Dana Point charters are reporting sightings of fin whales out at sea, with the second largest mammal on earth frolicking along OC’s coast.

Dana Point Sportsfishing and Whalewatching reported 7 sightings, and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari said there were five out at sea.

Gisele Anderson said there has been a lot of activity in the past few days, with gray whales playing alongside pacific white-sided dolphins, as well as the spotting of the first northbound gray whale making it’s way back to Alaska from Baja. 

Finback whales are seen sporadically throughout the year, and usually hang out alone or with just another whale. They can grow up to 70 feet, making them the world’s second largest mammal. They have long thin bodies with a tall, erect, dorsal fin.

Did you know: Between the 1930s and the 1960s, more than 500,000 fin whales were killed worldwide. Although whaling for fin whales took place as recently as 1989, kills were highly limited after 1970. Now protected worldwide, fin whales are estimated to number 60,000 - 100,000, and are listed on the Endangered Species list.

Source: www.whalecenter.org

To get on the boats:

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari
Daily departures on catamarans throughout the year, trips generally last 2 1/2 hours. Call for specific times and availability.
•Cost: $55 per person, $35 for ages 3 to 12. Age 2 and younger, free.
•Information: 949-488-2828 or www.dolphinsafari.com  

Dana Wharf Sportsfishing & Whale Watching
Three 2-hour trips held daily.
Cost: $29 for adults; $19 for children
www.danawharf.com

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