Dana Wharf Whale Watch

Dana Wharf Whale Watch Year round opportunity to see many whale and dolphin species right here in Dana Point, CA And just like that, whale watching was born.
(1206)

The story of Dana Wharf:
In 1958 While running several sport fishing boats off the San Clemente Pier,Don Hansen, decided to take children out on a whale watching excursion at the urging of friend and local educator Philip Grignon. For years Hansen and his fellow captains had been watching Gray Whales pass by them but no one was really watching this majestic Whales at the time. Some years later, H

ansen moved the operation to Dana Point Harbor when it opened in 1971. This was where the West Coast Whale Watching industry originated - not only for school field trips, but the public Whale Watching excursion was born in Dana Point. Don's love for the Gray Whale inspired people from all around the world to come and see for themselves the friendly Gray Whales as they migrate past Dana Point. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, the first whale watching company in Orange County, is a year-round whale watching facility in Southern California. Interacting with thousands of whales during the Gray Whale migration in the winter and Blue whales in the summer plus year round whales such as Fin , Orca, Minke and Humpback . In addition to whales, thousands of dolphins, sea lions, sea faring birds and even sharks are found in the beautiful waters right off Dana Wharf. There is always plenty of wildlife to experience, as you will see in this video. Today Dana Wharf sits in the heart of a busy, flourishing harbor and continues to be owned and operated by the Hansen family.

09/26/2025

Throwing it back to our epic Mako Shark encounter earlier this week! 🦈 These fast and powerful predators are known as the ‘cheetahs of the sea,’ reaching speeds up to 45 mph. Such an unforgettable sighting out on the water! Video by

This Dodger fan is using an analogy for today’s report. Just as the Dodgers shut out the Diamondbacks and won 8-0, so t...
09/26/2025

This Dodger fan is using an analogy for today’s report. Just as the Dodgers shut out the Diamondbacks and won 8-0, so too we were shout out on all of our trips today 3-0. Our passengers received “whale checks.” These are passes which never expire and we encourage our passengers to please come back and try again on us. Today’s totals: One flying fish, sea lions hauled out on the buoy, and an osprey perched high at the mouth of the Dana Point Harbor. At least the osprey has a great vantage point to listen and watch Ohana Fest at Doheny State Beach this weekend.

Report by Nona the Naturalist
📸 John & Cindy, September 19, 2025

09/25/2025

Good Morning Dana Point 🦭🫶🏻 🌊
Snuggly Sea Lions on the buoy!
Video by

Why Do Dolphins Stampede?The exact reason isn’t always clear. A stampede may be triggered by the presence of a predator...
09/25/2025

Why Do Dolphins Stampede?
The exact reason isn’t always clear. A stampede may be triggered by the presence of a predator, used as a cooperative hunting technique to corral bait fish, or a form of play. Whatever the cause, it’s always a spectacular sight to see hundreds of dolphins surging across the surface, leaping high out of the water at incredible speed!

This morning began with an Osprey perched on the jetty marker as we departed Dana Point Harbor. About 8 miles southwest of the harbor, and later farther south near San Mateo Point, we encountered a pod of roughly 500 Common Dolphin. They were spread across several miles with groups feeding, engaging with our vessel, and putting on an impressive aerial show of acrobatics.

On our noon trip, with the sun shining, a beautiful stampede erupted. Hundreds of dolphin suddenly took off, first racing toward the coast before turning offshore in a breathtaking coordinated display of speed and agilty. It was without question the highlight of the day!

Other sightings included a massive male sea lion lounging on the inner jetty as we passed by. Late this afternoon, we traveled north towards Laguna Main Beach and 7 miles offshore, but no cetaceans were in the area. Each passenger received a “whale check” which is a free, never-expiring ticket to join us again for another adventure.

Report & 📸 Laura Lopez

09/25/2025

Sound on for this one 🔊🐬 Nothing more soothing than the wild, natural symphony of a Dolphin Stampede racing through Dana Point today. Pure ocean bliss! 🌊💙

🎥

Tuesday was Day of the Common Dolphin on all three of our trips. Pods were seen about 6 miles or more offshore above or...
09/24/2025

Tuesday was Day of the Common Dolphin on all three of our trips. Pods were seen about 6 miles or more offshore above or below Dana Point Harbor. Small calves could be seen in most pods. Some very fresh indeed. The diversity of birds at sea and in the harbor are fascinating to watch. Today’s totals: Multiple pods of Common Dolphin, Osprey, Pelicans, and Snowy Egrets.

Report & 📸 Nona the Naturalist

Tuesday was Day of the Common Dolphin on all three of our trips. 🐬✨🌊 Pods were seen about 6 miles or more offshore above...
09/24/2025

Tuesday was Day of the Common Dolphin on all three of our trips. 🐬✨🌊 Pods were seen about 6 miles or more offshore above or below Dana Point Harbor. Small calves could be seen in most pods. Some very fresh indeed. The diversity of birds at sea and in the harbor are fascinating to watch. Today’s totals: Multiple pods of Common Dolphin, Osprey, Pelicans, and Snowy Egrets. Report and photos by

Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we transition from summer into fall with Common Dolphin nursery pods once again ...
09/23/2025

Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we transition from summer into fall with Common Dolphin nursery pods once again filling our local waters. With cooling seas comes an abundance of prey, including larger schools of baitfish, often drawing greater numbers of these charismatic marine mammals. Seeing so much new life in every pod brought joy to all our passengers!

On our morning trip, several hundred Long-beaked Common Dolphin stretched across nearly three miles just five miles offshore. By noon, we encountered two additional pods, and our final trip brought sightings of at least three more pods from just outside Dana Point Harbor to Monarch Bay and farther offshore!

A pair of Coastal Bottlenose greeted us at the harbor entrance around midday, heading south past Doheny State Beach. Flying Fish were sighted on both afternoon trips, while an Osprey perched on the jetty marker enjoyed its fresh catch. California Sea Lions were seen resting on every harbor buoy, though none were hauled out on the jetties.

Report & 📸 Laura Lopez

09/23/2025

The Fin whale is the second-largest animal on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 80 feet and weighing as much as 70 tons! Known as the “greyhounds of the sea,” they can swim at speeds of 25 mph—one of the fastest of all whales. Despite their massive size, fin whales feed mostly on tiny krill, schooling fish, and squid, consuming up to 2 tons of food per day. 💙 📍Spotted right here off our coast at Dana Wharf Whale Watching over the weekend! 🎥

Address

34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA
92629

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 10pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 5am - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 9am - 10pm

Telephone

+18005909994

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dana Wharf Whale Watch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Dana Wharf Whale Watch:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

on our trips : Visitors can take a voyage with Orange County’s original whale watching company. Riders on one of Dana Wharf's 17 vessels often see whales, dolphins and sea lions while embracing the majestic coastline of DanaPoint, all these excursions are narrated by expert naturalists . In addition, Dana Wharf is endorsed by renowned wildlife Artist Wyland.