On August 23, tourists who embarked on a whale watching excursion from Dana Point in Orange County were treated to a rare and spectacular sight: over 1,500 long-beaked common dolphins leaping energetically out of the ocean.
Donna Kalez, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Wharf Whale Watching, shared with Patch media that they witnessed a massive pod of at least 1,500 long-beaked dolphins spanning nearly a mile off the southern coast of San Clemente. These dolphins were spotted heading south towards San Onofre Beach in San Diego County. Kalez emphasized that for first-time dolphin viewers, this was an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching, established in 1971, is Orange County’s first whale watching company with top-notch facilities. The company encounters over 1,500 gray whales from November to May and blue whales from May to November annually. Visitors also have the chance to see humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and even sharks. The company operates large and small whale-watching vessels year-round from Newport Beach Pier in Orange County.
According to orangecountyoutdoors.com, California’s Monterey Bay, Santa Barbara, and Channel Islands are considered prime whale watching locations. However, Orange County boasts abundant fish resources and numerous sunny days throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of whale and dolphin species. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to witness nature’s beauty up close! 🐬🌊