Dana Wharf Blog

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!…

This week’s sightings have been quite spectacular, including Blue Whales and Minke Whales, as well as thousands of dolphins. We were thrilled to spot a Blue Whale cow/calf pair feeding not far from the Dana Point Harbor. It’s wonderful to see the largest animal on the planet returning from the brink of extinction. Although still…

Quick Facts about the Gray Whale The lineage of baleen whales, including ancestors of gray whales, dates back tens of millions of 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. They have baleen plates on each side of…

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…

Quick Blue Whale Facts A Blue Whale’s tongue weighs the same as an African Elephant or 10,000 to 15,000 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 tons). A hundred people can fit in the Blue Whale’s gigantic mouth by volume. They can consume several tons of krill per day during peak feeding. Calves may gain on the order…

What a Fantastic week of whale watching with Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin and so many Mola molas! Multiple Blue Whales encountered 6 days in a row!  Blue Whales are feeding almost exclusively on krill and often swim in circles during feeding dives to stay close to their food.  It…

During a recent whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Whale Watch, passengers were able to witness the largest and second largest animals in the world, Blue Whales and Fin Whales, in their natural habitat. The Fin Whales were seen feeding and traveling northbound, with some even breaching and “greyhounding” across the water. These enormous creatures…

Fishing for bass has improved with water temperatures reaching between 64-65 degrees. The most successful approach this week has been utilizing Carolina rigs or straight sliders with sliding egg sinkers. Using a lighter line, around 10-12lb, has proven effective for catching both sand bass and calico bass. Additionally, half-day trips have yielded some nice sheepshead…