Paddling with Great Whites
Great Whites are far from the vicious monsters depicted on film.
The city of Dana Point is known as “The Whale Watching capital of the world”. In 2020 a local company, Dana Wharf Whale Watching offered an annual pass for $450. I couldn’t pass it up. I purchased the pass and jumped on a boat every chance I got, I fell in love with the wildlife the ocean offered. On one occasion we were off shore with two other boats observing a whale and a lone paddle boarder joined us. In that moment I knew that’s what I wanted to do. How special would it be to be that close to the water with whales and dolphins. No motors, no people – just a three inch high piece of wood to separate me from a 100 foot blue whale. That dream became my passion and for the next three years I learned to paddle, read wind reports, and navigate the ocean. On August 24th, 2022 my dream came true and I had the opportunity to paddle with a blue whale. It was a life changing experience and it’s what fuels my passion today.
Great Whites are far from the vicious monsters depicted on film.
This year has been exceptional for Fin Whale sightings. From April-May scores of Fins were seen feeding off South OC.