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 A Winter Tradition
Each winter in a dramatic pilgrimage of nature, California
gray whales embark on an amazing 7,000-mile trek from their summer feeding grounds in
Alaska to their winter breeding grounds at the tip of Baja California near Cabo San
Lucas.
Luckily for Orange County visitors, this migration makes it easy to spot these magnificent mammals just off the coast.
Head out late in the season as they journey back to Alaska, and
you just might spot calves cavorting alongside their moms.
Whales Love the OC
One of the best spots to catch a glimpse is off the coast of
Dana Point, with Dana Wharf Sportfishing Charter and Whale Watching. Last season, Dana Wharf logged spotting over 400 whales. Some scientists believe the Dana Point Headlands are
a landmark for whales, bringing them closer to shore here than
at other points. Each year, about 100,000 people visit Dana
Point in search of these incredible creatures.
The 37th annual Festival of Whales at Dana Point Harbor
celebrates this yearly wonder with whale-watching cruises, a parade, street fair, sand
sculpture contest, tide pool tours and educational programs about marine life. The festival takes
place on March 1 – 2 and 8 – 9. Local boat operators also run plenty of whale-watching tours
through March, but the festival gives you a chance to appreciate whales from the land or
sea. Hop Aboard
Most cruises last about 2 hours, and are almost always successful in spotting friendly bottlenose dolphin and sea lions. And if you decide
to cruise with Dana Wharf, they even offer a bonafide Whale Check: guaranteed whale or dolphin
sightings, or a free return trip any time. In addition to Dana Point, cruises also set sail from
Newport Beach and Long Beach. It’s a truly unique experience.
For the Landlubbers
Besides festival activities, those without sea legs can
visit the Ocean Institute in Dana Point to tour a replica of Richard Henry Dana’s tallship brig, the
Pilgrim, anchored at the harbor, see the institute’s exhibits and tide pools, or stroll the native
plant preserve.
Dana Point Harbor and marina adjoin the popular Doheny State
Beach for camping, surfing or exploring aquarium-style tide pools. The Dana
Point Harbor Village offers plenty of dining and shopping. And fishing charters depart from the
marina.
But it’s the whales that truly fascinate. An up-close encounter with one of these giant creatures is a miracle of nature that you don’t want to miss.
Tips for the cruise-bound watchers: dress warmly, sunscreen and sunglasses – take and don’t forget that camera.
LEARN MORE
Dana Point Harbor Dana Point Harbor Village 949-923-2255 www.danapointharbor.com
Dana Wharf Sportfishing Charter and Whale Watching 949-923-2255 www.danapointharbor.com
Doheny State Beach 949-496-6172 www.dohenystatebeach.org
Festival of Whales at Dana Point Harbor 949-472-7888 888-440-4309 www.dpfestivalofwhales.com
Long Beach 800-452-7829 www.visitlongbeach.com
Newport Beach 800-94-COAST www.newportbeach-cvb.com
Ocean Institute 949-496-2274 www.ocean-institute.org
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