Dana Wharf Blog

Mega Pod of Common Dolphin Seen for Days! For five consecutive days, we likely saw the same Mega Pod of long-beaked common dolphin numbering in the thousands off our coast.  This pod has been enjoying feeding the bountiful bait fish, which is joined by hundreds of sea lions and various sea birds.  The sheer magnitude…

Dana Point is a small city located in Orange County, California. It is known for its picturesque beaches, charming harbor, and unique fishing opportunities. If you’re looking for a great fishing destination, look no further than Dana Point. There are a variety of fishing spots in and around Dana Point, ranging from the deep ocean waters to the shallow tide pools. For deep–sea fishing, the best spot is the Dana Point Harbor Breakwall. This spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, as it offers some of the best ocean fishing in the area. The Breakwall is home to a variety of species such as yellowtail, barracuda, halibut, and white sea bass. If you’re looking for some more shallow–water fishing, head to the Dana Point Tide Pools. These tide pools are great for catching a variety of inshore species…

The gray whale is believed to have evolved from an extinct species of baleen whale that lived about 30 million years ago. This ancient species, the Balaenoptera davidsonii, gave rise to several modern species, including the humpback, minke, and gray whales. Gray whales are believed to have first appeared in the North Pacific around 10–12…

Dana Point Harbor is a beautiful coastal destination in south Orange County, California. The harbor is a popular spot for boaters, fishermen, and visitors. It features a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and plenty of activities. The harbor is a great place to spend the day. Visitors can explore the harbor‘s many shops and…

Dana Point, California is the Whale Watching Capital of the World and one of the best places to spot whales. Located on the coast of Orange County, Dana Point is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. During certain times of the year, it is possible to see a…

The blue whale is one of the most impressive creatures on earth, and it is the largest animal that has ever lived. They are found in all the world’s oceans, but they are most abundant in the northern Pacific and Antarctic waters. Blue whales can grow up to 33 meters long and can weigh up…

This week we saw our first Gray whales of the season as they were on the long journey to the warm lagoons of Baja.  Both Gray whales we encountered appeared to be juveniles and observed as they were passing just outside the Dana Point Harbor entrance as we were leaving on our noon trips on…

Whale watching is one of the most sought-after marine activities in the world, and it is the reason that thousands of people flock to Dana Point Harbor every year. One question that people often ask when they come to Dana Point is, what is the best month to go whale watching? The answer to that…

A question that people who are unfamiliar with whale watching often ask is, what exactly does the phrase whale watching mean? Whale watching is just that; it is the act of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. It involves people, often standing on a pier or a marine vessel, trying to get a…

The best place in the world to go whale watching is California. With over 840 miles of coastline adjacent to the Pacific ocean, California has more first-class whale watching destinations than anywhere else. California’s waters are filled with all sorts of marine life, including about 20,000 gray whales that migrate between Mexico and Alaska every…

Dana Point, California— June 2022 —It’s going to be a “BLUE, BLUE, summer!! Blue whales have been spotted off the coast of Dana Point! It’s leading up to an exciting summer! The largest mammal known to ever exist on EARTH has been viewed by our crew and guests! Blue Whale season runs from May until November as they migrate in the summer and generally gather in small groups! Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching have spotted 6 so far in the month of June!! It’s also been a magical month of witnessing pods of Risso’s and Common Dolphins, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and a few Humpbacks!! It’s time to go WHALE WATCHING this summer!! Since Father’s Day, our passengers have seen many mothers and their calves. Recently, they saw a calf that was rolling under the surface next to the 95ft….

Dana Point, California— June 2022 — Marine Life Artist; Wyland and Dana Wharf Whale Watching presents, Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons in the Wild Grand Prize Contest Winner announced. CONGRATULATIONS to 8-year-old William Lyerla of Irvine, California. He has won the 2022 Grand Prize framed and signed artwork by Wyland called “OCEANS”; which…