Travel

DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

01/30/2021,

One of the things that I miss most about not traveling during this pandemic is enjoying and exploring nature. We live on a beautiful planet, full of wonders and rich biodiversity. So, while we stay at home and respect the confinements and travel restrictions, I keep remembering one of the most amazing educational and exciting experiences we have ever enjoyed as a family: dolphin and whale watching in Southern California.

Southern California is considered to have more dolphins and blue whales than anywhere on earth, and Dana Point is regarded as the whale-watching capital of the world. Dana Point was recently given the distinguished certification of being the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas!

During our stay in Dana Point, we decided to book the famous Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, considered Dana Point’s number one rated whale-watching experience, and certified as a responsible whale watching safari.

Captain Dave Anderson is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and leader in ocean wildlife educator. His documentary “Wild Dolphins & Whales of Southern California” has drawn people worldwide (us included!) to Dana Point. We had read online great reviews about this safari, but I can only add that the experience beat our expectations.

Another reason to support Captain Dave’s mission is his support to local non-profits and schools, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in free trips to help them raise funds for their organizations. Captain Dave and his rescue team are also truly committed to their conservation efforts, giving back to the oceans with whale disentanglement and the beaches by hosting clean-ups.

Dana Point’s Festival of Whales occurs in March, but year-round, these unique eco-friendly whale watching trips aboard high-tech catamarans get you really close to different kinds of whales (blue, gray, fin, sperm, killer, humpback…). Dana Point is also home to a magnificent amount of marine mammals. With more dolphins per square mile than anywhere else in the world, you will also be able to enjoy breathtaking and abundant dolphin sight-seeing, as well as sea lions and seals.

Most excursions are a few hours long, and prior reservation online is recommended. Our large catamaran was safe, comfortable, and suitable for children. In my opinion, these eco-friendly tours offer a respectful sea adventure that children (and adults) are unlikely to forget.