The Best Whale Watching is in Dana Point - 33rd Annual Festival of Whales Returns to Dana Point

Celebrating the migration of the California Gray Whale, Dana Point begins its annual tribute to these gentle giants in January, culminating with the 33rd Festival of Whales, a two weekend event to be held March 6 and 7 and March 13 and 14.

The Festival of Whales celebrates migrating whales that use Dana Point's headland as a landmark on their 6,000 mile journey southward from Alaska to Mexico. During this season, 40 to 50 whales pass by Dana Point each day.

Beginning more than 30 years ago as an annual seaside event in Dana Point, the Festival now draws more than 100,000 people each year. Together, community members and visitors celebrate the migration of the California Gray Whale with ocean themed events and activities that emphasize education and environmental responsibility. Today's whale watchers hunt with cameras and binoculars, not harpoons.

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa joins in the Festival's celebration with a transformation of its lobby and lounge area into a gallery that will showcase the dramatic work of environmental artist and activist, George Sumner. Sumner will greet visitors at the resort each weekend of the Festival during the hours of 10 a.m. - noon and 4 - 7 p.m. Original works and limited edition lithographs will be on sale throughout the Festival, and the "gallery" will be open to the public daily, March 6 - 14. Sumner created an original oil painting for the 2004 Festival of Whales entitled, For the Love of Whales. This fabulous 4' x 5' original oil will also be on display during the Festival along with prints.

Many other special events have been planned for this year's Festival that are sure to be enjoyed by the entire family, including whale watching from either the shore or aboard one of the Harbor's many whale watching boats. Also, join the Park Ranger on a nature walk through Dana Cove; try your pitching talent at the "Whale of a Shoe" Horseshoe Pitching Tournament; learn how to paddle a kayak for free at the Fun & Free Kayak Demo Day; take part in Ocean Awareness Day; and find out what's really hiding in tide pools at the Afternoon Fish-Feeding Program. Many other events are planned during the four day Festival, and for a complete schedule, just visit Dana Point Festival Of Whales 2004 website... 

Dana Point is "The Whale Capital of the West," because experts believe the town's 200-foot cliffs that jut out into the sea serve as a landmark for the migrating whales. About 25% of the migrating whale population follows the coastline throughout their migration, coming especially close to shore at Dana Point. During peak season, (December through March), nearly 50 whales a day pass by Dana Point, making Dana Point Harbor the best spot to whale watch in Southern California and a popular destination for winter vacationers. In addition to California Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and even pods of Killer Whales have been spotted in recent years. The Harbor's design allows for quick access to the open water, allowing more time for whale watching.

Whale watching boat trips out of Dana Point Harbor provide wonderous views of whales in their natural surroundings. Photo courtesy of Dana Point Festival of Whales

Gray Whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico to give birth or mate. They perform the longest migration of any mammal each year-traveling more than 6,000 miles in each direction. The Gray Whale has become symbolic of the vast, mysterious and fragile marine resources of the Pacific Coast. They are the most accessible for human observation, and during their southern migration, they tend to hug the shore. This allows visitors to approach the whales in a peaceful manner, letting us make more intimate contact with them.

Whale watch on a guided tour or charter a boat for a guided cruise. The following companies offer various types of public and private whale watching trips.

	Dana Wharf Sportfishing - 949.496.5794
	Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Exploration Cruises - 949.296.2274
	Captain Dave's Whale and Dolphin Safari - 949.488.2828
	Dana Island Yacht Charters - 949.248.7400
	Aventura Sailing - 949.493.9493

Dana Point Harbor is located at 34555 Golden Lantern in Dana Point. For more information, please call the Festival Information Line, 949.472.7888 or 888.440.4309 or visit www.festivalofwhales.org.