It was right before sundown when Norris Tapp heard the chatter over the boat’s radio.

Orcas everywhere.

“I said ‘folks, we’re gonna see some orcas today, we’re done fishing,” Tapp said to the fishermen (and fisherwomen) on a charter boat out of Newport Harbor last Sunday.
They were in for a treat. About 30 orca whales - more than anyone can remember seeing in one area together – spanned about a mile and a half of ocean, weaving in and out of the water around and under the boat. For a full report with tons of photos, check out Sciencedude’s blog.
The whale watching season had a lackluster start this year, with a late migration of gray whales and little action out at sea. But in recent weeks, the ocean has become alive with wildlife, wowing even those who have spent decades at sea.

If you’re on spring break with the family – a trip on a whale-watching charter boat is a must, especially considering this insanely beautiful weather we’ve been having.

The sightings of the orcas was a fluke, and in all honesty, they might not be out there on a future trip.
“You see it one day, and they are gone the next,” Tapp said. “They haven’t in the past stayed in the area. But who knows. Strange things go on out there in the ocean.”
The gray whale season, however is in full swing. The grays are now headed northbound on their migration from Mexico to Alaska, a 6,000-mile trek that makes it the longest of any mammal on Earth. The same boat that sighted the orcas also saw about nine gray whales.

Dana Wharf Sportsfishing charter boats have been reporting about an average five sightings of gray whales in the past few days.

“Whale watching is very, very good,” said Donna Kalez, manager for Dana Wharf. “It’s been crazy.”

During a one-week period starting March 18, there have been 51 whale sightings, she said. The total count for the season is 239 sightings, down from 296 this same time last year.

“We’re down a little bit, but I think we’re going to see a very good April,” she said. “We have a lot of friends down in Mexico, they’re still seeing very good numbers, which makes it good for us.”

Here’s a list of whale watch charters out of Dana Point and Newport Beach:

• Dana Wharf Whale Watching: 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. daily; $19-$29. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. Reservations and information: www.danawharfsportfishing.com or 949-496-5794.
• Davey’s Locker Whale Watching: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday-Friday. 9 a.m., Noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $20-$25. 400 Main St., Balboa, Newport Beach. Reservations and information: www.daveyslocker.com or 949-673-1434.
• Newport Landing Whale Watching: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m., Noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sightings are guaranteed; $20-$25. 309 Palm, Suite F, Balboa, Newport Beach. 949-675-0550.
• Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari: 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Dana Point. Cost: $49 adults, $35 kids. Reservations and information: www.dolphinsafari.com or 949-488-2828.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.