Discover the Dana Point Festival of Whales
Every March, the Dana Point Festival of Whales gives you the opportunity to get a close look at the annual migration. On March 5th and 6th as well as the 12th and 13th, Anaheim is celebrating the 45th year of whale watching festivities with an epic two-weekend event. It’s the best time of year for whale watching in California, and tour boats are booking up fast. Schedule a two-hour tour, 8am trip special, 4pm sunset whale watch trip, 2.5 hour catamaran cruise, Ocean Institute whale watching cruise, or Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching adventure today!
Free shuttle services are available on festival days from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours on March 5th—the day of the family-friendly parade that kicks off the celebration. Park and ride all day for free, including the water taxi service that has you migrating right along with the whales.
A Whale of a Tale
The California Gray Whale migrates to and from Mexico and Alaska, with 40-50 whales passing through Dana Point during the festival days. At the headland, 200-foot cliffs allow for a real bird’s eye view of the migration. A public trail system to the docks spans just over three miles, offering a leisurely hike for families.
Stop in to the Nature Interpretive Center to learn more about the whales, Dana Point, and local activities. It’s the best time to visit Anaheim, where you won’t be the only traveler passing through!