Select a date below to jump to that day’s event schedule:
A 2023 map with information on shuttles will be available soon!
FRIDAY, MARCH 3 & SATURDAY, MARCH 4
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Welcoming of the WhalesThe Festival of Whales and Ocean Institute invite you to a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation, along with a Dana Point Surf Club paddle out at the Marine Protected Area beach behind the Ocean Institute.Following the beach ceremony, a reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute.The event will include food truck cuisine for purchase and the Ocean Institute’s free interactive educational activities and displays.Festival of Whales merchandise will be available for purchase.Location: Ocean InstituteLocation on the Map: 5
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Dana Point Festival of Whales “Magical Migration” Parade
The parade route starts at the Richard Henry Dana statue on the Island Way Bridge and proceeds over the bridge, then right on Dana Point Harbor Dr. and continues until it ends at Golden Lantern. The parade can be viewed from sections of the Island Way Bridge and along Dana Point Harbor Dr. The parade features giant helium parade balloons, marching bands, school groups, nonprofit organizations, floats, and military units.
For more information on the parade, or parade entry information, email [email protected]
Location: Island Way and along Dana Point Harbor Drive
Location on the Map: 1, 8, 2 -
Westwind Sailing is honored to host the 6th annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash! This event is a fun-filled, family-oriented day that includes a cardboard boat building contest and race (the Dinghy Dash), business boat exhibition and public vote, food, event celebrity emcee – Jim Taylor, music and awards.
The Cardboard Classic is a free event and open to the public. The Dinghy Dash will feature a beach full of sea hardy captains racing in the Harbor with nothing but a paddle and their cardboard ships!
Dinghy Dash Division
Dinghy Dash teams design and build their crafts from corrugated cardboard and duct tape and then complete in age division races. All building and design supplies are provided for Dinghy Dash teams. Each team receives a goody bag with prizes for everyone. Awards are presented to top races in each category along with five judged awards.
Registration fee: $50 per team
Dinghy Dash Race Categories:
- 8 – 12 years old
- 13-17 years old
- Adaptive Invitational
- Adult
For more information or to register a team, visit Westwind Sailing’s website or call (949) 492-3035
Location: Baby Beach
Location on the Map: 15
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Whales, Tails & Ales
Join Pet Project Foundation for a day of outdoor fun for the whole family – both the two-legged and four-legged members! Enjoy craft beer, delicious eats, kid-friendly fun with our friends from Dave & Buster’s, dog costume contests, local artisans, dog-friendly vendors and much more at Whales, Tails & Ales, taking place in the main Dana Point Harbor parking lot from 10 AM – 4 PM on Saturday, March 4. Visit PetProjectFoundation.org for more information on sponsorship or to download a vendor form.
Location: Main Parking Lot, corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive & Golden Lantern
Location on the Map: 2
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Come join the fun at the 10th Annual Fish for Life Clam Chowder Cook-Off!
Saturday, March 4th at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor
11:00AM to 3:00PM / Cost: $10 to taste ALL Chowders
Guests will receive 2 voting tickets: 1 to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, 1 for the Best Booth Decoration
Location: Baby Beach
Location on the Map: 152023 Participating Restaurants:
Beachfire Bar & Grill
Chart House
Coastal Kitchen
Dana Point Yacht Club
Dana West Yacht Club
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort
Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
StillWater Spirits & Sounds
The Lobster Shack
The Shwack Cantina
Wind & Sea RestaurantThis event is always a crowd favorite also featuring a Beer (Left Coast Brewery), Wine (TBD), TitoRitas (Tito’s Vodka) and Hard Seltzer (Passion Tree) garden
Beer, Wine & Cocktails: $5
$10 to taste all chowdersEntertainment:
Live music by the band RetroFits
Free sketches offered by Curt Visca, star of the TV show Curtoon Time
Take pictures with a real live mermaid, Jessica Vaughn
Proceeds benefit Fish for Life to fund fishing trips for special needs children!
“Spread the love one boat at a time!”
People’s Choice Champions:
2012 Laguna Cliffs Marriott
2013 Harbor Grill
2014 The Shwack
2015 The Shwack
2016 RJ’s Café
2017 Harbor Grill
2018 The Shwack
2019 Coastal Kitchen
2020 Cancelled
2021 Cancelled
2022 Coastal KitchenBest Booth Decoration:2019: Jon’s Fish Market2022: Wind & SeaMayor’s Choice Award:2019 Dana Point Yacht Club
2022 The PointCome enjoy the fun & delicious clam chowder!For more information, contact:
Jim Holden(949)285-8819Fish for Life!“Bringing Dignity, Inclusion, and New Possibilities to special needs children”
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As the official hospitality partner of Dana Point Festival of the Whales, join Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa Saturday, March 4th, for Concerts on the Cliff, a special Ladies Night event featuring artists Sheena Easton and Taylor Dayne in conjunction with Bobby Dee Presents.
Location: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Location on the Map: 17
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Art in the Park
Browse through booths of local artisans presenting artwork in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, gems & fossils, art glass & sea glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, textiles and much more.
Art in the park will be held in Bump Out Park, located near the West Basin parking lot (just past Dana Point Marina Inn).
Location: Bump Out Park
Location on the Map: 11 -
Wyland Clean Water Exhibit Learning Experience
The popular Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square-foot science exhibit on wheels dedicated to inspiring and educating people everywhere about the state and future of our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The exhibit includes a 40-person onboard theater, an exhibit room with a running river, computer modeling simulations, interactive touch exhibits, and even actual rain falling over an urban landscape. This exhibit has served over one million students in the U.S. and Mexico.
This year the Wyland Foundation will debut new content to our onboard theater in a new format that gives students a panoramic 270-degree view of our world in a group setting, using the walls of the theater as additional screens. The new content, entitled “Approaching Earth,” uses the latest technology to immerse students in a virtual reality-like setting with cinema-quality resolution. Students become part of the story as interstellar voyagers tasked with exploring, understanding, and helping to solve problems associated with Earth’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Location: Main Parking Lot, corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive & Golden Lantern
Location on the Map: 2
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Ocean Institute Activities
Marine Mammal Cruises: March 4 & 5, 10am & 1:30pm Click here for more information.
General Admission: March 4 & 5, 10am – 3pm
Buy tickets at the Ocean Institute or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASEAdults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Ocean Institute Members receive free admission! Book through your member portal for discount.
General Admission Activities include:
- Destination: Whale Fall
- Explore what happens after a whale dies and how it contributes to the ecosystem! You will pilot an ROV in our simulation based video game to see the different parts of a whale fall and learn about their important role.
- Chamber Artifact Gallery
- Explore our marine mammal artifact gallery to dive into the evolution of whales, explore the differences of toothed and baleen whales and their unique adaptation!
- Senses of the Sea
- Dolphins and whales are known for their beautiful songs and use of echolocation – explore these senses and others with our VR exhibit – Senses of the Sea.
- Gray Whale Pop-up Museum
- Migrate over to our courtyard to see gray whale artifacts, images, and just how large these gentle giants are!
- Artifact Restoration Station
- Learn from our expert curators just what it takes to restore and maintain our whale artifacts. Try it out for yourself and help us work on restoring our beloved gray whale skeletal specimen – Gray-Sea!
- Whaling History
- Take a step back in time and learn about the history of whaling through artifacts and historians.
- Jr. Whale Researcher
- Earn the mark of being a Jr. Whale Researcher by completing activities throughout the facility and finding each unique species ID card. See if you can find them all before the migration season ends!
Location: Ocean Institute
Location on the Map: 5 - Destination: Whale Fall
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Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild
Marine muralist Wyland continues the Landmark Whale and Dolphin Adventure “Art Lessons in the Wild,” facilitating the most creative experience on the water!
The mission of The Wyland Foundation is to give both children and adults alike the tools they need to become more creative through art. A portion of the $15 ticket price will be donated back to the Wyland Foundation. Each child participant also receives a FREE gift from Wyland and there’s FREE coffee for the adults!
Create your own work of art aboard one of our Dana Wharf vessels that will be judged by Wyland himself, with multiple winners and a grand prize winner! Each child participant also receives a FREE gift from Wyland!
The grand prize is a special work of art by Wyland himself, framed and signed, valued up to $3,000.
This 45-minute adventure includes:
VIP boarding and a presentation and exclusive art lesson before the Whale Watching Trip, via video feed on the vessel, by renowned environmental artist, Wyland!Learn what inspired Wyland to create some of the best-known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures of our era.
Reservations Required – book your Saturday, March 4 trip now!
Location: Dana Wharf
Location on the Map: 3 -
Pacific Coast Corvettes Club Car Show
See dozens of classic Corvettes on display along the Harbor walkway!
SoCal Woodies Club Car Show
See the best of the best examples of iconic Woodie wagons, the classic vehicle of early Southern California surf culture. The Woodies will be on display along the Harbor walkway, west of the Island Way bridge.
Location: Harbor Walkways – west of the Island Way Bridge
Location on the Map: 11, 12 -
Southern California Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society – Boat Show
See antique and classic boats on display, including vintage mahogany and fiberglass models. Boats will be located in the parking lot directly east of Harpoon Henry’s.
Stop by and say hello, and check out ACBS.SoCal on Facebook or Instagram to see what the club is all about.
Location: Parking lot east of Harpoon Henry’s
Location on the Map: 6 -
Just Havin’ Fun Car Club Show
See a large selection of classic cars – from muscle cars and hotrods to trucks and American family cruisers with lots of shiny chrome – on display along the Harbor walkway east of Island Way (the bridge) and west of Coffee Importers. Three area car clubs will be showing their rides.
“Just Having Fun” is a group of over 120 classic car owners dedicated to serving communities in South Orange County. From milestone birthdays to senior center visits and veteran celebrations, they also provide Covid-safe drive by events or displays to entertain people of all ages.
“Cool Runnin’ Camaros” is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the Chevrolet Camaro, stock or modified. The purpose of this club is to establish fellowship among members, to provide information and technical assistance, and to share an interest in the Chevrolet Camaro.
“Hot Rods Unlimited” is a friendly, social car club based in south Orange County. We welcome new members to join in the fun at car shows and parades and all kinds of events. Visit us at hotrodsunlimited.com and we hope to see you down the road.
Location: All throughout the Harbor walkways!
Location on the Map: 9, 10, 11, 12 -
Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale
High school art students from Dana Hills High School / SOCSA present works of art in a variety of mediums for purchase. See pottery, photography, drawing, painting and more.
Location: Bump Out Park
Location on the Map: 8 -
Doheny State Beach Visitor’s Center Open House Tour & Whale Exhibits Q&A
Visit the Doheny State Beach Visitor’s Center (adjacent to the entry/ticket booth to the park) between 11 AM and 1 PM, March 4 for an open house tour and Q&A session focused on the center’s whale collection displays.
Can’t make it to the Center? Join Park Naturalist Vicki online for the spring 2021 virtual tour of the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center. See the center’s wide variety of local wildlife displays including a tidepool aquarium featuring leopard sharks, and more. Click here to view.
Location: Doheny State Beach
Location on the Map: 14 -
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour: Live
Join historians on the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour.
See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, view home exteriors of S. H. Woodruff’s original 1920s planned community as well as Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.The tour meets at the corner of PCH and Blue Lantern, at 2 PM, in front of the historic building now home to Coastal Kitchen restaurant and takes about 1 1/2 hours. Tour covers approximately one mile on mostly flat surface streets. Reservations are suggested by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a message at 949-248-8121. Indicate which day (Saturday, March 4 or Sunday, March 5) and the number in your party. Donations to the Historical Society will be accepted. Masks are optional.
Can’t make it for the live walking tour? Take the tour anytime virtually by clicking the link below. The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.
Location: Meet at PCH & Blue Lantern
Location on the Map: 16 -
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale – The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit visit their website http://danapointfinearts.org.
Location: Harbor Walkway & Courtyards
Location on the Map: 10Weather permitting. If canceled, no make-up date will be arranged.
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Marine Mammal Lecture Series Features: Alisa Schulman-Janiger
March 4, 9:30 – 10:30 AM, Harpoon Henry’s
$10 Adults, Children are freeThis special lecture series is perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience, marine biologists and guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while listening to a fascinating talk by Alisa Schulman-Janiger on the California Orca and Gray Whale Census.
Following the lecture, join us for a whale-watching trip aboard the O’Cean Adventures catamaran departing at 11:00 AM (trip admission not included in lecture fee). Proceeds will benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
For more information, visit danawharf.com
Location: Harpoon Henry’s Restaurant
Location on the Map: 13 -
Presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners, and in conjunction with Community Outreach Alliance, musical performances will take place in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village clock courtyard area in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers from 12 Noon – 3 PM. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. Performers will be announced soon!
Locations: Dana Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village Clock Tower in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers
Location on the Map: 3 & 13 -
Dana Point Festival of Whales Logo Merchandise
Festival of Whales’ 52nd Annual merchandise will be available for sale at a booth near Dana Wharf Whale Watching and at the Whales, Tails & Ales Street Fair on March 4th, starting at 10 AM. Arrive early to secure your gear as supplies are limited.
Locations: Dana Wharf Walkway & Island Way/DP Harbor Drive Parking Lot
Location on the Map: 3 & 2
March 3
March 4
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
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FESTIVAL OF WHALES CONCERT & BBQ
Bring your beach chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and spirits! This FREE concert is held at Baby Beach, 34451 Ensenada Place, in the Dana Point Harbor with the bands playing on a specially designed floating dock.
BBQ specialties will be available to purchase benefiting Dana Hills High School Athletic Department. A Spirit Garden for those 21 years of age and older will be available with proceeds benefiting the Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment 022.
For more information, email [email protected]
Band Lineup
Noon-12:30 PM Andrea Sheva
12:30-2:30 PM The Moondog Miller Band
3:00-5:00 PM The Reflexx
Location: Baby Beach
Location on the Map: 15 -
Diamond Dig
Join Monarch Beach Rotary Club for the annual Diamond Dig at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor. The Diamond Dig raises money for various children’s charities locally and around the world.
Buy a shovel for $10, dress like a pirate, and start digging at 11 AM.
Shovel sales begin at 9 AM.
Helpers include Dana Hills High School Interact Club Members and Capistrano Valley High School Interact Club Members. What is an Interact Club? Interact is a Rotary Club for teens in high schools across the world who have the same values of “Service Above Self” and are connected with a Rotary Club.
Location: Baby Beach
Location on the Map: 15
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Art in the Park
Browse through booths of local artisans presenting artwork in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, gems & fossils, art glass & sea glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more.
Art in the park will be held in Bump Out Park, located near the West Basin parking lot (just past Dana Point Marina Inn).
Location: Bump Out Park
Location on the Map: 11 -
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale – The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit visit their website http://danapointfinearts.org.
Location: Harbor Walkway & Courtyards
Location on the Map: 10*Weather permitting. If canceled, no make-up date will be arranged.
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Stand Up to Trash Beach Cleanup
Check in at the front of the Ocean Institute to sign up and get supplies (bags, buckets and grabbers).
We encourage the “BYOB” philosophy (bring your own bucket or reusable bag, reusable gloves, water bottle or coffee cup) to help reduce any additional waste, but collection supplies will be available at check in.
Then you’re free to roam the beach, ocean or surrounding areas to clean on your own – or make it a fun group project with friends and family.
After the cleanup, stay for the free Lunch and Learn where California Sea Grant will have a speaker giving a talk on whales of Dana Point.
Pre-registration at www.standuptotrash.com is encouraged.
Location: Ocean Institute
Location on the Map: 5 -
Story Time
Join Nona the Naturalist inside the belly of a whale for story time and learn some fun facts about our cetaceans. What’s a cetacean? Come find out as you sit inside a 25-ft. blow-up whale.
Ages 4-7
Location: Don Hansen Plaza, near Dana Wharf
Location on the Map: 3 -
Wyland Clean Water Exhibit Learning Experience
The popular Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square-foot science exhibit on wheels dedicated to inspiring and educating people everywhere about the state and future of our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The exhibit includes a 40-person onboard theater, an exhibit room with a running river, computer modeling simulations, interactive touch exhibits, and even actual rain falling over an urban landscape. This exhibit has served over one million students in the U.S. and Mexico.
This year the Wyland Foundation will debut new content to our onboard theater in a new format that gives students a panoramic 270-degree view of our world in a group setting, using the walls of the theater as additional screens. The new content, entitled “Approaching Earth,” uses the latest technology to immerse students in a virtual reality-like setting with cinema-quality resolution. Students become part of the story as interstellar voyagers tasked with exploring, understanding, and helping to solve problems associated with Earth’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Location: Main Parking Lot, corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive & Golden Lantern
Location on the Map: 2 -
Pacific Coast Corvettes Club Car Show
See dozens of classic Corvettes on display along the Harbor walkway, west of the Island Way bridge.
British Invasion Car Show
See an impressive display of fine British motorcars from the Austin Healey Assoc. of SoCal, the Jaguar Owners Club of LA and more on display along the Harbor walkway, west of Island Way (the bridge).
For more information see www.austin-healey.org or contact Mike Scroggie of the Austin Healey Assoc. of SoCal at [email protected] or 949-632-4913.
Celebrating the motorcars of Great Britain and having a whale of a good time doing it!
Location: Harbor Walkways – west of the Island Way Bridge
Location on the Map: 11, 12 -
Marine Mammal Lecture Series Features: Kirsten Donald
March 5, 9:30 – 10:30 AM, Harpoon Henry’s
$10 Adults, Children are freeThis special lecture series is perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience, marine biologists and guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while listening to a fascinating talk by Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Kirsten Donald on sea lion entanglement, rehabilitation and research.
Following the lecture, join us for a whale-watching trip aboard the O’Cean Adventures catamaran departing at 11:00 AM (trip admission not included in lecture fee). Proceeds will benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Kirsten is from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. She will be speaking on sea lion entanglement, rehabilitation and research.
For more information, visit danawharf.comLocation: Harpoon Henry’s Restaurant
Location on the Map: 13 -
Kids’ Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dockside fishing clinic from 12:15 PM-12:45 PM and learn hands-on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 1 PM-5:30 PM, adults are $51 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE with purchase a full-priced adult ticket. An extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! For more information and reservations call Dana Wharf 949-496-5794 ext 7 .
Pre-registration is required. Please call us to reserve your spot.
Location: Don Hansen Plaza, near Dana Wharf
Location on the Map: 3 -
Presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners, and in conjunction with Community Outreach Alliance, musical performances will take place in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village clock courtyard area in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers from 12 Noon – 3 PM. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. Performers will be announced soon!
Locations: Dana Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village Clock Tower in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers
Location on the Map: 3 & 13 -
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour: Live
Join historians on the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour.
See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, view home exteriors of S. H. Woodruff’s original 1920s planned community as well as Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.The tour meets at the corner of PCH and Blue Lantern, at 2 PM, in front of the historic building now home to Coastal Kitchen restaurant and takes about 1 1/2 hours. Tour covers approximately one mile on mostly flat surface streets. Reservations are suggested by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a message at 949-248-8121. Indicate which day (Saturday, March 4 or Sunday, March 5) and the number in your party. A small donation to the Society is suggested. Masks and social distancing are suggested.
Can’t make it for the live walking tour? Take the tour anytime virtually by clicking the link below. The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.
Locations: Meet at PCH & Blue Lantern
Location on the Map: 16 -
Ocean Institute Activities
Marine Mammal Cruises: March 4 & 5, 10am & 1:30pm Click here for more information.
General Admission: March 4 & 5, 10am – 3pm
Buy tickets at the Ocean Institute or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASEAdults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Ocean Institute Members receive free admission! Book through your member portal for discount.
General Admission Activities include:
- Destination: Whale Fall
- Explore what happens after a whale dies and how it contributes to the ecosystem! You will pilot an ROV in our simulation based video game to see the different parts of a whale fall and learn about their important role.
- Chamber Artifact Gallery
- Explore our marine mammal artifact gallery to dive into the evolution of whales, explore the differences of toothed and baleen whales and their unique adaptation!
- Senses of the Sea
- Dolphins and whales are known for their beautiful songs and use of echolocation – explore these senses and others with our VR exhibit – Senses of the Sea.
- Gray Whale Pop-up Museum
- Migrate over to our courtyard to see gray whale artifacts, images, and just how large these gentle giants are!
- Artifact Restoration Station
- Learn from our expert curators just what it takes to restore and maintain our whale artifacts. Try it out for yourself and help us work on restoring our beloved gray whale skeletal specimen – Gray-Sea!
- Whaling History
- Take a step back in time and learn about the history of whaling through artifacts and historians.
- Jr. Whale Researcher
- Earn the mark of being a Jr. Whale Researcher by completing activities throughout the facility and finding each unique species ID card. See if you can find them all before the migration season ends!
Location: Ocean Institute
Location on the Map: 5 - Destination: Whale Fall
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Interactive Sailing Rides
10 AM – 1 PM – Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up. $10 per boat, three participants maximum per boat. 20 min. rides. Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Check out Westwind Sailing for details.
All proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation for educational boating scholarships benefiting At-Risk Youth and Adaptive Boating programs.
Location: Orange County Sailing & Event Center
Location on the Map: 7 -
STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS
Join the SUP craze and learn first-hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! 45 min on the water clinics held each hour on the hour – weather and conditions dependent. Ages 12 and up, (12- to 14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult) 10 AM – 1 PM. $10 per person. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Check out Westwind Sailing for details.
All proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation for educational boating scholarships benefiting at-risk youth and adaptive boating programs.
Location: Orange County Sailing & Event Center
Location on the Map: 7
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Dana Point Festival of Whales Logo Merchandise
Festival of Whales’ 52nd Anniversary merchandise will be available for sale at a booth near Dana Wharf Whale Watching and at Baby Beach on March 5, starting at 10 AM. Hurry in to get your gear as supplies are limited!
Locations: Dana Wharf Walkway & Baby Beach
Location on the Map: 3 & 15
March 5
WHALE WATCHING (BOTH DAYS OF THE EVENT & BEYOND) *prices subject to change
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Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Use Dana Wharf’s promo code Fow23 to save $10 off all tickets excluding special 8am or 4:30pm trips. For reservations call 888-224-0603 or check out our schedule and purchase online.
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Click here for more information.
Specials: For a limited time SAVE 20% instantly when you book our 2.5-hour Signature Safari or 2-hour Zodiac Safari
Reservations, schedule, and information:949-488-2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com
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Marine Mammal Cruises Depart Twice Each Day
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales, large schools of playful Dolphin, the impressive sunfish known as Mola, and more.
Marine Mammal Cruises depart at 10 AM or 1:30 PM
Click here for more information.
For more information or reservations, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949- 496-2274.
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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.
Harbor Point, Hilltop, and South Strands Switchback are open from 7 a.m. to SUNSET daily.
CNLM owned and managed Dana Point Preserve trail is limitedly open due to COVID-19. See page for details.The Nature Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the Headlands Conservation Park, at the terminus of Street of the Green Lantern. Center Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM. From Dana Point Harbor visitors may take the FREE shuttle to the southern stop on Dana Point Harbor Drive and then proceed up Cove Road to the Park. It’s a good workout for those looking for a little adventure and some spectacular views!
Please note: There are no pets allowed on any Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area trail.
ALL MONTH LONG
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WHALE OF A KID’S ART CONTEST
Open to children up to 12 years of age. The Magical Migration of the California Gray Whale is the theme for this art contest. To enter, take a photo of your creative drawing or painting and email it to [email protected] by March 1st. Please include the child’s name and age on the entry. Winning submission will receive an ocean themed gift basket and a whale watching trip for a family of our. For more information, email [email protected]
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Whale Tail Sighting Contest
In celebration of the migration of the California Gray Whale, 8 decorative wooden whale tails will be on display throughout Dana Point Harbor March 4th through March 19th. To enter the contest, find all 8 whale tails, take a photo standing by each one and email all 8 photos to [email protected] by March 20th. Winner will be chosen randomly from the entries received. The winner will receive $300 in gift cards from Dana Point businesses and a whale watching trip for a family of four.
Please do not remove any of the whale tails! For more information, email [email protected]
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Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari will be premiering virtual experiences for guests to enjoy on Capt. Dave’s YouTube Channel
Eco Heroes: Dream to Make a Difference
#1 Virtual Experience: Guest: Doug Perrine – Award Winning Photographer and Researcher Humpback Whale Bubble Nets as Tools
#2 Virtual Experience: Guest: Rick Erkeneff of Surfrider Foundation – A New Generation of Eco Heroes Making a Difference Locally
#3 Virtual Experience: Guest: Tom Mustill – Photographer, Researcher, and Author of How to Speak Whale
#4 Virtual Experience: Four Local Heroes Making a Difference and How You Can, Too! With Capt. Gary Brighouse, Caitlyn Nieblas, Michael Boyd, Hannah Rich, and Jess Wright