Dana Wharf Blog

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…

We had a busy week with boats out every day Bass fishing for the 1/2 day boat remained kinda status quo with water now in the 66°-68° range.  Sinker setups reverse dropper loops and Carolina rigs fished best for the bass.  Some nice sand bass on those setups and some nice sheephead for the guys…

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…

Great week across the board for us great opportunities in many areas Along the coast the water back in the 70-71° range.  Bass fishing showed some improvement with the red tide about gone.  Classic flyline fishing for the calico bass and plenty of bites coming off the rigs fishing the bottom for the sand bass,…

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,…

Pacific white sided dolphins, scientifically known as Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, are a captivating species of dolphin that inhabits the North Pacific Ocean. These marine mammals are renowned for their striking appearance, playful behavior, and acrobatic displays.  Physical Appearance: Pacific white-sided dolphins boast a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. Their dark gray to black backs provide a stark…

Dolphins are indeed some of the most captivating and beloved creatures in the world’s oceans, and among them, the common dolphin stands out for its widespread distribution and fascinating characteristics. Spotting a common dolphin off the coast of Dana Point, CA on one of our tours, is very likely as these creatures are highly sociable. …

Humpback Whale, Minke Whales, a Shy Fin Whale, Risso’s, Bottlenose, and Common Dolphin! Another great week where a variety of cetaceans seen today reminds us why Dana Point is the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World! Thanks to Dana Wharf Captain Tommy White, who first spotted this week’s Humpback Whale several miles south…

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 biology, behavior, and conservation status. Join us as we uncover everything you need to know about these magnificent creatures. Size Matters: Giants of the Deep Sperm whales, the largest of toothed whales, are distinguished by their immense size. Adult males typically reach lengths of 50 to 60 feet and weigh between 40 to 57 tons, with some exceptional cases exceeding 60 feet. Male and female sperm whales differ significantly in size. Adult females are generally smaller, measuring 30 to 40 feet in length and weighing…

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…