Whale watching wonders in Dana Point and Oceanside: Top Southern California Tours
- Keller Keller
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Whale Watching Is at Its Best in Dana Point and Oceanside
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
"The Carpe Diem Kids"
Whale watching is happening now in southern California.
Some of the best occurs in Oceanside and Dana Point, where the hobby was born.
It's a bucket list item that I've kicked dozens of times. One whale watch is never enough. Once you've stood on the bow of a boat and watched a whale's tail flick, you feel the magic. By good fortune, we live near Dana Point and Oceanside, two coastal gems a short drive apart. The two villages offer thrilling, world class whale watching at Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, and its sister operation, Oceanside Whale Watching.
Dana Point considers itself the world's first whale watching port. The town was named "First Designated Whale Heritage Site in the Americas" by the World Cetacean Alliance. The town hosts the world's largest whale watching festival, coming soon. On March 6-8, whale watchers will gather from around the globe to celebrate this beautiful creature.
We previewed the fun on a pair of outings, setting off a couple days apart from both harbors, joining like minded tourists. We came to see the gray whale, whose annual migration is happening now. Luckily for us, humpbacks also made an appearance.
Both villages are respected for their high-quality whale watching. Dana Point's thriving operation was founded by the late Don Hansen, a devoted conservationist and whale fan who expanded his sport fishing operation to encourage whale watching.
When the community spirited Don Hansen died in 2022, he had grown his enterprise to an impressive 17 outfits offering both whale watching and fishing.
He saw magic in whales. So does his daughter, Donna Kalez, who carries on the family business with brothers and others of the clan. You'll see and feel the magic, too.
Stepping onto a whale watching boat is like joining a well-rehearsed performance. The harbor is lined with seasoned operators who know the waters like old friends. Many captains have been spotting whales for years. Their enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll hear stories of surprise encounters and you may see a curious humpback right alongside the boat. We were also treated to the thrill of huge pods of dolphins playing for miles in our wake.
The beauty of Dana Point is that you don’t have to be far offshore to see action.
Deep underwater canyons close to the coast create nutrient-rich feeding grounds, drawing whales and dolphins. We even spotted spouts from the harbor jetty before we boarded.
Whale Watching and Nature Treats in Dana Point and Oceanside
Dana Point and Oceanside are small, welcoming towns. We recommend visiting both for a fun contrast and delightful whale watching. Each town has its own vibe, personality, pace, and charm. The thrill of spotting a whale is equal from either waters.
Dana Point: 'Whale Watching Capital' Hosts a Whale Festival
Dana Point claims the title of “Whale Watching Capital of the World.”
This harbor town is a year-round stage for marine life with its March whale festival is globally recognized. Winter and early spring bring the gray whale migration, when thousands of these gentle giants and other species travel from Alaska to warm lagoons of Baja California. Summer and fall visitors see blue whales on the move, the largest animals on Earth.
What's on tap at the 55th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Runs March 6-8.
The festival celebrates the gray whale with a parade, concerts and a street fair. Located in the "Whale Capital of the World," the festival features whale watching tours, educational exhibits, a carnival at Lantern Bay Park, a classic car show, and maritime activities.
Oceanside for Laid-Back Encounters
Drive 30 minutes south and you’ll find Oceanside.
This relaxed beach town has a toes-in-the-sand vibe. Oceanside’s whale watching scene is smaller and more intimate, often with fewer passengers. That means more rail space, more personal interaction with the crew, and a slower pace that lets you savor the journey.
In both towns' whale watching tours, we experienced a blend of sightseeing and storytelling. And yes, whale watching is whale waiting. Be patient and enjoy the stories as captains and naturalists weave local history, the piers' fishing heritage, whale trivia and marine conservation efforts that keep these waters thriving. Whale watching "regulars" share tales, too. A new friend showed us his whale videos and told about the time a minke whale surfaced right next to the boat.
Along with the whales and dolphins, we admired seals, sandy beaches, surfers carving waves, and pelicans gliding in formation. Whale watching isn’t just about the whales -- it’s about the whole tapestry of ocean life.
Whales For All Seasons
One of the joys of whale watching in Southern California is that there’s no “off” season -- just different stars in the show at various times.
Winter to Early Spring: Gray whales migrate south, often with calves in tow. They’re slow-moving and surface frequently, making them a favorite for photographers. Lately, humpbacks are being spotted, too.
Late Spring to Summer: Blue whales arrive, sometimes accompanied by fin whales. Their sheer size is humbling: they're longer than a basketball court and glide like enormous ballerinas beside the boats.
Year-Round: Dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds keep the waters lively. We saw hundreds of dolphins, leaping and racing alongside the bow for miles.
Tips for a Memorable Trip: What To Bring
Dress in Layers: Even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can be brisk.
Bring Binoculars and Sun Screen: While whales can be close, binoculars help catch distant spouts or seabirds diving for fish. Sun screen even on hazy days is a must.
Mind the Motion: If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding.
Stay Present: Photos are great, but don’t forget to simply watch and listen -- the sound of a whale’s exhale is unforgettable.
Why Do Both?
Dana Point and Oceanside are close enough that you could experience both in a single weekend or even a long day. Start in Dana Point for high-energy, big-boat excitement, then head to Oceanside for a more personal, leisurely ocean encounter. You’ll notice subtle differences in the water, wildlife, and the way each community celebrates its connection to the sea. There’s plenty to explore on land, too. Dana Point’s harbor has charming shops and seafood restaurants perfect for a post-cruise meal. Oceanside offers a vibrant arts district, a historic pier, and a lively food scene that blends coastal flavors with creative flair.
The Heartbeat of the Coast
Whale watching here isn’t just a tourist activity -- it's a reminder to appreciate and conserve the ocean and its life. Last year, more than 2,000 whales were spotted in these waters.
More information or to book whale watching:
This is a fun, helpful story. We are whale fans too and you really captured the feeling.
This is wonderful! We have reservations in Dana Point for the festival weekend. Seeing old friends in land and sea. You captured the wonder and excitement of whale watching perfectly!!