10/25/2025
Heading straight out from Dana Point Harbor, we were soon surrounded by thousands of Long-beaked Common Dolphin about five miles offshore, along with flocks of California Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, and various gulls. Feeding frenzies stretched across the water as the dolphin corralled anchovy into tight bait balls, while sea birds dove or hovered overhead to sn**ch any fish escaping the dolphin’s pursuit. The ocean was alive with animals surging, plunging, darting, and diving. Another incredible frenzy less than two miles from the harbor on our return. Shimmering scales and remnants of bait fish sparkled just below the surface.
On our next trip, we returned to the same area and found a Humpback Whale (HW-MN0503868) feeding among the dolphins about eight miles offshore. This whale alternated between longer dives of four to five minutes and shorter ones under two minutes, fluking on almost every dive. By our final trip, the Humpback had moved closer to shore now less than four miles out feeding just south of the headlands before turning north and then offshore. Suddenly, it erupted into a spectacular display of chin slaps, tail throws, and full breaches as we watched in awe. As we turned southwest toward yet another feeding frenzy, the whale followed, and then a second Humpback appeared lunge-feeding among the dolphins and seabirds before lunging right off our bow, likely feeding on the anchovy attempting to use our vessel for shelter. While both whales were on a sounding dive, one surfaced off our port side, lifting its massive flukes just feet away as it passed beneath the Ocean Adventure. Almost simultaneously, the second Humpback surfaced less than ten feet off our stern, diving under us as well. Captain Jamie kept saying we needed to head back to the harbor and by the third time, a passenger laughed and said, “And yet, here we are!” It was clear our captain was enjoying the show as much as everyone else aboard.
When we departed on our final trip, the resident Osprey was perched on the jetty before taking flight, while a large male sea lion lounged along the inner jetty all afternoon.
Note: Ocean trash picked up today, October 24, 2025 ~ One very large yellow plastic bag. Stand Up To Trash
Report & 📸 Laura Lopez
