The Dana Point Festival of Whales will take place over the next two weekends in Dana Point.
For 42 years, Dana Point has been celebrating the migration of California Gray Whales, who travel 5,000 miles from Alaska to Mexico each December through March. Nearly 50 whales will travel through Dana Point Harbor’s water each day, marking their path by the 200-foot cliffs next to the harbor.
There are several whale watching excursions available for spectators. The Dana Wharf Whale Watching has been operating since 1971 in Orange County. This adventure cruise is good for all ages and costs $35 for seniors and military, $45 for adults, and $25 for children ages 3 - 12. Children age two and younger are free.
The boat sets sail every hour from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during the festival on both Saturdays and Sundays, and trips last approximately two hours. If no whales or dolphins are sighted, the next boat trip is free. For information, call (800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994.
Downloadable maps are available on the Harbor’s website and free festival shuttles will transport guests to all festival events.
Marine mammal lectures will be presented at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm each weekend by marine biologists onboard the Ocean Adventures catamaran. Tickets for the lectures are $45 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 to 12.
Banner printing will probably be the way to go to welcome guests to the festival and let visitors know where festival activities will be.
