just whales. Every tour offers the chance to experience the rich biodiversity of Southern California’s marine environment —…

Southern California’s rich marine ecosystem provides an abundant food source for a variety of whale species that migrate through or reside in its waters. From massive blue whales to acrobatic humpbacks, each species has its own unique diet, feeding habits, and preferred hunting times. Understanding what these whales eat and when they feed can offer…