Are Blue Whales Friendly?
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…
6 Things That Are Amazing About Minke Whales
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…
Can You See Whales from the Shore in Dana Point?
Seeing whales from the shore is not an uncommon sighting and has made Dana Point, California, the Whale Watching Capital of the World®. South Orange County is home to some of the country’s best whale watching off Dana Point because our oceans are filled to the brim with various species of dolphins and whales, pinnipeds,…
Whales and Dolphins Inspire Reading on International Children’s Book Day
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…
10 Things That Are Amazing About Gray Whales
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…
What’s it like to be a Marine Naturalist in the Whale Watching Capital of the World
“What is it that you do for work?” A normal question most people get when meeting or getting to know someone for the first time. A small smile always crosses my lips right before I answer, knowing the shocked or confused face that will follow as I answer, “I’m a Marine Mammal Naturalist with Dana…
Are Orcas Dolphins?
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…
Is Whale Watching Ethical?
The question “is whale watching ethical?” is a big one and extremely important to break down and discuss, because anytime anyone is out on the water, we are ALL visitors to the plentiful marine life living within our world’s stunning oceans and seas. Responsible whale watching in places like Dana Point, California, the Dolphin and Whale Watching…
What Does the Gray Whale Watching Migration and Western Monarch Butterflies Have in Common?
The Plight of the Monarchs is Under Threat It is not groundbreaking news learning that environmental factors impact oceans across the globe. Sadly, the footprint humankind leaves on our earth negatively impacts and is significantly altering marine wildlife habitats everywhere. Global changes stemming from the result of waste and refuse and population growth has a…
How Big Are Baby Whales?
There’s nothing sweeter than seeing a mother whale and calf pair traveling together through the gorgeous ocean waters of Dana Point, California, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®. We love hearing the oooh’s and awe’s from passengers on our whale watching safari as whales gracefully breeze past the boats. When it comes to baby whale size we…