It draws the whales and dolphins close to the shore. A couple of weekends ago we set off on another so cal adventure when the dana wharf invited us on a whale watching cruise. From migrating gray whales in the winter to blue whales in the spring and summer, dana point harbor is a reference landmark for the whales. The high cliffs at dana point are popular for scanning the horizon for whales, dolphins and other marine life. Minke whale whale watching dana point visitors will likely encounter minke whales, the most common baleen whale in existence, numbering nearly 800,000 across the globe. Dana point was named for american author richard henry dana, jr. Baby gray whale coaxed back to sea laguna nigueldana point, ca the possibly ill, young whale, that looks really skinny, was swimming directly underneath a paddle boarder. If youre going to go fishing, go to dana wharf, great boats, great captains, great options for all types of species. Whale watching at dana point and coastal orange county. How to go whale watching in orange county orange county.
Dana point a juvenile gray whale that led standup paddle boarders, kayakers and the orange county sheriffs harbor patrol on a goose chase through dana point harbor most of tuesday, aug. Mere minutes from the harbor, the waters off dana point are teeming with all. World renowned destination for boaters, whale watching, marine life, water recreation, great. Due to the unique shape of dana point harbor, it is ideally located for easy and quick access to board a boat and be in open ocean in 5. Juvenile gray whale is heading north after a day thrilling. Dana point whale watching tours, dana point, ca california. This center is an educational facility with information on the local flora and fauna see details. Its to our benefit, the blue whales have now decided to make the dana point area one of their favorite summer destinations. Dana point whale watchers can depart from newport harbor at multiple times during the day for one of our excursions. Aug 08, 2017 baby gray whale coaxed back to sea laguna niguel dana point, ca the possibly ill, young whale, that looks really skinny, was swimming directly underneath a paddle boarder.
Dana point is the best spot for whale watching in the oc. Dana point, gray whale, whale, whale watching comments. Gray whale makes surprise visit into dana point harbor. While this was the first observed whale this year in the harbor, there have been others. Dana point harbor beach, dana point, ca california beaches. From savory eats to indulgent sweets, theres a pleasure for every palate. Whale watching in dana point orange county whale watching. Nearly half of the migrating gray whale population follows the coast of southern california, many come close to shore at dana point. Minke whales normally swim at a rate of 316 miles per.
Dana hills high school young artists show and sale island way and dana point harbor drive 11 a. From dana point harbor, gray whales can be seen just seconds away by boat, and nearby are gigantic and gentle blue whales, fearsome killer whales and. Dana point whale watching complete guide to whale watching. The marina at dana point is open, including guest slips. Experts dont believe the whale was any danger, but it drew large crowds to the harbor according to kabc. Whale swims under paddleboarders and kayakers in california. Blue whale season runs may october and gray whale migration runs november april. Whale watching in dana point book now at captain daves. Harbor music series presented by the dana point festival of whales foundation in the dana wharf courtyard, harpoon henry grassy area near mariners village and at art in the park near island way from 12 noon 3 pm. Year round opportunity to see many whale species, dolphins and other marine life. During the 2012, and 14 seasons, blues have started passing by dana point in. This webcam is located at the ocean institue in dana point, california and overlooks the dana point harbor. The dana point nature interpretive center is located on the dana point headlands overlooking the harbor. That could be because of dana points twomilewide, eastwest facing coastline.
The marine mammal was spotted in the harbor around 8 a. The warm waters right out of dana point harbor are flourishing with sea life including whales, dolphins, harbor seals, and california sea lions. Download premium images you cant get anywhere else. The most wellknown and commonly seen whale is the california gray whale. The southern origin of californias highway 1 winds through some gorgeous locations, like beach town and whalewatching mecca dana point. A baby gray whale is back out to sea after hanging out in dana point harbor for several hours. But, the jewel of dana point is the 2500slip yacht harbor, which is nestled in a natural cove below towering white cliffs. Southern california has some of the richest sea life in the world. Whale watching tours leave daily from dana point, california where the huge mammals can be viewed right off the coast.
Whale watching adventure in dana point harbor with. Embarcadero at dana point is open, including the launch ramp. There is no better way to experience it than on a private boat with just your family and. Find the most current and reliable 7 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for city with the weather network. We got to experience some firsthand sightings of magnificent ocean creatures and a boat ride too. Dana point harbor invites families to experience the 49th annual dana point festival of whales, march 78 and 1415 from 8 a. Allow plenty of time to find the office, and the right wharf. Just click the redeem offer button, print the coupon, make a reservation, and bring the coupon with you to daveys locker whale watching when checking in for your trip. It has one of the few harbors along the orange county coast, and with ready access via state route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing the city was named after the headland of dana point, which was in turn named after richard henry dana, jr. Whale watching, fishing charter, adventure tours, guided tours, sporting goods payment types.
During peak season, december through march, 40 to 50 whales pass by dana point every day, making dana point harbor one of the best places to. Whale watching excursions, sailing, parasailing, stand up paddle boarding, diving, fishing and more. Up to about the year 2000, a blue whale sighting at dana point was unprecedented or even unknown. Experience upclose wild dolphins, migrating gray whales, playful humpback whales, huge fin whales, silly sea lions, and so much more. The entire harbor of dana point, including the embarcadero marina shops. Dana point whale watching tours take off from dana point harbor, the pride of the southern california small craft harbor system. Longtime dana point harbor businesses fight to stay. During peak season, december through march, 40 to 50 whales pass by dana point every day, making dana point harbor one of the best places to whale watch in southern california. Across the bridge to dana island, more walking paths lead to yacht clubs, a restaurant and a continuation of the quiet waterside parkways. It was tangled in fishing line or rope of some kind.
The business is closed due to the coronavirus covid19 outbreak. Help us keep whales safe with the whale alert app ocean institute. Visitors can explore dana point harbor during the gray whales annual winter migratory ritual, and enjoy engaging activities including whale watching, first day parade and street fair, sand sculpting, live music, the dinghy dash, art in the park, chowder. In the 1950s and 60s, the rightbreaking waves that tended to form here could produce 12. Swimmers, paddleboarders, and whale watchers were surprised by a small gray whale that has made its way into dana point harbor, in southern california.
Dana point harbor, california 7 day weather forecast the. That could be because of dana point s twomilewide, eastwest facing coastline. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the california coast. Once youve done it, it seems obvious, but the dana point marina is a big place, with several different harbors.
Gray whale surprises beachgoers inside dana point harbor. Dana point harbor is a key migration point for a variety of whales and other sea life. View a chronological event schedule for the 2020 festival of whales. Cruise the pacific ocean off dana point on a whale watching excursion aboard a comfortable 95 vessel. Dana wharf sportfishing are on the western side of the most eastern harbor see the map. We get wild life migrating down to mexico and up to northing california, oregon and canada.
The harbor offers easy access, free parking and the small towns locals tout to those who come to enjoy a boat ride during the whale watching season and throughout the year. Festival of whales parade dana drive island way dana point harbor drive. Dana point festival of whales events and information. Orange county whale watching based out of dana point. Blue whales are most likely to be encountered off of dana point harbor from may through october. Dana wharf whale watching tours are the were the first boat operator in orange county to offer whale watching adventures. As with all baleen whales, female minke whales are larger. Please call 949 49667 for information and reservations. Dana point whale watching pacific coast highway travel. Private boat rentals limited time special rates book online. Dana point is a city located in southern orange county, california. The species grows up to 30 feet long and weigh up to 7. It has one of the few harbors along the orange county coast, and with ready access via state route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing. The warm waters right out of dana point harbor are flourishing with sea life including.
Aug 10, 2017 this dana point woman who helps others with adaptive paddleboarding experiences also helped a whale near the dana point pier. Whale watching excursions, sailing, parasailing, stand up paddle boarding, diving, fishing and more await you. Dana point blue whale watching from a kayak dana point. Finbacks are long lived with an average life span of 8590 years old. A whale was stuck in the dana point harbor in california. Art in the park island way and dana point harbor drive 10 a.
Dana point sportfishing provides the ultimate whale watching trips, giving you an up close and personal experience with the wildlife we have just outside dana point harbor. See more ideas about dana point, surfing and vintage california. Finback whales are the fastest baleen whale, nicknamed the greyhound of the sea, capable of top speeds of 23 mph. Aug 08, 2017 swimmers, paddleboarders, and whale watchers were surprised by a small gray whale that has made its way into dana point harbor, in southern california. You can try one of their exciting fishing trips that are perfect for both the novice and the more. Dana point festival of whales 5 star whale watching tours. Enjoy waterfront dining and seaside delights in picturesque dana point harbor. Friday harbor, wa united states whale watch point san.
Dana point harbor is known as the whale capital of the world. Dana wharf whale watch 34675 golden lantern, dana point, california 92629 rated 4. In 2017, a gray whale lingered in dana point harbor for about seven hours, causing quite a commotion among. Finback whale another amazing spectacle for dana point whale watchers, finbacks are the second largest animal in the world after the blue whale. The dana point harbor offers specialty shopping, fishing and whale watching excursions, kayaking, catalina transportation, and a variety of restaurants from. They spend their summers chowing down in alaskan seas then travel to baja california to party and have kids in the winter, then travel back to alaska in the spring. The dana point harbor offers specialty shopping, fishing and whale watching excursions, kayaking, catalina transportation, and a variety of restaurants from coffee shops to fine waterfront dining.
Baby gray whale coaxed back to sea from dana point photos. Kktv 11 news a whale was stuck in the dana point harbor. This dana point woman who helps others with adaptive paddleboarding experiences also helped a whale near the dana point pier. Mobile marine mammal museum doheny state beach visitor center noon 3 p. Dana point whale watching tours introduce you to magnificent wildlife and extraordinary views. Experience the ultimate adventure at dana point harbor. Celebrating dad at dana point harbor popsicle blog. For information regarding your booked whale watching trip, or to book a whale watching trip, please contact the chosen whale watching company directly. Dana point gray whale watching from a kayak dana point. Redeem offer this offer is valid for up to 10 fares. Dana point is the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world. The coast line off dana point is located on a steep underwater shelf that extends over a.
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