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.
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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.

Cuteness Alert! 🚨 Common Dolphin, Two Mola molas & A Sea Turtle!No matter whether we headed north or south, every trip b...
06/18/2026

Cuteness Alert! 🚨

Common Dolphin, Two Mola molas & A Sea Turtle!

No matter whether we headed north or south, every trip brought us to pods of feeding Common Dolphins along the offshore drop-off. Many of these were nursery pods, with tiny calves swimming closely beside their mothers, learning the rhythms of life at sea. Overhead, flocks of seabirds followed the dolphins, taking advantage of baitfish driven to the surface during the feeding activity.

The morning trip was especially rewarding, with several Mola mola (Ocean Sunfish) encountered throughout the excursion. Our noon trip added another memorable sighting, a sea turtle sinking out quickly as we traveled south.

Back in Dana Point Harbor, hundreds of birds gathered near the bait dock as the fishing vessel Cachalot unloaded its catch of anchovies into the bait receivers below the dock. Pelicans, gulls, teens and other seabirds filled the air and water, creating a bustling feeding scene that highlighted the incredible abundance of marine life both offshore and right inside the harbor.

Report by Laura Lopez
📸 Ernie Leal ~ June 16, 2026

THREE Humpback Whales & Common Dolphin! Patchy clouds and a fresh ocean breeze added a bit of excitement to the day as s...
06/16/2026

THREE Humpback Whales & Common Dolphin!

Patchy clouds and a fresh ocean breeze added a bit of excitement to the day as scattered pods of Common Dolphin were found south of the Dana Point Harbor. Small groups surfaced throughout the morning, feeding keeping their echolocation subsurface as they slicing through the textured water. Occasionally sea birds gathered overhead where baitfish were being pushed toward the surface.

By afternoon, we headed north and continued to encounter smaller pods of Common Dolphin spread across the area. The sporty seas made every sighting feel even more dynamic as dolphins burst through the waves, porpoising and racing through the swells.

Then, in the distance, flashes of whitewater and repeated splashes caught our attention. As we approached, it became clear that a larger group of Common Dolphin was charging northwest at high speed, creating an impressive display of energy across the ocean’s surface. Five miles off south Laguna Beach were three Humpback Whales including Happywhale ID HW-MN050453, trailing the dolphin and the activity around them as the entire marine ecosystem traveled north. Against the backdrop of rolling swells, scattered clouds, and glistening blue-gray water, the scene was a spectacular reminder of the rich marine life thriving just off our coast.

Report & 📸 Laura Lopez
📸 Ernie Leal

06/15/2026

Our job isn’t all sunshine and rainbows… ☀️🌈 Oh wait… yes it is! 😍🐋

If humpback whales had a weekend agenda, it apparently included launching themselves completely out of the water over and over again.

These whales were breaching in every direction, keeping passengers glued to the railings and cameras working overtime. The splash is impressive, but seeing a 40-ton animal airborne is something that rewires your brain a little.

No filters. No special effects. Just another weekend off the Southern California coast. 🐋

Video by Laura Lopez

06/15/2026

Another beautiful day on the water off Dana Point Harbor brought an abundance of marine life along the offshore dropoff. Large and small pods of Common Dolphin were actively feeding throughout the area, with newborn calves and young juveniles staying close to their mothers as the pods moved through schools of baitfish.

The feeding activity often attracted an impressive gathering of seabirds overhead. California Brown Pelicans plunge-dived into the water while Brandt’s Cormorants, Elegant Terns, Heermann’s Gulls, and Black-vented Shearwaters, plus a few Common Murres joined the action, taking advantage of baitfish being pushed to the surface by the dolphins below.

With dolphins racing through the blue water, calves leaping alongside their mothers, and flocks of seabirds filling the sky, it was another spectacular day showcasing the rich marine ecosystem that makes Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and one of Southern California’s premier whale-watching destinations.

Report & 🎥 Laura Lopez - One of Our Fun Energetic Humpbacks on Friday, June 12, 2026

One Humpback Whale Seen on Two Trips & Common Dolphin!Under gray skies and across steel-blue seas, we departed the Dana ...
06/14/2026

One Humpback Whale Seen on Two Trips & Common Dolphin!

Under gray skies and across steel-blue seas, we departed the Dana Point Harbor to find Common Dolphin along the coastline and offshore. Lines of feeding dolphin stretched from Ritz Point to San Onofre, with dolphins racing across the surface, porpoising through the day's swells, and constantly changing direction as they pursued schools of baitfish.

Rafts of California Sea Lions frequently accompanied the dolphin, trailing the action and occasionally swimming right alongside our vessel. Several popped their heads above the water to study us with curious expressions met with lots of giggles from our passengers.

The highlight of the afternoon was a single Humpback Whale (Happywhale ID HW-MN0504053) encountered on both of our later trips. The whale spent hours feeding along the productive drop-off between the San Clemente Pier and San Mateo Point, traveling both north and south as it methodically worked the area feeding.

During our final encounter, the whale suddenly surprised us with a spectacular peduncle throw, launching its powerful tail high above the water and sending a spray of whitewater across the sea. After the dramatic display, it calmly resumed feeding as if nothing had happened.

One of the most memorable moments of the day came from a young passenger who stayed on the bow. Completely captivated by the whale, she carefully counted every breath it took throughout the encounter. As guests were departing the boat, she ran back to make sure I remembered her final tally: exactly 33 breaths. Her enthusiasm was a perfect reminder that every whale watch creates memories that last long after the trip is over.

Report & 📸 Laura Lopez

Dana Point Times

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

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