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Discover the Thrill of Laguna Beach Whale Watching
Laguna Beach, California, is famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful weather, and vibrant art scene. But did you know that it is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching?
Every year, thousands of whales migrate along the coast of Laguna Beach, making it the perfect destination for anyone interested in witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
When is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Laguna Beach?
Whale Migration Season
Although December to April is considered peak season, there are opportunities to view other types of whales and marine life year-round, including humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and various types of dolphins.
Types of Whales You Can See in Laguna Beach
Gray Whales
The most common type of whale seen in Laguna Beach is the These whales can grow up to 50 feet in length and weigh up to 40 tons. They are known for their distinctive gray color and their heart-shaped blowholes.
Gray whales are also known for their friendly and curious behavior, often approaching boats and interacting with humans. They can often be seen breaching, spy-hopping, and fluking, making them a favorite among whale watchers.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are also known for their complex songs, which can last up to 20 minutes and can be heard from miles away. These songs are believed to be a form of communication between the whales.
Blue Whales
The largest animal on the planet, , can also be seen in Laguna Beach during the migration season. These whales can grow up to 100 feet in length and weigh up to 200 tons. They are known for their distinctive blue-gray color and their heart-shaped blowholes.
Blue whales are not as acrobatic as other whale species, but they can often be seen breaching and fluking. They are also known for their loud and deep vocalizations, which can be heard by other whales from hundreds of miles away.
Dana Point: The Whale Watching Capital
Dana Point is a beautiful coastal town located about a 15-minute drive south of Laguna Beach. It is best known for its whale-watching activities and is considered the “Whale Watching Capital of the World.”
The Highest-Rated Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour in SoCal
Dana Wharf Whale Watching was established in 1971, marking the inception of whale watching in Orange County. As pioneers of the industry, we have now become the leading year-round whale watching facility in Southern California. If you are planning to go whale watching, Dana Wharf in Dana Point should be your ultimate destination.
Our whale and dolphin watching cruises are all led by expert marine naturalist captains, who provide informative narration about the diverse ocean life along our coast. Each trip lasts for two hours, providing ample time to explore the fascinating world that lies beneath the ocean.
About the Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure
Come and join Dana Wharf, the first and favorite whale watching company among locals, to enjoy the thrilling sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures in Dana Point. It is a landmark destination for marine life sightings, where you can witness rare glimpses of a variety of underwater wildlife and breathtaking scenic views that you will never forget.
During the whale watching season, we spot over 1,500 gray whales, and in the summer, we see blue whales. Throughout the year, we also get to see fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and even sharks.
Every trip with us is a unique experience, so make sure to come out often! We provide year-round whale watching tours, and we guarantee marine mammal sightings. If you don’t see a whale or dolphin during your trip, we will give you a voucher for a free tour that never expires!
You can observe different types of wildlife such as:
- Gray whales (November – May) – These friendly whales are up to 65 feet long!
- Blue whales (May – November) – They can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh up to 100 tons – you will not believe your eyes if you’re lucky enough to see one of these impressive marine mammals!
- These whales visit year-round – fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.
- Dolphins – Take memorable photos as schools of playful dolphins frolic around the boat!
- Sea lions, pelicans, and other seafaring birds, plus possible sightings of sharks (mako, hammerhead, and great white).
Trips may be aboard our , the Queen of our fleet and our largest vessel; the , our brand new state-of-the-art catamaran with incredible unobstructed 360-degree views; or our , a luxury eco-friendly catamaran with a raised EYE SPY viewing platform. We guarantee the best whale watching experience in Southern California!
Save 30% with code: WW30
Private Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours Available!
See the whales, dolphins, other sea life, and breathtaking coastal views during your private and unique experience at Dana Point. Your captain and marine life expert will be your personal narrator during your two-hour adventure.