Dana Point California Festival of Whales 2004 Painting by George Sumner

 
 

© 2006 craigcoppola.com

Dana Point offers the best whale watching on the West Coast! Keep your eyes open and you may spy a dolphin or two.

A view of Dana Point from the bluffs above.

Sailing, Kayaking & Rowing, Saturdays and Sundays at the OC Sailing & Event Center

Dana Point California Festival of Whales 2004

Whale Watching Excursions


Please note: prices below are subject to change.

See why Dana Point is the “Whale Capital of the West!”  Most excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations recommended.

 

Dana Wharf Whale Watching 
(800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994 
www.danawharf.com  
Check out our schedule and BUY online at http://www.danawharf.com/ Or call 800-979-3370. Celebrate 38 years with the Originator of Whale Watching in Orange County. Take an adventure to see the California Gray Whales in their natural environment. Fun for all ages and sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Prices: Adults - $29, Senior and Military - $24, Children 3-12 years - $19, Children 2 and under are free. NEW for 2009 The Whale of a Deal at 8 am. All seats just $8 in celebration of 38 years of whale watching.  Weekends only. 
  
Dana Wharf also invites you to experience their new catamaran, the 63-foot OCean Adventure. This beautiful NEW, state-of-the-art vessel with a full-service deli-style galley offers a 4-hour Gray Whale Voyage on the weekends with a morning departure. This unique excursion will take you into the open waters of the Pacific and focus on locating large pods of the California Gray Whale.  All trips feature a certified marine biologist for a one-on-one educational experience.  It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magical migration of the California Gray Whale: state-of-the-art vessel, trained educators and LOTS of fun!  Prices: Adults - $79, Children 4-12 years old - $49, and Children 3 and under are free. Offered twice each day of the Festival.  Reservation can be made at danawharf.com 

Dana Island Yacht Charters 
(949) 248-7400
http://www.danapointwhalewatching.com  
"Sail with the whales"! No more than 6 passengers will be aboard each of our large and luxurious U. S. Coast Guard regulated Sailboats. Smaller group sizes offer more comfort & privacy. Narration provided by friendly Captain. $35 per person for a 2 hour trip. Special offer: mention this ad to reserve a private tour for only $180 – a $30 savings!

Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises 
(949) 496-2274 
www.ocean-institute.org 
More than just a whale watch, this cruise introduces participants to whales, dolphins, and sea lions using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and video microscopes.  Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration, and behavior patterns.  Cruise times are 10 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 4 pm on Festival weekends.  Member pricing is $22/adult and $19/child (4 – 12 years old).  Non-member pricing is $35/adult and $22/child (4 – 12 years old).  Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase.

Ocean Institute Whale of a Tale 
From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magnificent Gray Whale.  Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast.  Available Saturdays during the Festival, March 7 and 14, 1 pm to 3:30 pm.  Cost:  Non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under.  Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4). 

Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari 
(949) 488-2828 
www.dolphinsafari.com 
Bring the kids, family and friends and get really up-close and personal with herds of dolphin up to 5,000 strong, migrating Gray Whales (Jan - April) and migrating Blue Whales (June – Oct.).  Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari in Dana Point will take you aboard a hi-tech catamaran sailboat with its exclusive Eye-to-Eye Underwater viewing POD™ for an educational and incredibly exciting experience where you’ll get a chance to get within arm’s reach of dolphin herds.  See and hear the animals too with an underwater camera and hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist explains how these animals live. Mrs. Capt. Dave’s triple fudge brownies are served. Departures daily are usually at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Fare: $55; ages 3-11, $35. Two and under, free. Telephone reservations are required. Phone (949) 488-2828. http://www.dolphinsafari.com Mention this listing for $5 off per person.  

Aventura  Sailing  
(949) 493-9493
 www.aventurasailing.com   
Enjoy a Day Sail aboard one of Aventura's luxury sailboats.  $30 per person or enjoy a Private Boat for $180, 6-passenger maximum, 2 ½ hour trips. Don't forget to bring your cameras and capture the whales...as their tails fly high! 

 

 

 
Copyright © 1998-2008 Dana Point Festival of Whales Committee. All rights reserved.