SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH

Check www.festivalofwhales.com for updates

Festival of Whales Grunion Run – 5K Run and Kids’ 1K Run
5K begins at 8 AM followed by the Kids’ 1K at 9 AM. Awards scheduled for 9:30 AM. Pre-registration available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. Packet pick up on March 13 & 14 at Fleet Feet Sports in Laguna Niguel from 10 AM to 7 PM. Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Interpretive Association, a non-profit public benefit corporation. Hop on the Festival’s free shuttle and join everyone at the Whale of a Pancake Breakfast following the runs!

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast
Hosted by the Dana Point VFW Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary 9934 at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room from 8:30 - 11 am. Delicious, fluffy pancakes and tasty sausage served hot off the griddle with juice, milk or coffee. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Share in the fun and tradition and join us for a delicious breakfast! Adults - $5, Children under 12 - $3 For information 949-388-8768

Farmers Market and Culinary Adventure
Featuring locally grown, organic and specialty items that will be showcased in cooking demonstrations, floral arranging, wine pairings and tastings and much, much more. Located in the La Plaza Center from 9 am to 1 pm.

Whale of a Concert
In honor of all the whales migrating by Dana Point Headlands “singing their song” the Festival of Whales will launch its first outdoor concert at Baby Beach beginning at noon with the opening act of Tijuana Dogs. Their special performance will be followed by Garrett Wilkins & The Parrotheads. The concert is FREE to the public. Bring your beach chairs, towels and blankets and set up on the beach or grass, or anchor your vessel in the Harbor and enjoy a full afternoon of great musical entertainment. Concessions for food and beverage will also be available, including a Biergarten for those over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. More info to follow on this in subsequent calendar releases.

Doheny State Beach Traveling Marine Mammal Museum
12 - 3pm Meets at Doheny State Beach’s Whale Walk. There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct visitors to appropriate parking location/location of Whale Walk. Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for "Traveling Marine Mammal Museum" is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike
Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. Hikes are available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge. See admission info below.

Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts.

Guest speaker to be announced from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

Thar She Blows, aboard the tallship Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute
Through living history demonstrations, presentations and exciting hands-on activities, this adventurous program offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during the early American whaler. Program available 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Program included in price of admission to the Ocean Institute.

Public hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is $6.50 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4.50 for children (3-12 yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host a juried art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the east side of Harpoon Henry's restaurant and east of Coffee Importers. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, and other media by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. More info contact show chairperson Frank Stockl Franksfotoimages@aol.com.

Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE

Sailing
Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Lifejackets provided. OC Sailing & Event Center, 949-923-2215.

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE

Whale of a View
Stop by our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive from 11 am to 3 pm for an exclusive free viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California documentary. Viewings will be every hour. Purchase a signed copy of Captain Dave’s DVD or stop by with your children to get a Dolphin Balloon for $1. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari at 949-488-2828.


Whale Watching Excursions

See why Dana Point is the “Whale Capital of the West!” Most excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations recommended.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching
(800) 979-3370
www.danawharf.com


Dana Wharf Whale Watching (800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994 www.danawharf.com
Check out our schedule and BUY online at http://www.danawharf.com/ Or call 800-979-3370. Celebrate 38 years with the Originator of Whale Watching in Orange County. Take an adventure to see the California Gray Whales in their natural environment. Fun for all ages and sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Prices: Adults - $29, Senior and Military - $24, Children 3-12 years - $19, Children 2 and under are free. NEW for 2009 The Whale of a Deal at 8 am. All seats just $8 in celebration of 38 years of whale watching. Weekends only.

Dana Wharf also invites you to experience their new catamaran, the 63-foot OCean Adventure. This beautiful NEW, state-of-the-art vessel with a full-service deli-style galley offers a 4-hour Gray Whale Voyage on the weekends with a morning departure. This unique excursion will take you into the open waters of the Pacific and focus on locating large pods of the California Gray Whale. All trips feature a certified marine biologist for a one-on-one educational experience. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magical migration of the California Gray Whale: state-of-the-art vessel, trained educators and LOTS of fun! Prices: Adults - $79, Children 4-12 years old - $49, and Children 3 and under are free. Offered twice each day of the Festival. Reservation can be made at http://danawharf.com

Dana Island Yacht Charters
(949) 248-7400
www.danapointwhalewatching.com
"Sail with the whales"! No more than 6 passengers will be aboard each of our large and luxurious U. S. Coast Guard regulated Sailboats. Smaller group sizes offer more comfort & privacy. Narration provided by friendly Captain. $35 per person for a 2 hour trip. Special offer: mention this ad to reserve a private tour for only $180 – a $30 savings!

Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises
(949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org
More than just a whale watch, this cruise introduces participants to whales, dolphins, and sea lions using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and video microscopes. Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration, and behavior patterns. Cruise times are 10 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 4 pm on Festival weekends. Member pricing is $22/adult and $19/child (4 – 12 years old). Non-member pricing is $35/adult and $22/child (4 – 12 years old). Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase.

Ocean Institute Whale of a Tale
(949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org
From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magnificent Gray Whale. Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. Available Saturdays during the Festival, March 7 and 14, 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Cost: Non-members, $40.00 adults, $23.00 children 12 & under. Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4)

Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari
(949) 488-2828
www.dolphinsafari.com
See, hear, and talk to the whales aboard one of our hi-speed, hi-tech sailing catamarans with unique underwater viewing and listening, experienced naturalists and homemade brownies. Dana Point's first year-round dolphin and whale watching company offering daily trips. $55 adults, $35 kids 3 – 12, 2 and under no charge. 2 ½ fun-filled hours. Mention Festival of Whales for a $10 discount per person. We will also offer a special 5 hour Gray Whale Safari Cruise on every Saturday in February and March from 8 AM to 1 PM. Price is $89. Mention Festival of Whales for a $10 discount.

Aventura Sailing
(949) 493-9493
www.aventurasailing.com
Enjoy a Day Sail aboard one of Aventura's luxury sailboats. $30 per person or enjoy a Private Boat for $180, 6-passenger maximum, 2 ½ hour trips. Don't forget to bring your cameras and capture the whales...as their tails fly high!



Media Note: Full-color digital images are available online at www.festivalofwhales.org.

Please contact Penny Elia at 949-499-4499 for additional information or to book a whale watching excursion. 
 

For more information about the Festival of Whales events visit www.festivalofwhales.com.