Calling all boat owners and aspiring whale watching captains! Learn how the pros spot, observe, and protect marine wildlife. Great whale watching is not luck. It is knowledge, experience, and responsible decision-making. This free virtual training session brings together Dana Point’s top whale watching professionals and marine science experts to share how successful encounters really happen.
From understanding seasonal patterns in the Whale Heritage Area to improving spotting techniques and vessel behavior, attendees will learn how professionals approach everything from fast-moving dolphin pods to feeding whales and sensitive mating behavior. The session also covers how to recognize signs of injury or entanglement, what steps to take, and how recent disentanglement efforts are making a difference.
Hear from Dr. Alissa C. Deming (VP, Conservation Medicine and Science), Bill Lackey (Entangled Whale Response Orange County co-founder), Captain Alex Deshazer from Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, and a Dana Wharf Whale Watching crew/naturalist, with time reserved for audience questions at the end.
Register to attend
Date and Time
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST
Location
via Zoom
Fees/Admission
Free
Website
