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-October 2024 Daily Whale Watching Sightings Log
| Date | No. of Trips | Sightings |
| Oct 6 | 6 | 2 Humpback Whales, 1,680 Common Dolphins, 1 Bottlenose Dolphin |
| Oct 5 | 6 | 6 Humpback Whales, 408 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola |
| Oct 4 | 5 | 14 Humpback Whales, 4,800 Common Dolphins |
| Oct 3 | 5 | 2 Minke Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 2,200 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola |
| Oct 2 | 2 | 2 Humpback Whales, 300 Common Dolphins |
| Oct 1 | 1 | 150 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 30 | 2 | 1,200 Common Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal |
| Sept 29 | 4 | 1,700 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola, 1 Unidentified Shark |
| Sept 28 | 6 | 6 Humpback Whales, 1,450 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola |
| Sept 27 | 4 | 1,050 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola |
| Sept 26 | 2 | 250 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola |
| Sept 25 | 4 | 2 Humpback Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,000 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola |
| Sept 24 | 4 | 1,150 Common Dolphins, 2 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 23 | 4 | 2 Minke Whales, 1,600 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola, 1 Great White Shark |
| Sept 22 | 4 | 5 Bryde’s Whales, 1,700 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 21 | 8 | 6 Minke Whales, 4 Bryde’s Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola |
| Sept 20 | 2 | 1,500 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 19 | 2 | 900 Common Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola |
| Sept 18 | 4 | 800 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola, 1 Swordfish |
| Sept 17 | 2 | 700 Common Dolphins, 25 Risso’s Dolphins |
| Sept 16 | 3 | 1,800 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola |
| Sept 15 | 7 | 2 Minke Whales, 1,525 Common Dolphins, 75 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 14 | 7 | 3 Minke Whales, 2 Bryde’s Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 2,050 Common Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola, 1 Swordfish |
| Sept 13 | 3 | 500 Common Dolphins, 100 Risso’s Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, |
| Sept 12 | 6 | 2,900 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola |
| Sept 11 | 2 | 800 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 10 | 4 | 150 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 9 | 2 | 950 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola |
| Sept 8 | 5 | 1,210 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola |
| Sept 7 | 6 | 6 Bryde’s Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 6,275 Common Dolphins, 225 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 6 | 3 | 800 Common Dolphins, 275 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 5 | 4 | 1 Minke Whale, 3,100 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 4 | 3 | 6 Humpback Whales, 2 Bryde’s Whales, 1,350 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 3 | 5 | 4 Bryde’s Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 8,400 Common Dolphins |
| Sept 2 | 9 | 4 Minke Whales, 10,850 Common Dolphins, 130 Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Sept 1 | 8 | 8 Bryde’s Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 4,200 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola, 1 Hammerhead Shark |
2024 Archive Whale Watching Sightings Log
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Date No. of Trips Sightings August 31 12 1 Minke Whale, 4,500 Common Dolphins, 490 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola August 30 5 2 Bryde’s Whales, 3,350 Common Dolphins, 200 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Great White Shark August 29 4 3 Minke Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 2,700 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 28 3 8,000 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 27 3 1,850 Common Dolphins, 70 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola August 26 5 4 Minke Whales, 3,700 Common Dolphins, 2 Swordfish, 1 Mola Mola August 25 7 5 Minke Whales, 3,100 Common Dolphins, 345 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola August 24 11 6 Bryde’s Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 5,800 Common Dolphins, 130 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Mola Mola, 3 Great White Sharks August 23 6 4 Minke Whales, 3 Blue Whales, 800 Common Dolphins, 200 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Mola Mola August 22 5 6 Bryde’s Whales, 2,950 Common Dolphins, 1 Bottlenose Dolphins August 21 6 1 Minke Whale, 3,450 Common Dolphins, 270 Risso’s Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola Mola, 3 Flying Fish, 1 Great White Shark August 20 7 6,450 Common Dolphins, 70 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola, 1 Flying Fish August 19 5 3 Bryde’s Whales, 13,000 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 18 8 10 Minke Whales, 4,500 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins August 17 11 14 Minke Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola August 16 8 3 Fin Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 1 Bryde’s Whale, 5,500 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola August 15 6 2,125 Common Dolphins, 46 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 14 5 5 Minke Whales, 2,055 Common Dolphins, 200 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola, 2 Flying Fish August 13 3 3,200 Common Dolphins August 12 6 2,900 Common Dolphins August 11 7 4 Fin Whales, 3,045 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 10 9 3 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 160 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Risso’s Dolphins, 12 Mola Mola August 9 9 26 Fin Whales, 1,100 Common Dolphins, 115 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Sea Turtle August 8 6 22 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 2,400 Common Dolphins August 7 8 17 Fin Whales, 3 Bryde’s Whales, 1,005 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins August 6 5 10 Fin Whales, 6 Minke Whales, 900 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola August 5 4 10 Fin Whales, 8 Blue Whales, 1,100 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola August 4 11 29 Fin Whales, 6 Blue Whales, 1,050 Common Dolphins, 170 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola August 3 10 11 Minke Whales, 3,920 Common Dolphins, 110 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola August 2 12 12 Fin Whales, 3 Bryde’s Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 2,625 Common Dolphins, 130 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola August 1 7 3 Minke Whales, 3,100 Common Dolphins, 270 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings July 31 6 7 Bryde’s Whales, 7 Minke Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 3,000 Common Dolphins July 30 6 17 Minke Whales, 1,500 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola July 29 5 2 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 500 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola, 1 Unidentified Breaching Shark July 28 9 4 Humpback Whales, 1,725 Common Dolphins, 40 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 27 11 1 Minke Whale, 2,210 Common Dolphins, 700 Bottlenose Dolphins, 18 Mola Mola July 26 7 2,600 Common Dolphins, 250 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 25 5 3 Minke Whales, 1,433 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 24 9 7 Humpback Whales, 5 Minke Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 925 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola July 23 5 4 Humpback Whales, 600 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins, 7 Mola Mola July 22 6 2,800 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 17 Mola Mola July 21 10 1 Minke Whale, 5,010 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 41 Mola Mola July 20 14 2 Minke Whales, 3,405 Common Dolphins, 230 Bottlenose Dolphins, 13 Mola Mola July 19 7 2 Humpback Whales, 5,700 Common Dolphins, 15 Mola Mola July 18 4 2 Humpback Whales, 1,400 Common Dolphins, 120 Bottlenose Dolphins July 17 10 5 Minke Whales, 1 Blue Whale, 1 Fin Whale, 1 Humpback Whale, 3,280 Common Dolphins, 250 Bottlenose Dolphins, 7 Mola Mola July 16 5 1 Humpback Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 1,275 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola July 15 6 1 Minke Whale, 1,900 Common Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 14 10 8 Blue Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 1,140 Common Dolphins, 195 Bottlenose Dolphins, 16 Mola Mola July 13 12 8 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 2,500 Common Dolphins, 7 Bottlenose Dolphins, 9 Mola Mola July 12 9 5 Minke Whales, 4 Blue Whales, 1,830 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 11 6 2,200 Common Dolphins, 140 Bottlenose Dolphins July 10 6 2 Blue Whales, 1,500 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola July 9 2 3 Blue Whales, 200 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola July 8 3 1 Blue Whale, 2,300 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins July 7 12 3 Blue Whales, 1,825 Common Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 6 10 1,420 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola July 5 11 5,300 Common Dolphins, 150 Risso’s Dolphins, 58 Bottlenose Dolphins, 13 Mola Mola July 4 6 400 Common Dolphins, 300 Risso’s Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola July 3 9 1,600 Common Dolphins, 18 Mola Mola July 2 4 1,200 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 15 Mola Mola July 1 7 3,950 Common Dolphins, 25 Mola Mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings June 30 7 1 Minke Whale, 1,600 Common Dolphins, 18 Mola Mola June 29 9 1 Blue Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 2,450 Common Dolphins, 15 Mola Mola June 28 5 6 Fin Whales, 2 Blue Whales, 1,350 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola June 27 5 1,600 Common Dolphins, 33 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola June 26 5 700 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins June 25 7 2,000 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola June 24 5 2,760 Common Dolphins, 110 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola June 23 8 9,900 Common Dolphins, 20 Risso’s Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola June 22 6 2,850 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola June 21 4 2,200 Common Dolphins, 23 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola Mola June 20 6 4,070 Common Dolphins, 110 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola June 19 7 1,400 Common Dolphins, 80 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola Mola June 18 5 3,000 Common Dolphins, 7 Mola Mola, 1 Elephant Seal June 17 5 1,300 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola June 16 9 4,200 Common Dolphins, 88 Bottlenose Dolphins, 6 Mola Mola June 15 13 2,250 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 12 Mola Mola June 14 5 3 Humpback Whales, 1,050 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola June 13 4 10 Minke Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 2,500 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola June 12 4 4 Minke Whales, 350 Common Dolphins, 1 Blue Shark June 11 5 4 Blue Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 1,400 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola June 10 4 4 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 75 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins June 9 9 6 Blue Whales, 7 Minke Whales, 2,700 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola June 8 16 15 Minke Whales, 11 Blue Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 4,110 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola, 1 Unidentified Shark June 7 5 4 Blue Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1,375 Common Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola June 6 6 14 Minke Whales, 13 Blue Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 2,650 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola June 5 5 6 Fin Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 9,500 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Mola Mola, 1 Blue Shark June 4 3 3 Blue Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 1,400 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola June 3 5 27 Blue Whales, 10,400 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola June 2 7 1 Sperm Whale, 42 Blue Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 520 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola June 1 9 43 Blue Whales, 2,300 Common Dolphins, 2 Bottlenose Dolphins -
Date No. of Trips Sightings May 31 6 28 Blue Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 425 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 30 6 13 Blue Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 575 Common Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola May 29 5 9 Blue Whales, 850 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola, 1 Unidentified Shark May 28 5 17 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1,300 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola May 27 7 31 Blue Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 1 Minke Whale, 910 Common Dolphins, 1 Blue Shark May 26 12 24 Blue Whales, 3,650 Common Dolphins May 25 7 8 Fin Whales, 7 Blue Whales, 1 Gray Whale, 790 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 24 3 2 Blue Whales, 525 Common Dolphins May 23 2 1,750 Common Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal May 22 5 4 Blue Whales, 500 Common Dolphins May 21 3 6 Blue Whales, 400 Common Dolphins May 20 4 9 Blue Whales, 3 Gray Whales, 625 Common Dolphins May 19 7 9 Blue Whales, 725 Common Dolphins May 18 7 11 Blue Whales, 325 Common Dolphins May 17 5 2 Minke Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 900 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Mola Mola May 16 2 165 Common Dolphins, 60 Bottlenose Dolphins May 15 4 2 Fin Whales, 250 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 14 6 3 Blue Whales, 600 Common Dolphins May 13 5 4 Fin Whales, 850 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 12 10 7 Fin Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 1,325 Common Dolphins, 45 Bottlenose Dolphins May 11 5 5 Humpback Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 525 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 10 4 4 Fin Whales, 4 Humpback Whales, 3 Blue Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 305 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola Mola May 9 4 8 Fin Whales, 1 Blue Whale, 625 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola May 8 3 3 Blue Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 280 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola May 7 2 2 Fin Whales, 400 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal May 6 3 10 Fin Whales, 3 Blue Whales, 600 Common Dolphins May 5 3 6 Fin Whales, 1 Blue Whale May 4 6 37 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 475 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins, 4 Mola Mola May 3 6 14 Fin Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 120 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola Mola, 1 Fur Seal May 2 3 5 Fin Whales, 2 Gray Whales, 250 Common Dolphins May 1 4 11 Fin Whales, 255 Common Dolphins, 8 Bottlenose Dolphins -
Date No. of Trips Sightings April 30 4 18 Fin Whales, 2 Blue Whales, 102 Common Dolphins April 29 7 6 Killer Whales (CA216 transients including “Frosty”), 14 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 1,600 Common Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal April 28 9 29 Fin Whales, 4 Blue Whales, 4 Gray Whales, 370 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 27 11 43 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 895 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola mola April 26 6 42 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 14 Bottlenose Dolphins, 3 Common Dolphins April 25 6 32 Fin Whales, 4 Humpback Whales, 650 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 24 4 31 Fin Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal Pup April 23 3 14 Fin Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 50 Common Dolphins April 22 3 7 Fin Whales, 3 Minke Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 255 Common Dolphins April 21 8 26 Fin Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,030 Common Dolphin, 65 Bottlenose Dolphins April 20 8 34 Fin Whales, 11 Gray Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 1,135 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins April 19 2 8 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 400 Common Dolphins April 18 4 16 Fin Whales, 4 Humpback Whales, 75 Common Dolphins April 17 4 14 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 1 Minke Whale, 700 Common Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Harbor Seal April 16 2 8 Fin Whales, 2 Humpback Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 90 Common Dolphins April 15 4 11 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback Whale, 275 Common Dolphins, 17 Bottlenose Dolphins April 14 5 8 Fin Whales, 4 Gray Whales, 235 Common Dolphins April 13 4 6 Gray Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 326 Common Dolphins, 75 Bottlenose Dolphins April 12 3 4 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 2 Fin Whales, 400 Common Dolphins, 6 Bottlenose Dolphins April 11 6 11 Fin Whales, 400 Common Dolphins, 2 Mola mola April 10 4 13 Fin Whales, 300 Common Dolphins, 75 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal, 1 Mako Shark April 9 6 14 Fin Whales, 1 Minke Whale, 475 Common Dolphins, 35 Bottlenose Dolphins April 8 4 13 Fin Whales, 2 Gray Whales (Cow/Calf), 1 Humpback Whale, 55 Common Dolphins, 50 Bottlenose Dolphins April 7 11 26 Fin Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 690 Common Dolphins, 525 Bottlenose Dolphins April 6 13 24 Fin Whales, 8 Minke Whales, 525 Bottlenose Dolphins April 5 0 Inclement Weather April 4 5 1 Minke Whale, 93 Common Dolphins April 3 9 4 Gray Whales, 8,000 Common Dolphins, 70 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 2 8 6 Minke Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 3,600 Common Dolphins, 115 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola April 1 5 3 Fin Whales, 1,100 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola -
Date No. of Trips Sightings March 31 0 Happy Easter! March 30 0 Inclement Weather March 29 9 27 Fin Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 6 Gray Whales, 6,200 Common Dolphins, 65 Risso’s Dolphins, 56 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Pacific White-sided Dolphins March 28 8 16 Fin Whales, 2 Gray Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 37 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 27 9 16 Fin Whales, 4 Minke Whales, 2 Gray Whales, 1,750 Common Dolphins, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins March 26 7 10 Fin Whales, 3 Gray Whales, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 10 Common Dolphins March 25 8 11 Fin Whales, 200 Common Dolphins, 125 Bottlenose Dolphins March 24 0 Inclement Weather March 23 6 11 Gray Whales, 6 Fin Whales, 3 Humpback Whales, 600 Common Dolphins March 22 8 12 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,200 Common Dolphins, 25 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Pacific White-sided Dolphins March 21 7 9 Gray Whales, 6 Fin Whales, 1,300 Common Dolphins, 210 Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 Mola mola, 1 Rhinoceros Auklet March 20 5 5 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 3,500 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins March 19 6 15 Gray Whales, 12,675 Common Dolphins March 18 2 1 Gray Whale, 1,500 Common Dolphins, 20 Pacific White-sided Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, March 17 7 10 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 4,300 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins March 16 11 7 Gray Whales, 1,855 Common Dolphins March 15 4 3 Gray Whales, 800 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 14 6 8 Gray Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 1,000 Common Dolphins, 170 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 13 8 36 Gray Whales, 1,000 Common Dolphins, 45 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola March 12 7 4 Gray Whales, 235 Common Dolphins, 1 Elephant Seal March 11 5 16 Gray Whales, 1,000 Common Dolphins, 250 Bottlenose Dolphins March 10 9 21 Gray Whales, 650 Common Dolphins, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins March 9 13 23 Gray Whales, 690 Common Dolphins, 320 Bottlenose Dolphins March 8 9 11 Gray Whales, 1,800 Common Dolphins, 210 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Fur Seal March 7 5 11 Gray Whales, 100 Common Dolphins March 6 4 850 Common Dolphins March 5 7 17 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,400 Common Dolphins March 4 2 25 Common Dolphins March 3 8 12 Gray Whales, 900 Common Dolphins March 2 9 5 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 200 Common Dolphins March 1, 2024 5 4 Fin Whales, 4 Gray Whales, 415 Common Dolphins -
Date No. of Trips Sightings Feb 29 5 11 Gray Whales, 980 Common Dolphins Feb 28 2 5 Gray Whales Feb 27 4 5 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 600 Common Dolphins Feb 26 4 4 Humpback Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1 Gray Whale, 20 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 25 5 7 Gray Whales, 350 Common Dolphins Feb 24 10 9 Fin Whales, 8 Gray Whales, 625 Common Dolphins, 540 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 23 4 5 Gray Whales, 1,000 Common Dolphins Feb 22 3 3 Gray Whales, 900 Common Dolphins, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 21 4 4 Gray Whales, 350 Common Dolphins, 10 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Feb 20 0 Inclement Weather Feb 19 1 No Sightings Feb 18 7 7 Gray Whales, 620 Common Dolphins, 475 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 17 10 2 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 5,300 Common Dolphins, 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Feb 16 7 3 Gray Whales, 2,800 Common Dolphins Feb 15 4 7 Gray Whales, 1,000 Common Dolphins Feb 14 3 2 Gray Whales, 470 Common Dolphins, 10 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 13 4 10 Gray Whales, 480 Common Dolphins Feb 12 3 1,100 Common Dolphins Feb 11 5 6 Gray Whales, 150 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 10 9 6 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 900 Common Dolphins, 6 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 9 3 2 Gray Whales, 75 Risso’s Dolphins, 9 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 8 0 Inclement Weather Feb 7 0 Inclement Weather Feb 6 0 Inclement Weather Feb 5 0 Inclement Weather Feb 4 3 9 Gray Whales Feb 3 7 5 Gray Whales, 1,305 Common Dolphins, 25 Pacific White-sided Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins Feb 2 0 Inclement Weather Feb 1, 2024 0 Inclement Weather -
Date No. of Trips Sightings Jan 31, 2024 3 17 Gray Whales Jan 30 4 8 Gray Whales, 2,500 Common Dolphins Jan 29 5 2,600 Common Dolphins Jan 28 10 11 Gray Whales, 9,800 Common Dolphins Jan 27 11 5 to 10 ETP Orcas, 8 Gray Whales, 5,000 Common Dolphins Jan 26 5 16 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf) Jan 25 3 5 to 7 ETP Orcas, 400 Common Dolphins Jan 24 1 500 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Jan 23 4 8 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 150 Common Dolphins, 50 Risso’s Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 22 0 Inclement Weather Jan 21 3 2 Gray Whales, 1,400 Common Dolphins Jan 20 5 500 Common Dolphins, 5 Pacific White-sided Dolphins Jan 19 5 3 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, 1,500 Common Dolphins Jan 18 4 7 Gray Whales, 2 Fin Whales, 300 Common Dolphins Jan 17 3 2 Gray Whales, 350 Common Dolphins, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 16 5 7 Gray Whales (Including Cow/Calf), 2,900 Common Dolphins Jan 15 10 4 Gray Whales, 7,700 Common Dolphins Jan 14 12 6 Gray Whales, 3,200 Common Dolphins Jan 13 12 5 Gray Whales, 3 Fin Whales, 2 Minke Whales, 2,980 Common Dolphins Jan 12 4 2 Gray Whales, 1,100 Common Dolphins Jan 11 0 Inclement Weather Jan 10 2 1 Gray Whale, 100 Common Dolphins Jan 9 7 3 to 9 ETP Orcas (See on all Safaris), 102 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 8 4 1,800 Common Dolphins Jan 7 0 Inclement Weather Jan 6 10 15 Gray Whales, 1 Unidentified Baleen Whale, 800 Common Dolphins, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 5 6 1 Humpback Whale, 1 Gray Whale, 590 Common Dolphins, 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Jan 4 5 2 – 6 ETP Orcas (Seen on 4 Safaris), 1 Gray Whale, 155 Common Dolphins, 1 Mola mola Jan 3 0 Inclement Weather Jan 2 7 8 Gray Whales, 4 Fin Whales, 750 Common Dolphins, 6 Bottlenose Dolphins Jan 1, 2024 9 12 Fin Whales, 4 Humpback Whales, 3,925 Common Dolphins
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
2023 Whale Watching Stats
763
Gray Whales
405
Blue Whales
754
Fin Whales
338
Humpback Whales
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.
