44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide

Carlos N. Olvera, Mayor, City of Dana PointThe 44th anniversary of the Dana Point Fes-

tival of Whales celebration is upon us and the city of Dana Point welcomes you to these two weekends of events, whale watching excursions and adventure.

Over the years, Dana Point has become the premier location in Orange County to see these titanic marine mammals in their natural environment, the Pacifi c Ocean. This migration season has so far brought more than 2,800 dif-ferent whales to local waters, including grays, humpback, orcas and some of the world’s larg-est dolphin stampedes.

The Festival of Whales is a wonderful chance to learn about and celebrate our ocean’s great creatures both on land and at sea via fun marine-focused educational opportunities.

This celebration also offers a large parade down Pacifi c Coast Highway on opening day, a pirate-inspired diamond dig in the sand, a carnival-style street fair, sand sculpting competition, clam chowder cook-off, art shows, hands-on arts and crafts, classic car displays, documentary screenings and more.

With miles of beaches and a rich history dating back to the cowhide trades of the 1830s, Dana Point is a fi ve-star destination. So explore the city, the Dana Point Harbor, our tallship replicas and take the opportunity to go back in time to visualize the romance of seafaring days past. And while you are in the harbor, make sure to use the Festival of Whales free shuttle and low-cost water taxi to get around.

Enjoy yourself and welcome to the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

Each year, visitors congregate at the Dana Point Festival of Whales to celebrate the Califor-nia gray whales’ migration from Alaskan waters to the lagoons of Baja California. It’s a tradi-tion stretching more than four decades that festival organizers hope to continue for decades and decades more.

To assure future generations have the op-portunity to observe and learn about marine life along Southern California’s shore, the Dana Point Festival of Whales asks all par-ticipating sponsors, exhibitors and guests

344th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com

to be stewards of the oceans, both at the festival and when they return home.

Sponsors and exhibitors have been asked to keep the festival’s location at the water’s edge in mind when planning their events. That’s why you won’t fi nd balloons, stickers, tempo-rary tattoos, fl yers, single-use water bottles or other items that might fi nd their way to the receiving waters of the Pacifi c Ocean.

Organizers are also asking festival-goers to do their part to keep the festival, and eco-system, green and clean. One simple way to reduce your impact is to pack a reusable water bottle.

Drinking fountains are conveniently lo-cated throughout the Dana Point Harbor and refi llable bottles are available for purchase at various event locations. The South Coast Water District will also have their emer-gency water trailer on hand to help visitors quench their thirst.

Each winter as gray whales begin to make their journey from Alaskan waters to Baja, nearly 100 fi ne arts students from Dana Hills High School take to the Pacifi c and visit the Ocean Institute with one assignment—to fi nd inspiration.

They come prepared, with sketchbooks, pencils and cameras in hand, to soak in their surroundings and, with some luck, to observe the gray whale in its natural envi-ronment. From an excursion aboard a Dana Wharf whale watching vessel to exploring the Ocean Institute’s brig Pilgrim, young art-ists snap pictures, draw scenery and sketch wildlife while interacting with professional artists—to gain insight into the possibility of choosing a future career in art—and learning from conservationists about their muse, the gray whale.

It’s a trip hosted by the Dana Point Festi-val of Whales Foundation and aimed at in-spiring students to create work to be shown among that of professional artists at the current year’s Art in the Park exhibition and to be entered in a logo design contest for a chance at branding the next year’s festival.

The program began in 2011 when Penny Elia, executive director of the festival, sought to engage youth in a new way. Since then, hundreds of students have participated in the fi eld trip and the number of student-created works on display at Art in the Park has continued to grow. Choosing one logo design winner and four runners-up has also become an increasingly diffi cult decision.

For this year’s winner, Alec Brady, having his design chosen as the festival’s offi cial logo appearing on advertisements, mer-chandise and signage has been surreal. Brady, a 2014 Dana Hills graduate, sees his design almost daily, whether it’s on a bus, a poster at Subway or printed in the newspa-per. It’s a rewarding experience the Saddle-

DO YOUR PART: HELP KEEP THE FESTIVAL CLEAN AND GREEN

A Festival of Whales Welcome

back College student never expected upon submitting his entry.

With a pool of talented photographers, graphic designers and artists at Dana Hills, Brady thought his submission was a long-shot. Brady aimed to do something different and it worked. He focused his design on a realistic great gray juxtaposed against free-styled waves. Months after putting forward his design and then graduating, Brady got the news—he had won the fourth annual logo design contest.

“I was really surprised … and was really stoked to fi nd out my design was chosen,” Brady said.

Brady, along with runners-up Stephanie Kuehle, Kate Summer, Joey Benrubi and Kai Fowler received recognition from festival organizers.

Field trip inspired art will be on display during the second weekend of Art in the Park.

1st: Alec Brady

2nd: Stephanie Kuehle

3rd: Kate Summer

4th: Joey Benrubi

5th: Kai Fowler

A Call to Young ArtistsFestival fi eld trip and logo contest put Dana Hills High School students in the spotlight

Arts and Culture

ART IN THE PARK March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Students from Dana Hills High School will show their work side-by-side regional, professional artists specializing in a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, photography, origami and more at Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. 12

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE March 7, 8, 14, 15; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Stroll the Harbor boardwalk to peruse or purchase works of area artists, from watercolors and acrylic paintings to penciled drawings and photographs. Show displayed alongside the boat docks in Mariners Village. 6

POLYNESIAN CONNECTION March 7; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experience a day of Polynesian culture as the Hula Connection presents music, dancing and hands-on activi-ties like lei making, poi-ball twirling, Tahitian dancing and coconut husking for visitors of all ages along the shore of Baby Beach. 15

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER March 7, 8; 2 p.m. Join the Historical Society on this walk of Dana Point’s historic down-town to hear stories of the city’s origins, buildings, homes and landmarks circa 1924 to 1939. Meet your guide at 34091 Pacifi c Coast Highway on the corner of Blue Lan-tern and PCH. 8

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching and More24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com

CAPTAIN DAVE’S CARNIVAL March 14; Noon–2 p.m. Come one, come all for an afternoon of games, crafts, bounce houses, prizes and more. Also,

attendees of all ages can get their faces painted, learn pottery wheel throwing and paint a mural on sail cloth. 4

DOCUMENTARY/DRONE FILM SCREENINGS March 14; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Stop by the Dolphin Deck to view jaw-dropping drone footage of a stampeding dolphin mega pod, migrating gray whales and more. And each hour, catch the award-winning documentary, Wild Dol-phins and Whales of Southern California. 4

DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS March 14; 2 p.m–4 p.m. Discover how Captain Dave Anderson and his crew cap-ture aerial footage of marine mammals off the Southern California coast using drones. View the equipment used and watch unseen footage at this free presentation at the OC Sailing & Events Center. 7

LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE March 8; 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave Anderson opens up his 62-foot research and rescue vessel Lily, named for a gray whale

saved after becoming tangled in a gill net, to the public for a free tour, lecture and signing of Anderson’s book—Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey. 4

WHALE WATCHING March 7, 8, 14, 15; Departure times vary Climb aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari vessel to get up close to dolphins, whales and other marine species. For more information: call, visit their website or read more about whale watching excursions on page 12.

Classic Cars and Vintage Boats

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY March 7, 8; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Classic vessels from the boat society’s Southern California chapter, dedicated to the

preservation of historic, antique and classic boats, will be displayed along the Harbor’s West Basin walkway. 11

PORSCHE 356 CLUB March 14; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn about Porsche’s fi rst production automobile, the 356, and meet passionate Porsche owners from this Southern California club’s chapter as their pristine vehicles are displayed at Waterfall Park—Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way Drive. 14

SO CAL WOODIES March 7, 8; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Check out the quintessential cars of California’s historic surf culture as the regional branch of the Na-tional Woodie Club presents wood-paneled, chrome-fi nished Fords, Chevrolets, Buicks and more along the Harbor walkway. 11

WHALE OF A CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY March 14, 15; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Classic cars and hot rods, many of which have donned the covers of automotive magazines and taken top industry awards, will be displayed along the Harbor walkway. And, back by popular demand will be the Batmobile. 11

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, 800.590.9994, www.danawharf.com

KIDS ADVENTURE EXPO March 8; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Join in on this whale of an adventure as Dana Wharf hosts a day of education, entertainment and delight complete with a rock wall, hamster balls, fi shing tips, face painting, DJ, popcorn, cotton candy and more. 9

KIDS FREE FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP March 8, 15; Noon–12:30 p.m., 12:45–5:15 p.m. Children learn to cast, catch and reel in fi sh from local experts at this 30-minute dockside fi shing clinicfollowed by a free fi shing trip, including equipment, for kids 12 and under. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. 3

MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Hear from marine biologists and experts while enjoying a continental breakfast at Har-poon Henry’s followed by a 2.5-hour whale watching trip. Tickets $55 for adults and $35 for seniors and children 3-12. March 7: Captain Todd Mansur, gray whales; March 8: Lei Lani Stelle, blue whales and dolphin; March 14: Alisa Schulman-Janiger, California Orcas/Gray Whale Census; March 15: Doug Thompson, gray whales. 13

SUNSET WHALE WATCH March 7, 8, 14, 15; 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Experience a Dana Point sunset at sea while sipping your favorite cocktail, wine or beer from the vessel’s onboard bar. Tickets are $29 for adults and $25 for seniors and kids. 3

WHALE WATCHING March 7, 8, 14, 15; Departure times vary Climb aboard a maritime excursion narrated by expert captains and certifi ed naturalists who will detail the gray whales’ migration. For more information: call, visit their website or read more about whale watching excur-sions on page 12.

WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn how renowned wildlife art-ist Wyland creates his paintings and sculp-tures at this dockside video presentation and art lesson. Kids can enter their artwork to be judged by Wyland for a grand prize. Cost is $5 donation per child and includes a free 2.5-hour whale watching trip after the lesson. 3

Diamond Dig

DIAMOND DIG March 8; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Argh! Kids, come dressed in your pirate best and dig for bur-ied treasure in the Baby Beach sands. Prizes include jewelry, toys and more. This annual event, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, costs $10. All proceeds benefi t local children’s charities. 15

Doheny State Beach

MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM March 15; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Gain an apprecia-tion for the sea’s creatures at this display of marine mammal artifacts at the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center. Free, one-hour parking is available at the state beach for mobile museum visitors. 16

WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP March 14; 9 a.m.–noon Help keep a Southern California gem pristine by bringing your gloves and a bucket or recyclable bag to this annual cleanup of Doheny State Beach. Meet at life-guard headquarters to learn how you can help maintain coastal resources year-round. 16

WHALE WALK March 7, 8, 14, 15; All Day Stroll along a beachside path of life-sized paintings of the ocean’s greatest mammals that can be seen right off Dana Point’s shores including the gray, blue, humpback and orca whale. 16

(Cont. on page 6)

4 44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com

Events & Attractions# = Event location. See map on page 8.

Food

POLYNESIAN CONNECTION LUAUMarch 7; 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Polynesia at this traditional luau held at the OC Sailing & Events Center. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for kids. Proceeds go to the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders. 7

WHALE OF A BBQ March 8; 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers will be served during Ocean Awareness Day festivities. Stand will be set up adjacent to Baby Beach. 15

WHALE OF A CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF March 14; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Local eateries and clubs face off in this annual event benefi tting the

nonprofi t Fish for Life, an organization that takes children with special needs on fi shing excursions. Stop by to sample every entry, vote and show your support. Cost is $10 to taste every entry. There will also be a spirits garden for guests 21 and over. 15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ March 15; Noon–5 p.m. Fill up on barbecued favorites at the OC Sailing & Events Center while local bands perform atop a fl oating stage at Baby Beach. Barbecue includes a spirits garden for attendees over 21. Valid driver’s license must be presented. 15 WHALE OF A PANCAKE BREAKFAST March 8; 8 a.m.–11 a.m. Start your day with hot off the griddle pancakes served by vol-unteers from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Proceeds benefi t active military members, veterans and their families. 7

Grunion Run

SEVENTH ANNUAL GRUNION RUN March 15; Registration 6:45 a.m.; 10K and 5K 7:45 a.m.; Kids’ 1K 9 a.m.; Awards 9:15 a.m. Walk or run this fast, fl at

course that snakes through Doheny State Beach in the 7th annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run. Registration fees are: $45 for the 10K; $40 for the 5K; and $20 for kids 1K. Visit www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com for more information. 16

Merchandise

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE March 7, 8, 14, 15; All Day Take home a

piece of the 44th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales by purchasing a commemorative T-shirt or sweatshirt. Merchandise stands will be open throughout the harbor.

Movie in the Park

THE LITTLE MERMAID March 7; 6:30 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts an outdoor screening of the Disney classic The Little Mermaid at Lantern Bay Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner for this night under the stars. Free popcorn. Beverages and snacks will be available. 17

Music

HARBOR MUSIC SERIES March 7, 8, 14, 15; Noon–3 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Merchants Association presents live entertainment throughout the Harbor. Musical performances will be held in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Art in the Park and Mariners Village. 10

WHALE OF A CONCERT March 15; Noon–1 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.–3 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Bring your beach chairs and swing on by Baby Beach for an after-noon of live music as The PettyBreakers, Mobility and The Tijuana Dogs take to the Festival of Whales fl oating stage. 15

Ocean Awareness Day

OCEAN AWARENESS DAY March 8; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Festivalgoers can peruse interactive displays and participate in demonstrations showcasing ocean issues and environmental programs throughout the day at Baby Beach. 15

Ocean Institute Sailing Adventures and More24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org

OCEAN INSTITUTE March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the Ocean Institute and learn about the world’s hydrosphere through sailing trips, hands-on activities, discussions, animal feedings, dis-sections and more. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children and free for kids 2 and under. 5

BRIG PILGRIM AND BARN ACTIVITIESMarch 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experi-ence life aboard a square-rig brig as you try your hand at climbing a practice yard and pass the time with knots and rope work. On Saturdays, watch crew member demonstra-tions aboard the brig Pilgrim at 11 a.m. 5

PHINFEST DOLPHIN & WHALE FILM FESTIVAL March 13, 14, 15; Times Vary Use your love for dolphins, whales and other marine life to embrace conservation efforts at the fi rst-ever #PhinFest, featuring sounds of the ocean, discussions with renowned protec-

tion experts and nightly fi lm viewings. Visit www.phinfest.com for more information and follow PhinFest on Instagram and Twitter @PhinFest. 5

FACTS & ‘FIN’TASEA SAILING ADVENTURE March 8; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Learn how we are impacting friends at sea and how individuals can participate in preservation efforts from a real mermaid during this open-sea sail aboard the tallship,Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5

LITERASEA SAILING ADVENTURE March 14; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Watch literature and history come to life and re-enact life on the Essex—the 1820s whaling ship that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick—while sailing aboard the tallship Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5

MADDIE JAMES SEASIDE LEARNING CENTER March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Discover citizen science and learn the effects humans have on local watersheds by participating in the Ocean Institute’s Plate Watch program, which counts invasive harbor species. Each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., experience life as a sailor aboard a whaling vessel. 5

MERMAID RECYCLING EXHIBIT March 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Explore the Ocean Institute’s vast marine exhibits and partake in story times with a mer-maid where you’ll learn about the value of recycling. Take pictures with your new sea friend and learn about human impacts on whales. 5

TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST: A TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 15; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Relive the adven-

ture and experience life as a 1830s sailor while learning about Dana Point’s history on this hands-on sail aboard the tallship Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5

WHALE OF A TALE CRAFTS March 7, 8, 14, 15 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Stop by the Ocean Institute to learn about the value of recycling and craft up-cycled whale proj-ects made from egg cartons, clothespins, paper plates and paper bags. $2 suggested donation for supplies. Stories will be told at the top of every hour. 5

WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTUREMarch 7; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail, 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. From “devil fi sh” to “friendliest whale” travel through time to discover how man’s perceptions of the gray whale have changed. Then, set out to sea aboard a historic tall-ship to gain insights into humans’ evolving relationship with the ocean. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5

Parade

44TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE March 7; 10 a.m.–noon. Nab a front-row seat along Pacifi c Coast Highway to cheer on thousands of local participants and organizations as they celebrate the gray whales’ “Magical Migration” with fl oats, giant balloons, horses, vintage cars, bands and more. Route travels PCH south from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Free shuttle available from Harbor parking lots to pa-rade viewing area. 1

Rubber Ducky Derby

WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY March 8; 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Head down to Baby Beach and try your luck in this twist on a classic rubber ducky race. Cost is $6 per duck or $10 for two. Funds go toward children’s programming at the Dana Point Library. Prizes will be awarded to fi rst, second and third place. 15

Sand Sculpting Fun

WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION March 8; Sculpting begins, 8 a.m.; Judging, 2:30 p.m. Bring your buckets, sculpting tools and imagination to Baby Beach to create castles, ocean creatures, pirates, woodies and more in this annual contest hosted by OC Parks. Twenty plots available. No entry fee. 15

Street Fair

FESTIVAL OF WHALES STREET FAIR March 7; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit La Plaza Park after the parade for a day of fun, fi lled with live entertainment, food trucks, carnival games, more than 70 booths, a pet costume contest, farmers market and more. Free shuttles run to and from the harbor starting at noon. 2

Westwind Sailing and Paddling34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.3035, www.westwindsailing.com

SAILING RIDES March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Take to harbor waterways and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14 on these half-hour edu-cational sessions. Cost $15 per boat with a three-person maximum. All proceeds donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Founda-tion’s at-risk youth and adaptive-boating programs. 7

STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. See what the fastest-growing water sport is all about as you paddle your way around Baby Beach. Sessions are 45 minutes. Cost is $10 per person. Lessons are available to participants ages 12 and up. Lifejackets are provided. 7


Events & Attractions (Cont.)

Looking for budget- and environmentally-friendly ways to celebrate the yearly migration of the California gray whale? Well, you’re in luck.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink have made travels to the 44th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales simple and affordable with $10 weekend passes and trouble-free transfers between trains and buses.

To get to the festival, riders can travel to the San Juan Cap-istrano train station on Metrolink’s OC Line and transfer to an OCTA Route 91 bus headed south to Dana Point. Travelers seek-ing adventure can bring along their bicycles and ride the San Juan Creek bike trail for three miles to Doheny State Beach.

Weekend passes, providing system wide travel all day Satur-day and Sunday, are available at Metrolink ticket machines that have weekend service. Log on to www.octa.net/whales for full festival-transit schedules.

Aside from avoiding traffi c and reducing their carbon footprint, mass-transit riders will also save money while exploring the

PARKINGParking at the Dana Point Harbor is free but is limited to four hours—a restriction that is strictly enforced by local sheriff’s deputies. All-day, paid parking is available at Doheny State Beach for $8 or $2 per hour for visitors not staying throughout the day.

SHUTTLEA free shuttle will run throughout the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach parking lots each day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will service multiple event stops throughout the harbor to help festival-goers get from one area of the festival to another.

• On the festival’s opening day, Saturday, March 7, shuttle services will be available at 9 a.m. (one hour before the parade) from the harbor to the Festival of Whales parade view-ing area. The shuttle then continues service from noon to 4 p.m. to and from the harbor and La Plaza Park, providing access to the annual Street Fair.

• On the festival’s fi nal day, Sunday, March 15, shuttle services will be extended to 6 p.m. after the Whale of a Concerts conclusion.

WATER TAXIFestivalgoers can enjoy daily service between docks at each of the harbor’s ends with the Festival of Whales water taxi. Taxi runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roundtrip tickets between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute cost $5.

Navigating the Festival Festival of Whales by showing their Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus

pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder.

DRINKSBuy one coffee beverage at Coffee Importers, located in the Dana Point Harbor’s Mariners Village, and receive a second one free. Offer expires March 31.

EATSVisit Wind & Sea Restaurant—situated in the harbor at the water’s edge—and receive a free house appetizer of the chef’s choosing with the purchase of an entrée.

ELECTRIC BOAT RENTALExplore the harbor from your own vessel. Receive a 50-percent dis-count on 21-foot electric boat rentals from Vintage Marina Partners, located at the Embarcadero Marina. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Minimum one-hour rental fee required. Reserve a rental by calling 949.496.6177.

EXCURSIONSEnjoy 50-percent off whale watching trips with Dana Wharf Whale Watching and the Ocean Institute during both festival weekends. Reservations are required. Check trip times for Dana Wharf and make reservations at 949.496.5794 or online at www.danawharf.com. To reserve your spot on an Ocean Institute outing, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274.

STAYMake a weekend of the festival by staying a night or two in the heart of the harbor at the Dana Point Marina Inn for a special, discount rate of $79. Reservations required. Mention the OCTA/Metrolink rate when securing a room. Call 800.255.6843 or email [email protected] for more.

WATER TAXITravel the harbor’s waterway from Dana Wharf to the Ocean Institute aboard a Festival of Whales water taxi for just $3 roundtrip. Taxi service runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A MASS-TRANSIT MIGRATION


Saturday, March 7

6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, near Mariners Village

12 Art in the Park 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

5 Story Time 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ocean Institute

10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park

5 Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

8 Historical Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacifi c Coast Highway

7 Polynesian Luau 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

17 Movie in the Park: The Little Mermaid 6:30 p.m. Lantern Bay Park

Sunday, March 8

7 Whale of a Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.–11 a.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

15 Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

4 Lily: A Gray Whale Tribute 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, Mariners Village


7 Sailing & Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center

11 So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway

9 Kids Adventure Expo 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Dick Simon Yachts parking lot

Friday, March 13

5 PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 3 p.m.–10 p.m. Ocean Institute

Saturday, March 14

16 Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.–Noon. Doheny State Beach

6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, near Mariners Village


15 Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park

13 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

11 Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Harbor walkway

14 Porsche 356 Club South-ern California 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive

3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catama-ran, Dana Wharf Dock


5 Citizen Science Program 10a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute

5 Whale of a Tale Crafts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute

5 Brig Pilgrim and Barn Activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute


4 Viewing: Documentary, Drone Footage 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach

10 Harbor Music SeriesNoon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park

3 Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks

4 Captain Dave’s Carnival Noon–2 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach

5 LiteraSea Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

7 Drones Footage Discovery 2 p.m.–4 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

3 Drone and GoPro Demo 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching

5 PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Ocean Institute

Sunday, March 15

16 Festival of Whales Grun-ion Run 6:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Doheny State Beach

6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, Mariners Village

3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

11 Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Harbor walkway


5 Citizen Science Program 10 a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute



5 Brig Pilgrim Tours 10:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Ocean Institute


16 Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center

15 Whale of a Concert and BBQ Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach

10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park


5 Two Years Before the Mast: A Tallship Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

3 Drone and GoPro Demo2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching

5 Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Ocean Institute



5 Citizen Science Program 10a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute




15 Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach

15 Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach

WEEKEND ONE // MARCH 7–8 WEEKEND TWO // MARCH 13–15

EVENT SCHEDULE# = Event location. See map on page 8.

# = Event location. See map on page 8.

944th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com

1 Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m.–Noon. Pacifi c Coast Highway

2 Street Fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park

11 So Cal Woodies, Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway

15 Polynesian Connection 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

7 Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sailing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. SUP. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center



5 Citizen Science Program 10 a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute



15 Diamond Dig 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach

15 Whale of a BBQ 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariner’s Village, Art in the Park


5 Fin’tasea Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

8 Historical Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacifi c Coast Highway

3 Drone and GoPro Demo 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfi shing & Whale Watching


13 Marine Mammal Lec-ture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

mile of shore, should continue through April.These grays are very much like celebrities

within the boating community. We gossip about their whereabouts and share stories and videos of sightings. Indeed, we are not unlike paparazzi, following them relentlessly with our cameras hoisted. But grays often prefer privacy to nurse their young or inter-act with one another. So, how can a boater be a good host to our welcome visitors instead of an unwelcome intruder? Here are some guidelines to provide an enriching encounter between you and a gray whale:

We can all start with a basic understanding

to spend 20 years at The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International and has written and lectured extensively on issues related to animal protection.

As a member of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission’s Federal Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals, she testifi ed before Congress in 2001 on worldwide efforts to regulate and mitigate noise impacts on the marine environment caused by low-frequency active sonar.

At the AWI, Rose coordinates programs aimed at providing protection and advocacy for marine mammals both in the wild and on public display. Her work deals with policy on state, national and international levels and the laws—such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act—created to protect these ani-mals from issues including whaling, marine noise, harassment in the wild and captivity.

“Our job is to make sure that the laws are strong,” Rose said. “If they’re not strong, we work to make them stronger, and if they’re not implemented or enforced properly, we pres-sure the government to make sure they are.”

On Friday, March 13, Rose will be among


Photo: Loriannah Hespe/[email protected]

By Ocean Institute StaffPacifi c gray whales have returned to their

traditional migratory route in the near-shore waters of Southern California and cetacean lovers are enjoying some of the best whale watching in more than 30 years.

A seemingly endless caravan of gray whales has been moving toward lagoons off the central Baja California, Mexico coast for the last several months and is just now start-ing to reverse course and return to cooler, Alaskan waters—home to their summer feeding grounds. Frequent sightings of these gray whales, which often occur within a half

In years past, Festival of Whales activities have happened only in daylight hours, but this year a whole new opportunity to learn about the world’s largest mammals will light up at sundown.

PhinFest, an organization created to educate the public about marine life protec-tion via multi-media events, will present the inaugural PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival, March 13 through 15.

Hosted by the Ocean Institute, PhinFest will include the sights and sounds of ceta-ceans via digital projections and interactive technologies, screenings of important fi lms about extinction and conservation and face-to-face dialogue with documentarians and scientists about their fi lms and the status of marine mammals worldwide.

Naomi Rose, PhD, marine mammal scientist for the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington, D.C. will be among the esteemed guest speakers at the inaugural PhinFest.

While earning her doctorate degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz, Rose led a fi ve-year research project in British Columbia studying orcas. She then went on

“I do what I do because I have always loved the animals … and want

to work toward making things better for them.”

Dr. Naomi Rose

Introducing PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival

of grays. A boater must know that grays do not like loud engine noise. Unlike humpbacks, grays have soft voices that are easily drowned out by engines and they must be able to hear one another in order to stay close together in our murky waters. Remember, they usually cannot see each other once they are 20 feet apart, so they rely solely on their voices.

Upon sighting a gray whale, boaters should study its behavior from a quarter- mile away before approaching. Which way is it going? How fast is it swimming? Once you’ve determined this, a boater should quietly fall in behind the whale in the “six

Simple guidelines to keeping visiting gray whales safe and happy

PhinFest welcomes Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington D.C.

BEING COURTEOUS, CONSCIENTIOUS HOSTS

o’clock” position. If you are following a whale and its behavior changes—it speeds up, zig-zags or stays down longer—break off. You’ve impacted our guest.

As polite hosts, boaters should go no faster than an idle when within a quarter- mile of a gray and never whale watch from a personal water craft for safety purposes. Grays can hear your boat approaching, they can tell how fast you’re going, and they can tell if your boat is pointed at them. If you zoom right up to a gray and then cut the engine, this could be very stressful for them and you may miss an amazing opportunity to view these spec-tacular creatures. By tiptoeing up to a gray, your politeness will be rewarded.

Finally, boaters should adhere to the “one whale, one boat” rule of thumb. There are so many of these beautiful mammals passing by this year, there’s no reason to encroach on another boater that’s enjoying a whale. Be adventurous. Head for the horizon, proudly shout, “Thar she blows,” on your own. And, it’s best to stay clear of the large commercial boats as these are professional wildlife guides who are trying to provide an enriching experience for their guests.

All of us want the same thing: To host our visitors with respect, and to share a special moment on the water with these intriguing mammals. If we heed a few simple guidelines, we will host them for many years to come.

The Ocean Institute proudly provides fun, engaging boat excursions along our coast. We strive to be an educational resource for the community and welcome any ques-tions regarding additional best practices for wildlife viewing. Public whale watching cruises run on weekends throughout the year. Please contact us at 949.496.2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org for additional information.

the experts aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer for an afternoon whale watching cruise, followed by a meet and greet reception at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., PhinFest will be presenting Rose with an award of ex-cellence for her work in cetacean protection

cetaceans around the world, including the latest developments in worldwide protec-tion laws.

On Saturday, March 14 both will join other panelists in a discussion following the Southern California debut of the movie, Fragile Waters.

VIP tickets for the event, which include the cruise and all three days of fi lms, activi-ties, meet and greet reception and panel dis-cussion, are $150. Two-day passes are $75 (and comes with a special gift) and a single-day pass is $30. Those wishing to view only a specifi c fi lm may do so for $25. Tickets are on sale at www.phinfest.eventbrite.com.

Net ticket sales will benefi t participating organizations: The Ocean Institute, Animal Welfare Institute, American Cetacean Soci-ety, Orca Network and Orca Research Trust.

PhinFest is also conducting a contest which invites both amateur and profes-sional fi lmmakers to submit a video of fi ve minutes or less about their love of dolphins or whales.

For more information, including a sched-ule and guest speakers, visit www.phinfest.com.

laws. Alisa Schulman-Janiger, director of the American Cetacean Society and the LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project will be honored as well. Rose will also speak about her recent work and the current status of

The Dana Point Festival of Whales has honored the gray whales’ 10,000-mile roundtrip migration between Alaskan and Mexican waters for more than 40 years, with two weekends of fun and educational events for the entire family.

Over the years many traditions have been formed, such as the parade down Pacific Coast Highway, Grunion Run, Art in the Park and, of course, whale watching. These, along with the festival’s main focus—educating the public about ocean mammals—combine to make learn-ing fun for attendees of all ages.

Festival organizers add new attractions every year to engage visitors in new and exciting ways. This migration season is no exception, as additions to the festival’s line-up aim to shed light on humans’ impact on the environment and the voyaging whale visitors by offering new artistic opportunities that combine creativity with learning. By adding a kinesthetic component—doing hands-on arts and crafts while learning through lecture, discussion or demonstration—to the festival’s lineup of activities, organizers hope to better engage attendees of all ages.

Throughout the festival, guests can stop by Art in the Park at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., to make your own origami sea creatures to take home while learning about the ocean’s

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Dana Wharf Whale Watching was started in 1968 by Don Hansen with boats launch-ing at the San Clemente Pier. In 1971, the operation moved to Dana Point Harbor and the originator of whale watching in Orange County has been a vital aspect of the local scene since. Today, Dana Wharf’s impres-sive fleet of vessels, including the 95-foot Dana Pride and OCean Adventures catama-ran, caters to water adventurers of all kinds. Climb aboard a Dana Wharf whale watching trip for an open-sea excursion with a staff of expert captains and certified naturalists who provide an intimate and educational experience. These 2.5-hour trips depart every hour, on the hour. Tickets are $45 for adults, seniors and military are $35 and children ages 3-12 are $25. Kids 2 and under are free. Also, catch a whale of a deal at 8 a.m.—a trip for just $15—or, for $29, take a sunset whale cruise at 4 p.m. To make reservations, visit www.danawharf.com or call 888.224.0603.


Photo: Loriannah Hespe/[email protected]

cetacean inhabitants from Ocean Institute educators. A giant origami whale project, led by 13-year-old paper folding artist, Brayden Jenson, will give attendees the opportunity to make origami that will become part of the finished paper sculpture. Jenson is an accomplished paper folding artist who has shown his work publicly and taught classes in the art of origami. This will be his largest sculpture to date.

Festivalgoers have many other chances to learn about marine life while getting the artistic juices flowing. At Ocean Awareness Day on March 8 and Captain Dave’s Carnival on March 14, join in the creation of marine-themed murals alongside a professional artist. The Ocean Institute is offering creative learning activities as well, repurposing recyclables by creating crafts out of egg cartons, clothespins, paper plates and bags. For a $5 donation to the Wyland Foundation, Dana Wharf Whale

Watching is providing art lessons for children ages 3 to 12, taught by renowned environmen-tal artist Wyland, via video feed, every day of the festival. Lessons are followed by a free two-hour whale watching trip for kids accompanied by a paid adult.

For times and locations of these events and more, see the schedule of events on page 9.

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Get up close with dolphins and whales and feel what it’s like to swim with these majes-tic marine mammals aboard one of Capt. Dave’s high-tech catamarans, complete with eye-spy dolphin nets and state-of-the-art research equipment. Hop onboard Capt. Dave’s catamaran sailboat Manute’a and become one with a stampeding pod of dolphins or a passing whale when you enter the underwater, eye-to-eye view-ing pod. Also, hear cetaceans below the surface with Capt. Dave’s hydrophone and explore marine artifacts in the whale and dolphin micro-museum. Tickets for these 2.5-hour trips are $59 per adult and $39 for children ages 2 to 12. Children under 1 are free, but must be included in the reserva-tion. Mention this listing for a $10 discount. Departure times vary. Charters for up to six people are also available. For the excur-sion schedule, more information or to book a reservation, call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com.

Whale Watching Excursions

Ocean Institute

Experience the exciting phenomenon of one of the greatest mammal migrations on earth aboard an Ocean Institute excursion. Each year, gray whales embark on one of the lon-gest migrations of any mammal—swimming more than 10,000 miles roundtrip between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and the lagoons of Mexico. Join the Ocean Institute’s skilled and knowledgeable crew on a 2.5-hour cruise and glimpse into the mysterious world of these amazing creatures. During the cruise, Ocean Institute biologists will provide a peek into the history of whaling along California’s coast, the human impact on Pacific gray whale populations and the history of these majestic mammals. These 2.5-hour trips are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both festival weekends. Cost is $35 for adults and $22 for children ages 4-12. Weekend admission to the institute is included with all purchases. For more information and reservations, call 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org.

Brayden Jenson, 13, shows off one of his origami creations. Jenson will complete a large origami whale at Art in the Park. Photo: Courtesy

ART AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND

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Documents

44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide