Top 6 Most Asked Whale Watching Questions Our Captains Get
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…
How Dana Wharf Captains and Guides Find Whales: Skill, Tech & Experience at Work
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…
Beyond the Whales: What Else Can You Spot on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching Tour?
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 —…
The Diet of Whales in Southern California: What They Eat and When
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…
Best Whale Watching Trips to Take This Summer with Dana Wharf
Summer is the perfect season to go whale watching in Dana Point. Warm weather, calm seas, and active marine life make it an unforgettable experience. Dana Wharf Whale Watching offers several types of tours, so whether you want a quick outing or a full-day adventure, there’s a perfect trip for you. 2-Hour Whale…
The Ocean’s Stars: Ranking Whale Sightings Off Dana Point
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Pacific! From the smallest to the largest, Dana Point’s coastal waters are a year-round playground for an incredible variety of whale species. While our expert captains and naturalists are always scanning the horizon, some encounters are more likely than others. Here’s your…
How To Identify Blue, Fin, and Gray Whales
1. Blue Whales: The Largest Animal on Earth When to See Them: Late spring through early fall (typically May–September) Key Features: Size: Up to 100 feet long—the largest animal ever known to exist Color: Mottled blue-gray; appears bluish underwater Blow (Spout): Very tall…
How to Tell the Difference Between Common and Bottlenose Dolphins on Your Watching Tour
Dolphins are some of the most exciting marine animals to encounter on a whale-watching tour in Dana Point, but did you know there are different species you might see? Two of the most frequently spotted dolphins in Southern California waters are the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. While…
What Is The Longest Whale Migration
What Is The Longest Whale Migration The natural world is full of wonders. One of the most awe-inspiring is the longest whale migration. This epic journey is undertaken by the gray whale. Each year, these marine giants travel up to 12,000 miles round-trip. They journey from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to their breeding…
Why do whales jump out of the water?
Why do whales jump out of the water? The sight of a whale breaching is a spectacle that leaves many in awe. This behavior, known as breaching, is a fascinating display of power and agility. But why do these massive creatures leap out of the water? The answer is not as straightforward as one might…