Dana Point Whale Watching
Dana Point whale watching is more than spectacular—it’s world class! As The Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and is the first Whale Heritage Area in the Americas, Dana Point is the best location for watching year-round whales embark on one of the longest migrations by any mammal. Marvel as the magnificent California Gray Whale migrates directly off the coast of Dana Point, not to mention, Dana Point sees the greatest concentration of blue whales and dolphins on earth. It’s ALWAYS whale watching season and you'll have a WHALE of a time when you book an excursion with one of our whale watching tour operators.
It’s Always Dana Point Whale Watching Season
When is Dana Point whale watching season? There’s no such thing. There are ample opportunities to spot dolphins, whales and other marine life all year long, in Dana Point. Of course, you can see different species of whales depending on the time of year. Dana Point is a landmark for whale sightings due to its weather, underwater canyons, shallow waters, large kelp beds, and ecosystems that provide the chance to see these beautiful giant creatures.
Blue whale season lasts roughly from May through November. Seeing a blue whale while whale watching in Dana Point is a rare treat. The largest mammal on earth, blue whales can reach over 100 feet long and weigh over 100 tons. They make appearances just off the coast in Dana Point. Be sure to have your camera ready to catch an epic shot of their tails coming out of the water (fluking) or when they slap their tale on the water, (lobtailing).
Gray whale season extends from November through April. Gray whales make for one of the longest of all mammalian migrations, averaging 10,000-14,000 miles from the Bering and Chukchi Seas all the way to Baja California, with stops along the way right here in Dana Point, making for incredible Whale Watching. This means the gray whale migration passes right through Dana Point, making for incredible whale watching.
During the year, visitors who go whale watching in Dana Point may also see Fin whales, Minke whales, Humpback whales, and Orcas. Whale watching in Dana Point is also famous, thanks to the pods of dolphins that swim alongside the boats. Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins all play along the Dana Point coastline.
Needless to say, Dana Point is the perfect place to spot whales, dolphins and other marine life. It's always a good idea to go whale watching!
