Whales and Dolphins

Summer is one of the most exciting seasons for Dana Point’s Whale Watching community. Summer means school’s out, and where can you see blue whales is widely dependent on what part of the ocean the krill is served up on the summer menu and most abundant. Warm summer months in Orange County bring out the…

Blue whales are unique because they are the largest animals on earth, live long lives, and have remarkable features. As the largest animal on earth, the blue whale is arguably the most fascinating of the great rorqual or baleen whales. As you read below, you will explore 10 amazing blue whale facts that will challenge the depth…

Humpback Whales are massive animals are capable of extraordinary feats of agility; they have vast migrations, traveling more than most other species on earth to find food and a partner and birth their young each year. Renowned for their acrobatic surface behaviors, Megaptera novaeangliae is considered the most sighted and widely studied baleen whale worldwide….

Odontocetes make up a vast group of dolphins, whales, and porpoises with one common characteristic; they all have teeth instead of baleen. Seventy-three different species of toothed whales make up this category. Grampus griseus, commonly known as Risso’s dolphins, maybe the most unique. Keep reading below to find out ten amazing facts about dolphins that are unlike…

May is the unofficial start to blue whale season, and seeing one of the world’s magnificent gentle giants roaming free in the sea may be rare in other parts of the world, but right here in Dana Point, California, we anxiously await this time of year! If you wonder, “are blue whales friendly” and are…

Ever heard of a minke whale (pronounced mink-eee)? Minkes may be one of the smallest of the great rorqual whales, but they are swift and sweet and the minke whale facts we can’t wait to share with you are sure to make you fall in love with these amazing animals. Minkes are curious creatures and can sometimes…

Everywhere around the world, children and families alike come together and celebrate the literary world of children’s books. Books of all themes and storylines help shape the young minds of millions of children throughout countries worldwide. International Children’s Book Day is a celebration dating back to 1967. This commemorative day is held annually on April…

The Pacific white-sided dolphin has so many standout characteristics – we can’t wait to share with you “b-low! Often referred to as “Lags,” a shortened version of their scientific name Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, these vivacious and gregarious bi-colored oceanic dolphins have striking blackish grey and white markings and always wear a friendly smile you won’t forget. Passengers often…

Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), are known as the California gray whale because these whales travel down our stunning California coastline every year on their way to the lagoons of Mexico each winter. Their annual trip down our coastline may be our favorite part of this whale’s migration and one of several highlights of some pretty…

If you have been wondering if dolphins are whales, the answer is…YES! The next question frequently asked is, “are orcas dolphins?” and that answer again is simply…YES! Read on to discover why orcas are dolphins and the different types of killers whales found off the west coast of North America. Orcinus orca is the largest…