Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching

The experience on the ocean was much enjoyed. It was fun doing catch and release for the mackeral we caught and a nice day just to relax. However, for serious fishermen, the opportunity to catch the big fish (durado, yellowtail) was not there.

This trip was with my son and his son. All were first timers on a commercial sport fishing boat. We rented poles. It seems the most success by others was with spoons or lures. The live anchovies were mainly eaten by the seals and pelicans. A suggestion to those renting equipment that maybe different types of bait (lures,etc.) might increase the catching would be appreciated. After all, persons renting equipment must be novices otherwise they would already have what is needed. The boat was fine, very clean and the galley and prepared breakfast sandwiches were very good and reasonably priced, which is appreciated. We enjoyed the experience and will do it again. But first I will need to get my own lures etc. The crew was fine and provided help when asked.

I took my daughter-in-law on the trip for her 30th birthday. It was a perfect day weather-and-sea-wise and we saw hundreds of dolphins as well as one blue whale who kept appearing and disappearing throughout the whole trip. It was a fabulous adventure and we're so lucky to live here in South Orange County where we can do this type of thing, yet had never thought of doing it before. We'll definitely be back.

Boat was clean, comfortable. Boat staff were very pleasant, friendly and very informed!!! They were great to spend the afternoon with. We really enjoyed the trip. My group consisted of my husband and I, our 21 year old son and our 28 year old niece. This was a fun way to spend an afternoon and next time we are in California I would like to do this again or try the sportsfishing. The one thing that I do think could have been better would be the staff at the ticket counter. They oould have been friendlier.

The trip was a great thing to do with my 21 year old son. We did not see any whales but the crew sure tried, going out farther than usual. We did see a group of Risin dolphins and 2 groups of common dolpins and they were lots of fun. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable and the boat was very comfortable with lots of options.

My daughter and I came from Texas and this was our first trip into the Pacific, let alone to view whales and other sealife. We were not disappointed! Our guide was informative and enthusiastic. The catamaran was very nice with plenty of room for everyone to see the whales. I was definitely glad we took the time for this excursion.

We celebrated our daughter's 42nd birthday with a Whale Watching trip out of Dana Point. She had always wanted to go, but there are at least three of us who have motion sickness. We took Dramamine - less drowsy type - and made it through even though the water was really choppy with a lot of whitecaps. We were just about to turn around and head back into the harbor when the crew spotted a blue baleen whale. So, we followed it around for about 45 minutes as it came up to breathe, and went down again, about every six minutes. Wish we could have seen a lot more of the whales, but had a really fun time with the one. Very interesting and my daughter LOVED IT! Thanks for the great trip.

If you're a fisherman, this is a recommended trip especially during the summer when the fish are really biting. Fun for all. If you are the least suseptable to motion sickness, medication is in order.

This was great i took my dad out for fathers day..and he loved it..we caught like 20 fish and we did it once before but we caught giant squid then we will defiantly be back. Thanks. Jonathan Malik

My group went out expecting bottom fishing not knowing we we only going for barracuda. It was fast paced and became frustrating to our family group from Colorado. My rented reel did not work well. My recommendation would be for the type of fishing (bottom or other) be given at the time reservations are made. Customers need to check their rented equipment before getting on the boat.

Shortly after leaving the harbor we entered a "superpod" of common dolphins, estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 strong. We stayed with the pod for the next 45 minutes as they darted and leapt around the boat. It was an amazing sight.

We were hoping to see Whales. However, the dolphins were amazing! Thousands of common dolphins! Definitely an experience to remember. Don't forget the camera!

There were 8 of us in the group and though we didn't see any whales that day, we saw plenty of dolphins, which was a nice treat for all of us! The crew was very knowledgeable and were very welcoming, which made the trip even better. I will definitely recommend this outing to everyone and I look forward to going again in the future. Thank you! Tami from Orange

It was a great day. The crew was friendly and enthusiastic. The boat was clean. We saw a whale and followed it for about 35 minutes. Then took off and found a school of dolphins about 500-600 strong. The crew was very professional. My sister was in from Pennsylvania and enjoyed the cruise thoroughly.

Although my niece & I did not see any whales or dolphins (which is unusual), we did see sea lions, have a great boat ride, & witness stunning views of our local coastline. And in the end, because our excursion did not see whales or dolphins, we did receive free whale-watching tickets that don't expire & can be used anytime.