Watch Our Typical Monthly Dolphin & Whale Sightings
Scroll down for daily sightings log.
Captain Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari is the first tour in Dana Point to offer year-round dolphin and whale sightings! We helped put Dana Point whale watching tours on the map by delivering breathtaking whale and dolphin watching in a warm and welcoming environment. On the very rare occasion that you don’t have any whales or dolphin sightings, we’ll be happy to provide a free whale watching tour to be used within one year.
September 2023 Daily Whale Watching Sightings Log
| Date | No. of Trips | Sightings |
| Sept 20 | 5 | 6 Humpback Whales, 12,000 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 19 | 5 | 1 Minke Whale, 2,050 Common Dolphins, Bluefin Tuna |
| Sept 18 | 4 | 1,500 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 17 | 4 | 2 Fin Whales, 850 Common Dolphins, 73 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 16 | 7 | 7,100 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins, |
| Sept 15 | 3 | 1 Minke Whale, 1,700 Common Dolphins, 30 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal |
| Sept 14 | 3 | 450 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola |
| Sept 13 | 4 | 1,600 Common Dolphins, 4 Fur Seals |
| Sept 12 | 4 | 2 Minke Whales, 1,200 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 7 Fur Seals |
| Sept 11 | 3 | 1 Bryde’s Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 2,000 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 10 | 5 | 2 Bryde’s Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 4,700 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 9 | 6 | 3 Minke Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 2,150 Common Dolphins, 75 Risso’s Dolphins, 27 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal |
| Sept 8 | 3 | 2 Minke Whales, 1,800 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 7 | 5 | 4,100 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola |
| Sept 6 | 2 | 2 Fin Whales, 1 Bryde’s Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 2,000 Common Dolphins, 10 Risso’s Dolphins |
| Sept 5 | 2 | 2,000 Common Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal |
| Sept 4 | 6 | 3 Humpback Whales, 5,000 Common Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 3 | 8 | 3,100 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 2 | 5 | 2 Bryde’s Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,750 Common Dolphins, 60 Risso’s Dolphins, 8 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Fur Seals |
| Sept 1 | 3 | 2, 075 Common Dolphins |
2023 Archive Whale Watching Sightings Log
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Date No. of Trips Sightings Aug 31 3 1 Minke Whale, 1 Unidentified Baleen Whale, 1,250 Common Dolphins, 35 Risso’s Dolphins Aug 30 3 1,600 Common Dolphins Aug 29 4 2 Minke Whales, 10,300 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola, Thousands of Tuna Aug 28 3 2 Minke Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 6,200 Common Dolphins, 30 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Bottlenose Dolphin Aug 27 7 2,900 Common Dolphins, 120 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Harbor Seals, 1 Mola mola, 1 Brown Booby Aug 26 7 2,000 Common Dolphins, 225 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal, 3 Harbor Seals Aug 25 6 3 Minke Whales, 2,220 Common Dolphins, 20 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal, 1 Green Sea Turtle Aug 24 4 1,275 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola Aug 23 5 1,300 Common Dolphins, 400 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Aug 22 2 1,000 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins Aug 21 0 Inclement weather from Tropical Storm Hilary Aug 20 0 Inclement weather from Tropical Storm Hilary Aug 19 8 3,000 Common Dolphins, 90 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola Aug 18 6 1,450 Common Dolphins, 400 Risso’s Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins Aug 17 8 1 Fin Whale, 3,120 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Aug 16 4 1 Fin Whale, 1,900 Common Dolphins Aug 15 4 2 Bryde’s Whales, 320 Bottlenose Dolphins, 170 Common Dolphins Aug 14 4 1 Minke Whale, 400 Common Dolphins, 395 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Aug 13 10 2,600 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola mola Aug 12 10 3 Fin Whales, 2,650 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Aug 11 5 1,050 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Aug 10 5 2 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,750 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola, 1 Great White Shark, 1 Thresher Shark Aug 9 6 1 Minke Whale, 800 Common Dolphins, 22 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Mola mola, 1 Swordfish Aug 8 8 1 Blue Whale, 2,300 Common Dolphins, 229 Bottlenose Dolphins, 150 Risso’s Dolphins, 5 Mola mola, 1 Thresher Shark Aug 7 11 13 Blue Whales, 3,514 Common Dolphins, 420 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola mola Aug 6 9 12,750 Common Dolphins, 357 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola, 1 Swordfish Aug 5 9 5 Fin Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 2 Blue Whales, 2 Bryde’s Whales, 3,155 Common Dolphins, 130 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola mola, 1 Unidentified Shark Aug 4 8 10 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 3 Humpback Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,925 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola, 1 Unidentified Shark, 1 Sea Turtle Aug 3 8 8 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 3 Bryde’s Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 2 Unidentified Baleen Whales, 5, 250 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola Aug 2 8 6 Fin Whales, 1 Blue Whales, 1,330 Common Dolphins Aug 1 5 4 Bryde’s Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 475 Common Dolphins, 120 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings July 31 7 4 Bryde’s Whales (Cow/Calf), 2 Fin Whales, 1,450 Common Dolphins, 255 Bottlenose Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins July 30 9 4 Fin Whales, 2,410 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola July 29 12 2 Blue Whales, 1,570 Common Dolphins, 515 Bottlenose Dolphins, 240 Risso’s Dolphins, 3 Mola mola, 1 Unidentified Shark, 1 Elephant Seal, 1 Stingray July 28 8 17 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1,550 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola July 27 7 2 Blue Whales (Cow/Calf), 1,650 Common Dolphins, 210 Risso’s Dolphins, 64 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola July 26 6 200 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola July 25 8 1 Blue Whale, 850 Common Dolphins, 157 Bottlenose Dolphins, 80 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Mola mola July 24 8 5,050 Common Dolphins, 510 Bottlenose Dolphins, 450 Risso’s Dolphins, 2 Mola mola July 23 10 3 Blue Whales, 2,550 Common Dolphins, 505 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola mola July 22 12 1 Blue Whale, 9,110 Common Dolphins, 660 Bottlenose Dolphins, 13 Mola mola July 21 7 3 Blue Whales, 1,250 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 7 Mola mola July 20 9 6 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 3,300 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola mola July 19 13 16 Blue Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 55 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola July 18 8 21 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 3 Humpback Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 7, 700 Common Dolphins, 55 Risso’s Dolphins, 11 Mola mola July 17 8 10 Blue Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 950 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola July 16 10 28 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,700 Common Dolphins, 12 Mola mola July 15 12 10 Fin Whales, 8 Blue Whales, 2,530 Common Dolphins, 13 Mola mola July 14 9 9 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 2,400 Common Dolphins, 55 Bottlenose Dolphins, 32 Mola mola July 13 4 2 Blue Whales, 1,700 Common Dolphins, 55 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola July 12 8 5 Blue Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 7,275 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola July 11 7 4 Blue Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 1,450 Common Dolphins, 65 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola, 1 Fur Seal July 10 5 900 Common Dolphins, 245 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola, 1 Fur Seal July 9 7 2 Blue Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 3,800 Common Dolphins, 95 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola mola July 8 9 17 Blue Whales, 7 Humpback Whales, 2,365 Common Dolphins, 9 Mola mola July 7 9 57 Blue Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 1,680 Common Dolphins, 45 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola July 6 6 13 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 6 Humpback Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,225 Common Dolphins, 115 Bottlenose Dolphins July 5 4 5 Blue Whales, 4 Fin Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 150 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola July 4 5 5 Minke Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 1,800 Common Dolphins, 90 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola July 3 12 36 Fin Whales, 2 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 2,075 Common Dolphins, 250 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola July 2 9 25 Fin Whales, 2,560 Common Dolphins July 1 11 33 Fin Whales, 1,105 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola, 1 Loggerhead Sea Turtle -
Date No. of Trips Sightings June 30 5 8 Fin Whales, 1,750 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola June 29 4 6 Fin Whales, 1,300 Common Dolphins June 28 5 2 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 350 Common Dolphins, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola June 27 6 3 Blue Whales, 700 Common Dolphins, 80 Risso’s Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins June 26 7 6 Blue Whales, 4,650 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins June 25 12 10 Blue Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 1,195 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola June 24 10 17 Fin Whales, 3 Blue Whales, 3,200 Common Dolphins, 205 Bottlenose Dolphins, June 23 7 16 Fin Whales, 1 Blue Whale, 850 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola, 1 Shark June 22 3 3 Fin Whales, 305 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins June 21 6 13 Blue Whales, 1,325 Common Dolphins, 160 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola June 20 6 4 Blue Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 4,100 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola June 19 4 2 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 750 Common Dolphins June 18 10 3 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 1,640 Common Dolphins, 515 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Shark June 17 7 450 Bottlenose Dolphins, 150 Common Dolphins, 110 Risso’s Dolphins, June 16 6 1,200 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins June 15 7 5 Fin Whales, 2,785 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola June 14 7 3,100 Common Dolphins, 160 Bottlenose Dolphins, 70 Risso’s Dolphins, 2 Mola mola June 13 4 1 Fin Whale, 1,000 Common Dolphins, 42 Bottlenose Dolphins June 12 4 3 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,120 Common Dolphins, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins June 11 5 3 Blue Whales, 460 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins, 16 Mola mola June 10 6 2,000 Common Dolphins, 185 Bottlenose Dolphins, 140 Risso’s Dolphins, 6 Mola mola June 9 7 7 Blue Whales, 3,400 Common Dolphins, 31 Mola mola June 8 6 12 Blue Whales, 1 Sperm Whale (On 2 Trips), 2 Humpback Whales (Cow/Calf), 240 Common Dolphins, 106 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola June 7 6 9 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 800 Common Dolphins, 255 Bottlenose Dolphins, Innumerable Mola mola June 6 4 8 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins June 5 4 200 Bottlenose Dolphins, 30 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola June 4 5 3 Minke Whales, 49 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola June 3 9 9 Blue Whales, 5 Fin Whales, 5 Minke Whales, 105 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola, 1 Leopard Shark June 2 7 4 Fin Whales, 3 Blue Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 260 Common Dolphins, 4 Mola mola June 1 2 4 Blue Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 100 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings May 31 3 6 Blue Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 300 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola, 1 Tuna May 30 3 2 Fin Whale, 200 Common Dolphins May 29 5 1 Minke Whale, 2,200 Common Dolphins, 18 Mola mola May 28 8 4 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 1,050 Common Dolphins, 530 Bottlenose Dolphins, 200 Risso’s Dolphins, Over 30 Mola mola May 27 9 16 Fin Whales, 210 Risso’s Dolphins, 105 Bottlenose Dolphins, 100 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola, 1 Sea Turtle May 26 6 2 Blue Whales (Cow/Calf, Seen on 4 Trips), 4 Humpback Whales, 600 Common Dolphins, 8 Mola mola May 25 4 5 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 300 Common Dolphins, 85 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola May 24 4 15 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 270 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 35 Mola mola May 23 3 4 Fin Whales, 700 Common Dolphins, Innumerable Mola mola May 22 3 7 Fin Whales, 750 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola mola May 21 7 8 Fin Whales, 1,200 Common Dolphins, 22 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Mola mola May 21 5 1,025 Common Dolphins, 85 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola mola May 19 4 3 Fin Whales, 175 Bottlenose Dolphins, 105 Risso’s Dolphins, 12 Mola mola May 18 5 4 Fin Whales, 900 Common Dolphins, 400 Bottlenose Dolphins May 17 4 12 Fin Whales, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins, 100 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola May 16 4 11 Fin Whales, 2,600 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola May 15 3 8 Fin Whales, 300 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola May 14 12 38 Fin Whales, 805 Common Dolphins, 5 Mola mola May 13 9 29 Fin Whales, 9 Minke Whales, 720 Common Dolphins, 55 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola May 12 5 19 Fin Whales, 575 Common Dolphins, 85 Bottlenose Dolphins, 45 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal May 11 3 10 Fin Whales, 150 Common Dolphins, 42 Risso’s Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola May 10 3 11 Fin Whales, 600 Common Dolphins May 9 2 2 Fin Whales, 300 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins May 8 2 2 Blue Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1 Gray Whale, 400 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins May 7 7 6 Fin Whales, 4 Blue Whales, 550 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola mola May 6 8 15 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 700 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola mola May 5 5 16 Fin Whales, 1,050 Common Dolphins, 13 Mola mola May 4 3 210 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola May 3 5 17 Fin Whales, 70 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola May 2 3 1,200 Common Dolphins, 84 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola mola May 1 7 3 Fin Whales, 900 Common Dolphins, 90 Bottlenose Dolphins, 14 Mola mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings April 30 7 6 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 2 Fin Whales, 2,600 Common Dolphins, 70 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola April 29 12 9 Fin Whales, 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 4,509 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 28 4 4 Gray Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,100 Common Dolphins April 27 2 6 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 100 Common Dolphins, 32 Bottlenose Dolphins, 160 Mola Mola April 26 4 18 Fin Whales, 290 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola mola, 1 Fur Seal April 25 3 7 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 1 Gray Whale, 80 Common Dolphins, 2 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Blue Shark, 22 Mola mola April 24 3 9 Fin Whales, 100 Common Dolphins, 8 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola April 23 5 19 Fin Whales, 4 Gray Whales, 1,100 Common Dolphins April 22 9 10 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 5 Fin Whales, 2,205 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola April 21 3 8 Gray Whales, 130 Bottlenose Dolphins April 20 3 7 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1 Fin Whale, 100 Common Dolphins, 4 Mola mola April 19 4 4 Fin Whales, 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 250 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins April 18 5 4 Fin Whales, 1 Gray Whale, 600 Common Dolphins April 17 5 12 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1,000 Common Dolphins April 16 5 4 Gray Whales (Cow/Calf), 1,200 Common Dolphins April 15 7 4 Gray Whales (Cow/Calf), 1 Minke Whale, 1,600 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 14 8 1,800 Common Dolphins, 220 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola mola, 1 Harbor Seal April 13 3 3 Gray Whales, 300 Common Dolphins, 6 Pacific White-sided Dolphins April 12 6 14 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 400 Common Dolphins April 11 5 9 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1 Minke Whale, 1,657 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins April 10 4 350 Common Dolphins, 85 Bottlenose Dolphins April 9 0 Happy Easter! April 8 13 20 Gray Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,500 Common Dolphins April 7 9 9 Gray Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 9,950 Common Dolphins April 6 8 8 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 3 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 16,300 Common Dolphins, 55 Bottlenose Dolphins April 5 5 1 Gray Whale, 1,800 Common Dolphins, 175 Bottlenose Dolphins April 4 4 8 Gray Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 300 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins April 3 0 Inclement Weather April 2 11 3 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 490 Bottlenose Dolphins, 20 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola mola April 1 11 4 Gray Whales, 5,450 Common Dolphins, 7 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings March 31 7 19 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 13,000 Common Dolphins, 1 Harbor Seal March 30 1 1 Gray Whale, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins March 29 4 110 Bottlenose Dolphins March 28 10 15 Gray Whales, 30,790 Common Dolphins, 125 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 27 8 8 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 5,950 Common Dolphins, 125 Bottlenose Dolphins, 120 Risso’s Dolphins, 1 Mola mola , 1 Unidentified Shark March 26 8 21 Gray Whales, 2,500 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola March 25 8 31 Gray Whales, 825 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 24 6 10 Gray Whales, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins March 23 3 5 Gray Whales, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Common Dolphins March 22 0 Inclement Weather March 21 0 Inclement Weather March 20 2 1 Minke Whale, 100 Common Dolphins March 19 8 21 Gray Whales, 1,900 Common Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins, 11 Bottlenose Dolphins March 18 10 32 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 200 Common Dolphins, 60 Pacific White-sided Dolphins, 16 Bottlenose Dolphins March 17 7 4 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 150 Common Dolphins, 90 Bottlenose Dolphins March 16 8 20 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 160 Bottlenose Dolphins, 52 Pacific White-sided Dolphins March 15 0 Inclement Weather March 14 5 6 Gray Whales, 500 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins March 13 7 21 Gray Whales, 1,700 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins March 12 9 11 Gray Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 700 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 11 7 155 Bottlenose Dolphins March 10 3 1,200 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins March 9 3 13 Fin Whales March 8 4 3 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 185 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Risso’s Dolphin March 7 3 6 Gray Whales, 2,000 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins March 6 8 5 Gray Whales, 15,000 Common Dolphins March 5 12 20 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 4,500 Common Dolphins, 105 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola, 1 Unidentified Shark March 4 13 10 Gray Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 105 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 3 4 5 Gray Whales, 600 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins March 2 3 2 Gray Whales March 1 0 Inclement Weather -
Date No. of Trips Sightings Feb 28 2 2 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 27 2 3 Humpback Whales, 402 Common Dolphins Feb 26 6 10 Gray Whales, 250 Common Dolphins, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Green Sea Turtle, 1 Mola mola Feb 25 0 Inclement Weather Feb 24 0 Inclement Weather Feb 23 2 25 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 22 0 Inclement Weather Feb 21 6 8 Gray Whales, 1,800 Common Dolphins Feb 20 11 18 Gray Whales, 630 Bottlenose Dolphins, 600 Common Dolphins Feb 19 11 24 Gray Whales, 1,500 Common Dolphins Feb 18 11 8 Gray Whales, 15,710 Common Dolphins, 158 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 17 4 3 Gray Whales, 1,800 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 16 3 4 Gray Whales, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 75 Common Dolphins Feb 15 5 8 Gray Whales, 19 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 14 2 No Sightings Feb 13 5 3 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whales, 1,500 Common Dolphins Feb 12 4 4 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 220 Bottlenose Dolphins, 100 Common Dolphins Feb 11 6 2 Gray Whales, 1,300 Common Dolphins, 92 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 10 4 6 Gray Whales, 750 Common Dolphins, 135 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Unidentified Sharks Feb 9 4 4 Gray Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 1,150 Common Dolphins, 105 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Feb 8 4 7,500 Common Dolphins, 175 Risso’s Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 7 3 11 Gray Whales, 500 Common Dolphins, 40 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Feb 6 1 500 Common Dolphins Feb 5 6 16 Gray Whales, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 4 9 14 Gray Whales, 500 Common Dolphins, 155 Bottlenose Dolphins, 15 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Feb 3 4 10 Gray Whales, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 2 2 1 Fin Whale, 600 Common Dolphins Feb 1 2 150 Common Dolphins, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins -
Date No. of Trips Sightings Jan 31 4 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 2 Fin Whales, 700 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 30 2 600 Common Dolphins Jan 29 3 1 Gray Whale Jan 28 8 22 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 450 Common Dolphins Jan 27 4 6 Fin Whales, 6 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 160 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 26 4 6 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 7,500 Common Dolphins Jan 25 3 9 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 2,000 Common Dolphins, 180 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 24 3 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 800 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 23 1 3 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf) Jan 22 7 6 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 300 Common Dolphins, 170 Bottlenose Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins Jan 21 8 22 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1,500 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Harbor Seals, 1 Mola mola, 1 Unidentified Shark Jan 20 4 4 Gray Whales, 195 Bottlenose Dolphins, 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins, 10 Risso’s Dolphins, 8 Harbor Seals Jan 19 2 1,600 Common Dolphins Jan 18 3 1,800 Common Dolphins, 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins, 4 Harbor Seals Jan 17 0 Inclement Weather Jan 16 0 Inclement Weather Jan 15 2 2 Gray Whales Jan 14 5 850 Common Dolphins, 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Jan 13 4 8 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 900 Common Dolphins, 43 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 12 4 11 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 700 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins (Including Patches) Jan 11 1 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 200 Common Dolphins Jan 10 0 Inclement Weather Jan 9 2 2 Gray Whales, 200 Common Dolphins Jan 8 7 14 Gray Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 7 7 8 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1,995 Common Dolphins, 210 Risso’s Dolphins Jan 6 5 1 Gray Whale, 1,500 Common Dolphins Jan 5 0 Inclement Weather Jan 4 0 Inclement Weather Jan 3 0 Inclement Weather Jan 2 6 21 Gray Whales (Including birth of a calf), 300 Common Dolphins, 32 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 1, 2023 0 Inclement Weather
View All Sightings Archives By Year
See an Abundance of Wildlife Up Close and Personal
Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® for good reason! The gorgeous Pacific ocean is teeming with aquatic animals that are truly stunning to behold. Depending on which month you join us, you may see multiple varieties of both whales and dolphins. Every trip is special!
While dolphin and whale sightings are our bread and butter, we often run into other marine creatures, including sea lions, pelagic birds, sharks, seals, Mola mola, and more! Check out the months below to get an idea of what to expect on your visit. You can also check our daily whale and dolphin sightings log for details on the animals we saw on our latest adventures!
Create Memories that Last a Lifetime
Words and pictures simply can’t prepare you for the thrill of an up-close encounter with these majestic animals. As one of the best whale watching cruises in California, our hope is that connecting with the animals will change how you view the world and help you to form a lasting connection with nature. Your first whale sightings can truly be an eye-opening, life-changing experience. Heck, we’ve been doing this for over twenty years, and we’re still just as amazed to this day! Join us on an unforgettable adventure.
Learn More About Dana Point's Monthly Dolphin & Whale Sightings
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Frequently Seen in January:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Gray Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in January:
Whales: Humpback Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in February:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Gray Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in February:
Whales: Humpback Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in March:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in March:
Whales: Blue Whales, Gray Whales with Calves, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in April:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Gray Whales with Calves, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in April:
Whales: Blue Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in May:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Gray Whales with Calves, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in May:
Whales: False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in June:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Mola Mola, Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in June:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: Bryde’s Whales, False Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Orcas (Killer Whale), Pilot Whales, Sei Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in July:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Mola Mola, Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions, Sharks
Occasionally Seen in July:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: Bryde’s Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Sei Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals
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Frequently Seen in August:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Mola Mola, Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions, Sharks
Occasionally Seen in August:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: Bryde’s Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Sei Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals
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Frequently Seen in September:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Mola Mola, Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions, Sharks
Occasionally Seen in September:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: Bryde’s Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Sei Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals
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Frequently Seen in October:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in October:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: Blue Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Sei Whales, Sperm Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in November:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in November:
Dolphins: Pacific White-sided Dolphins
Whales: False Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
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Frequently Seen in December:
Dolphins: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins
Whales: Fin Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
Other: Pelagic Birds, Sea Lions
Occasionally Seen in December:
Whales: Blue Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales
Other: Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mola Mola, Sharks
2022 Whale Watching Stats
809
Gray Whales
419
Blue Whales
223
Humpback Whales
705,524
Dolphins
When is the best time to see whales in California?
You can see whales and dolphins off the coast of Dana Point, California, all year long!
May through November you can see blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and more. Between December and May, Dana Point whale watchers can see migrating gray whales, as well as fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and more. All year round several species of dolphins can be viewed, sometimes in mega-pods as large as 10,000! And throughout the year, rare species of whales and dolphins such as orcas (killer whales), Bryde’s whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales could be seen. Southern California has more dolphins and more blue whales than anywhere else in the world.
