Orange County — By Abbie Mood on March 4, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Filed under: featuredarticle, festivals, whale-watching

2010 Dana Point Festival of Whales

From March 6 – March 14 hundreds of 35-ton California Gray whales will be swimming through the waters of Dana Point, the location of the 39th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales. The festival draws over 100,000 visitors each year, with a variety of activities for everyone in the family!

Dana Point harbor

Dana Point (map) is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, with experts reporting that Dana Point’s 200-foot cliffs serve as a landmark for the migrating whales. From December – March, almost 25% of the gray whale population follow this coastline during their yearly migration, meaning 40-50 are passing by Dana Point every day, giving spectators many opportunities to spot one of these ocean giants.

2010 festival highlights include an opening day parade, a street faire and farmers market, art exhibits, classic car exhibits, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, kids activities and whale watching excursions.

There are four different opportunities available for those who want to take part in the festival by getting out on the water and seeing some these mammals up close!

Dana Wharf Whale Watching (map)

Three cruises daily, giving potential whale watchers many opportunities to go whale watching.

Prices: Adults – $29, Senior and Military – $24, Children 3-12 years – $19, Children 2 and under are free. Sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994.

Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises (map)

A breaching whale.

More than a whale watching cruise, the Ocean Institute uses satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and video microscopes to learn about feeding strategies, migration, and behavior patterns.

Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children ages 4 – 12 years old. Non-member pricing is $35 for adults and $22 for children 4 – 12 years old. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the institute or by calling (949) 496-2274.

Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari (map)

View the ocean creatures up close and personal with an underwater viewing pod onboard the high speed Catamaran.

Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for children age 3-12 years, 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (949) 488-2828.

Aventura Sailing (map)

The only whale watching excursion aboard a luxury sailboat.

Tickets are $30 per person or $180 for a private, 6-passenger maximum, trip. Call (949) 493-9493 for more information.

Photos courtesy of Dana Point Festival of Whales.

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