WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES Dana Wharf Whale Watching
The originator of whale watching in Orange County, Dana Wharf, has hosted excursions at sea since 1971. Take an adventure cruise to see the California gray whales in their natural environment. Trips offer fun for all ages and sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Boats depart every hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during festival weekends. Each trip runs for approximately two hours. Back by popular demand, the Whale of a Deal returns with $15 seats on every 8 a.m. weekend departure. For other departure times, adults are $45, seniors and military $35, children 3-12 years $25 and free under 2. Two-hour whale watching excursions are available following the Marine Mammal Lectures both weekends at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. A variety of guest marine biologists will present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals aboard their 63-foot, state-of-the-art OCean Adventures catamaran, featuring an incredibly spacious viewing deck and full-service deli-style gallery. Prior to the 11:30 a.m. departure, there will be a special lecture session from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s will be included with all 11:30 a.m. reservations. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for children 3-12 years and free for children under 2. (No senior rate) For reservations call 800.979.3370 or 800.590.9994 or visit www.danawharf.com. Use promo code FOW13 to save $8 per adult fare, not valid on 8 a.m. special.
Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari
The most unique whale watch in the world lets visitors get eye-to-eye with wild dolphins and whales—without getting wet—in two exclusive underwater viewing pods on board a high-speed, high-tech, sailing catamaran. The boat carries only 49 passengers so trips are never crowded. See and hear below the surface with an underwater camera and hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist narrates how the animals live. Trips are often narrated by Capt. Dave Anderson himself, whose award winning film on wild dolphins and whales has drawn people from all over the world to Dana Point. The fronts of the boats are low to the water to get you up close and personal with the animals. And the onboard whale and dolphin micro-museum is fun and educational. Trips are broadcast live on www.whalewatchingtv. com, so you can wave to family and friends watching online from home. And one of the best features, Mrs. Captain Dave’s triple fudge brownies are served complimentary on every safari. Mention this ad for a 10 percent discount. Good during Festival of Whales only. Call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and reservations.
Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises and Onboard Lab
More than just a whale watch, this cruise introduces participants to whales and many other marine animals us-
ing state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers and video microscopes. Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration and behavior patterns. Cruise times are 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on festival weekends. Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children 4-12 years old. Nonmember is $35 for adults and $22 for children 4-12. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. For more information, call 949.496.2274 or go to www.ocean-institute.org.
Headlands Conservation Park
Interested in catching a glimpse of these majestic leviathans from land? Be sure to visit the Headlands Conservation Park and Interpretive Center. Situated high atop the 200-foot cliffs on the headlands, the park trails and scenic overlooks offer a great vantage point for viewing passing whales. The three-mile trail system is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset and the Interpretive Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Nature Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the Headlands Conservation Park, at the end of Green Lantern. Limited free parking available. From Dana Point Harbor visitors may take a free shuttle to the Ocean Institute and then proceed up Cove Road to the park. It’s a good work out for those looking for a little adventure and some spectacular views. For more information, log on to www.danapoint.org and click on the “visitors” button then on “nature interpretive center.” DP
This photo shows a gray whale “spy hopping’ to have a look at whale watchers aboard the Dana Wharf Vessel Dana Pride. Photo by Christina de la Fuente for www.danawharf.com
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