Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More
The incredible 5000-mile migration of the majestic California Gray Whale from Alaska to Mexico begins in December and continues through March. During this peak season, 40 – 50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headland’s 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Dana Point offers the BEST whale watching along the California Coast – don’t miss it! There’s a whale watching excursion for everyone. If you’re interested in getting a glimpse of these majestic leviathans from land, be sure to visit the Headlands Conservation Park. The Park includes a public trail system, over three miles in length, and links all the parks and open space areas of the Headlands. The system includes pedestrian trails, coastal and beach access, scenic overlooks and the Nature Interpretive Center. The parks and trails can be reached either off of Green Lantern or at Dana Strand Rd., limited parking is available along these streets or at the Nature Interpretive Center parking lot. The trails are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. The Nature Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the Headlands Conservation Park, at the terminus of Street of the Green Lantern. Center Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM. From Dana Point Harbor visitors may take the FREE shuttle to the Ocean Institute and then proceed up Cove Road to the Park. It’s a good work out for those looking for a little adventure and some spectacular views!
March 2
Free Book Signing and Fun Prizes 1-3pm - Stop by Dana Wharf Sportfishing for a FREE book signing of “The Amazing Adventures of Captain Don” by Captain Don himself! The first 100 children (10 years old and under) will not only meet Captain Don, get a signature, but have a picture taken too! Captain Don Hansen, the founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and the originator of Southern California whale watching invites you to come down and meet him. Buy a second book and get an opportunity to spin the prize wheel and win fun prizes! Proceeds will be donated to the Gray Whale Foundation.
March 3, 10
Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic – 12:00 – 12:30 pm. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 – 5:45, adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE. Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! More information and reservations call Dana Wharf 949-496-5794
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 -11 AM at Harpoon Henry’s
Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us. Nonetheless, local researchers are making fantastic discoveries about marine mammals every day. During Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching’s special marine mammal lecture series you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s as marine biologists and special guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. The presentations will include photos, videos, and underwater recordings. Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran for those that want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Space is limited. The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast. To attend the lecture only, $5 per person will be collected at the door (and also includes the continental breakfast). To purchase visit www.danawharf.com <http://www.danawharf.com/> or call (949) 496-5794.
Marine Mammal Lecture Series Guest Speakers:
March 2 Doug Thompson Gray Whales and San Ignacio Lagoon
March 3 Dennis Kelly Bottlenose Dolphin
March 9 Alisa Schulman-Janiger Killer Whales
March 10 Todd Mansur Gray Whales and local sightings
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 9-9:45AM and 10-10:45AM - Learn from one of the masters of marine art by joining us for a dockside presentation and art lesson aboard the “Ocean Adventure” Catamaran, via video feed, by renowned environmental artist, Wyland! Guests will learn how Wyland has created some of the most well known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures of our era.
Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest for the most accurate portrayal of marine mammals to be judged by Wyland. The winning child and family will receive a Whale Watching trip accompanied by Wyland aboard the Ocean Adventure. Other prizes will be announced soon!
The price for the art lesson is $5 per child, with all proceeds going to the Wyland Foundation. The mission of Wyland’s foundation is to give both children and adults alike, the tools they need to become more creative, positive and solution oriented through art. Whale watching excursions are available at an additional cost and will be departing Dana Wharf every hour on the hour during the Festival of Whales.