Festival of Whales - Whale Watching Excursions at Dana Wharf

The Original 2-Hour Whale Watching Trip
Simply the best – from the originators of whale watching in Orange County and voted #1 five years in a row by Dana Point Times!

Expert captains and certified naturalists narrate each excursion, detailing the whales’ movements through their natural migration path. As the originator of Whale Watching in Orange County, Dana Wharf remains family owned and operated and is exclusively endorsed by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland. Every trip is a new and different adventure, all showcasing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean underwater world right here, off the coast of Dana Point. Kids rock at Dana Wharf and often get to meet the Captain! Marine Mammal “rain checks” ensure you see a good show of whales or dolphins or your next trip is FREE!

Excursions depart every hour, on the hour, from 8 AM to 4 PM during the Festival weekends (March 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th) and every trip is approx. 2 hours.

Prices: Adults $45, Senior and Military $35, Children 3-12 years $29, Children 2 and under are always FREE. For reservations call 888-224-0603 or check out our schedule and purchase online.

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild
Dana Wharf and The Wyland Foundation have entered into a partnership to offer the most unique and creative experience on the water. Learn from one of the masters of marine art by joining us for a dockside presentation and art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures 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 will receive a framed limited edition signed and numbered giclee on paper of “Celebrate The Sun” – Grand Prize Valued at over $3,000. Other prizes will be awarded!

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 the children who participate are given a free Whale Watching trip to be used on the same day as the art lesson at any time with a reservation and with a paid $45 adult ticket, trips will be departing Dana Wharf every hour on the hour during the Festival of Whales.

Marine Mammal Lecture Series at Harpoon Henry’s
During Dana Wharf Whale Watching’s special marine mammal lecture series, you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking whale news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s and listen to a marine biologist and special guests. The cost is $5.00 at the door, children are free. Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures departing at 11:30 am (trip not included with lecture fee). Proceeds benefiting Pacific Marine Mammal Center.