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Whale Watching in Orange County
Information about Whale Watching in Orange County California
Gray Whales are the most common Whale you will see when Whale Watching in the Orange County area but there are many other Whales possible. Blue Whales, the largest mammals in the world, have been making appearances more frequently in Orange County waters. Fin Whales and Minke Whales have also been seen more often and Humpbacks are always a possibility as are various other species of Whales and sometimes Orcas.
Dolphin can also be seen with regularity and can actually be more exciting to watch then Whales. Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin are the most frequently seen with Risso's Dolphin and Pacific White Sided Dolphin also spotted with regularity. Other Dolphin and Porpoise species are also possible as are Seals and Sealions.
(individual pages to come)
Whale Watching in Dana Point - Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is a wonderful Harbor to both visit and go Whale Watching from. The harbor is scenic and peaceful with lots of shops and places to eat including restaurants with wonderful Harbor views. Free parking is available though may be hard to find on a busy or event weekend such as the Dana Point Festival of Whales. For Whale Watching the Dana Point Harbor is one of the best to leave from and takes you quickly out to the ocean saving precious Whale Watching time.
Whale Watching companies in Dana Point
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Dolphin Safari - Dolphin Safari is a very enjoyable company to go out with and the only one I know of in Orange County that does Whale and Dolphin Watching year around.
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Dana Wharf Sport Fishing - Dana Wharf Sport Fishing does seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migration.
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Ocean Institute - Whale Watching and educational programs
Whale Watching in Newport Beach - Newport Harbor Area
Newport is an enjoyable Harbor. The Harbor features the Balboa Fun Zone with carnival rides, games, shops and restaurants and there is no admission fee. The easiest parking is across the street on the Balboa pier side. You might find free parking on the streets but will probably just frustrate yourself trying. There are several Whale Watching companies (all seasonal) as well as Harbor cruises and fishing.
Whale Watching companies in Newport Beach/Balboa
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Fun Zone Boat Company - The Fun Zone Boat company is one of my favorites and offers seasonal Whale Watching during the Gray Whale migration.
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Newport Landing - Newport Landing Sportfishing is another favorite and is also a seasonal Whale Watching company for the Gray Whale migration.
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Davey's Locker - Seasonal Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Huntington Beach - Huntington Harbor
There doesn't seem to be any commercial Whale Watching boats in Huntington Harbor. It seems to be mostly private boats though you may be able to find a charter. If you know of any Whale Watching from Huntington Beach email me below. Otherwise your best bet is to head down to Newport Beach for some Whale Watching.
(more information and pages to come - if you know of any other Whale Watching companies or Harbors that do Whale Watching in Orange county please let us know)
During my Whale Watching trips out of Orange County California I have seen numerous Cetacean and Pinniped species. There are many more that can be seen and I will hopefully add to my list someday. So far I have seen....
Gray Whales
Fin Whales
*possible Bryde's Whale (or a juvenile Fin)
Common Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphin
Pacific White Sided Dolphin
Risso's Dolphin
California Sealions
Harbor Seals
One fantastic trip I saw three different species of Dolphin on the same trip. You can find Sealions at every Harbor and lounging on the buoys on your way out Whale Watching.
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Know of any great places for Whale Watching in Southern California or information you would like to share? Email Us