Weekly Report ~ August 28, 2023 – September 3, 2023

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 of San Onofre while returning from a fishing trip on the Dana Pride!  Pods of 20-30 Risso’s and sometimes including offshore Bottlenose Dolphin, including a pod early one-morning racing across the water’s surface before diving to feed while some would turn and come right at the Ocean Adventures.  Other pods of active bottlenose dolphins were also in our area.  Many Minke Whale encounters show how curious these animals are as they often surface close or travel alongside our vessels.  Late in the day, we found a Humpback Whale south of San Onofre. This Humpback Whale was clearly feeding, as its dive pattern showed it was circling.  Scattered pods of Common Dolphins, including “megapods,” were seen all week.