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Activity #1136 |
Whale Watching in Grey Whale Season (Dec - Apr) |
What kind of whales have been recently sighted?
5/11/09 - Today we saw we saw large pods of common dolphin and 1 Humpback Whale. We have officially transitioned from the Gray Whale season (running November - April) to the Blue Whale season (which runs through the end of October) and are highly anticipating our first Blue Whale sightings of the season to come any day now! We have had some AMAZING Humpback Whale sightings including today! Check back often for updated whale counts and info!
---------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES--------------------
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
What happens if it rains?
We do run in light rain, but if it becomes extremely windy we might have to cancel the trip for safety reasons. If the trip has already left the dock and conditions become unsafe, we will issue a "whale check" that will allow you to come back another time for another cruise!
Are children allowed?
Yes! We have no age limit for our whale watching cruises. Everyone is welcome, and our boats are very safe with high rails. Children under two years of age are free of charge, but require a ticket because our boats can only hold up to a certain amount of people and we cannot exceed that number even for toddlers or infants.
Is this cruise suitable for pregnant women?
While we don't put a limitation on who may or may not attend, pregnant women should always consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities.
If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
Unfortunately we do not have waiting lists for our trips. If the date and time you want is sold out, please choose another date and time from the schedule for this activity.
How early should I arrive to check in before the trip?
Please arrive no later than 20 minutes before the cruise departs.
-------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT WHALE WATCHING----------------------
During our Ocean Adventure season from May-Nov, we do not offer a guarantee for sightings as we do during the Nov-April Grey Whale Season (starts Nov 28). This is due to the fact that Blue Whales and other summertime whales do not follow a set migration pattern like the Grey Whales do. Dana Wharf does its very best to find you Ocean animals and our captains and crew will tell you interesting information about all the sea life. We still see dolphins practically every day as well as possible sightings of Sun Fish (mola-mola), sea lions, sharks, etc. Every trip is a new experience. If you do not see Whales or Dolphins of any kind, Dana Wharf will give you a $10.00 voucher per person to come back again! During Grey Whale season, sightings are guaranteed, meaning if you do not see a whale or dolphins, we'll give you a voucher for a free trip during Grey whale season! (Offer must be used during Grey Whale season but there is no expiration date).
When is whale watch season?
It's always whale watch season at Dana Wharf! Grey Whale season starts the day after Thanksgiving every year (Nov 28), and typically runs until the end of April (April 30). January to March are the peak times for Grey whales, and coincide with our annual Festival of Whales. Blue Whale season runs from May until November. Whatever the season, we also typically see pods of dolphin, sea lions, squadrons of pelican and other sea faring birds.
What is the best time of the day to see whales?
Whales migrate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no "best" time to see whales, but the weather on the water tends to be calmer in the morning.
How close do we get to the whales?
The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires that we stay 100 yards away from the whales, but some may swim right up to the boat! Dolphins usually come very close, but we do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.
How far does the boat go out?
Grey whales are coastal navigators, so usually we travel about a mile offshore. The same is generally true for Blue whales. The boat does have the range of up to 7 miles if needed.
---------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR LOCATION--------------------
Where exactly is Dana Wharf located within Orange County?
Hopefully these landmarks will help you to find us better: Dana Wharf is located 40 minutes south of Disneyland in Anaheim, 1 hour south of LAX airport in Los Angeles, and 60 minutes north of Sea World in San Diego. We are basically in the heart of Orange County!
--------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT--------------------------
While our vessels are very safe and stable, we will be in the ocean. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you might want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand.
Which boat will we be going on?
Our Ocean Adventure Cruises and whale watching cruises usually take place on our luxurious Dana Pride, complete with inside and upper deck seating, a full galley, and cash bar.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, there is a clean marine head on board.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes! Indoor seating and awnings are available. If you plan on staying outside to have a better view of the whales, please dress appropriately with a hat, sunglasses, and/or sunscreen.
Is the boat safe?
Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (EPIRB, Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected once a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
If you would like to come whale watching with us in a wheelchair, please "contact this seller" and we will make arrangements to accommodate you.
Are there life jackets on board? Do I have to wear one?
We do have life jackets on board, but it is not required for any passenger to wear one during the cruise.
Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?
There is limited room to stow your belongings on board. Please only bring what is absolutely necessary for the trip.
Can I smoke on the boat?
Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas.
-----------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING-------------------------------
You are welcome to bring a "brown bag" lunch, however you may not bring ice chests or alcoholic beverages on board. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.
What kinds of food and beverages are available in the full-service galley?
The boats offer a variety of grilled sandwiches such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, BLT, and burritos. They also have soda, water, and beer. On the Dana Pride we offer a fully stocked bar including hard alcohol (please remember you may not bring your own alcohol on board).
How much money should I bring?
While no money is required from you on board, if you'd like to purchase food or beverages at the full service galley, or souvenirs, please bring extra cash or credit (approximately $20).
How much should I tip the crew if any?
There is no gratuity required, but a recommended amount would between $2-$5 per person. The crew works hard to make your trip enjoyable!
Can I bring an ice chest?
No ice chests are allowed on board. We will make exceptions for special diets, however.
-------------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES------------
Yes, all boats are available for private charters. Please "Contact this Seller" for more information.
Are gift certificates available for the Dana Wharf trips?
Yes, gift certificates are available for the 2 hour whale watching trips (both Gray Whale Season and Blue Whale Season), 1/2 Day/Twilight Fishing Trips and 3/4 Day Fishing Trips, and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate for any of these Dana Wharf trips please click on the "Gift certificates: Purchase" link in the yellow box.
How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?
Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed.
What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?
That's no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You'll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you'd prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don't forget, but you don't want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)
