BY DONNA KALEZ
DANA POINT — When my father founded Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in 1971, he likely never imagined the business would be celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2026. Although we lost our father and founder, Don Hansen, in 2022, his legacy lives on, through the business he built, through family and the Dana Point Harbor community, and through the Dana Point Festival of Whales, an event he created when he dreamed of bringing his business from the San Clemente Pier to the newly built Dana Point Harbor. Today the Festival of Whales is the longest annual Whale Festival in the world, also celebrating 55 years.
Watching the harbor evolve over the decades from its earliest days to the exciting redevelopment taking shape today has given our family a deep appreciation for both its past and its future. We are still in the midst of construction, and in the coming years, we will see my father’s long-held dream of a newly built, world-class harbor fully realized.
One particularly meaningful milestone came last year with the opening of the new parking structure, now serving the thousands of visitors who come to Dana Point Harbor each year. For years, my dad and fellow harbor merchants struggled with limited parking. Dad, I wish you could see it now. Especially our growing fleet.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will celebrate this 55-year milestone with a series of events throughout the year. The most meaningful of these is Don Hansen Day, held annually on May 15. This special day will feature all-day sales on our most popular fishing and whale watching trips, along with exclusive anniversary merchandise and designs available only during our 55th anniversary celebration.
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● Capacity: 125 passengers (150 max)<br />
● Features: Handicap accessible. Ideal for fishing, whale watching, large private events, and live music harbor cruises.<br />
● Crew: Captain Brandon Erdo, Crew Spencer, Otto, Boaz<br />
Current<br />
● Size: 53 ft<br />
● Ownership: Privately owned Hatteras<br />
● Capacity: 6 passengers (6 max)<br />
● Features: Luxury yacht for private charters. Available for fishing, whale watching, and burials.<br />
● Crew: Captain Corey (owner), Brandon, Travis, and other captains.</p>
<p>Fury<br />
● Size: 65 ft<br />
● Ownership: Privately owned by Fury Sportfishing<br />
● Capacity: 30 passengers overnight, 45 passengers for day trips<br />
● Features: The only overnight fishing boat in the fleet. Includes a galley, bunk room, and new refrigerated fish hold. Guests must bring their own sleeping gear, pillows, and toiletries.<br />
● Crew: Captains Marcus and Sam Rose</p>
<p>Clemente<br />
● Size: 65 ft<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned (since it was built)<br />
● Capacity: 45 passengers (60 max)<br />
● Features: Fishing, burials, and whale watching. Includes a galley below deck and ample room for fishermen and equipment.<br />
● Crew: Captains Chad Steffen and Mauricio, Crew Nick</p>
<p>Sum Fun<br />
● Size: 65 ft<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned (since the beginning)<br />
● Capacity: 45 passengers (60 max)<br />
● Features: Fishing, burials, and whale watching. Galley is all on the same level, with a large fishing platform.<br />
● Crew: Captain Brian, Crew Daniel, Corey, Noah</p>
<p>Helena<br />
● Size: 50 ft<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned (since 2026, under new management)<br />
● Capacity: 25 suggested passengers (45 max)<br />
● Features: Fishing, burials, and whale watching. Inside galley.<br />
Dock 4 Vessels</p>
<p>Reel Fun<br />
● Size: 58 ft<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned (The oldest boat in the fleet)<br />
● Features: Handicap accessible. Fishing, burials, and lobster charters (October-March). Close to the water with a great fishing platform. Note: No inside galley.<br />
● Crew: Captain Chad Ditzler, Crew Eric</p>
<p>New San Mateo<br />
● Size: 50 ft<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned (Bought from Washington in 2023)<br />
● Capacity: 12 passengers (18 max)<br />
● Features: Primarily a private charter vessel, but available for the public 4-hour whale watch tour. Offers fishing and whale watching. Serves beer, soda, water, and snacks (sometimes deli sandwiches).<br />
● Crew: Captain Chase, Crew Murphy</p>
<p>Lex Sea<br />
● Size: 26 ft<br />
● Ownership: Privately owned by Sekas Sportfishing<br />
● Capacity: 4-5 passengers (4-5 max)<br />
● Features: Private charter only. Fishing for half-day local trips, or all-day and overnight trips to Catalina and San Clemente Island.<br />
● Crew: Captain Christian (owner)</p>
<p>Whale Watching Vessels<br />
Lot’ A Fun<br />
● Size: 50 ft, Custom Catamaran<br />
● Ownership: Dana Wharf owned<br />
● Capacity: 45 passengers (45 max)<br />
● Features: Handicap accessible. Dedicated to whale watching, burials, wine cruises, and pelagic bird watching. Includes a covered galley area selling snacks and beverages.<br />
● Crew: Captains Emily, Chase</p>
<p>Ocean Adventures<br />
● Size: 63 ft, Custom Catamaran<br />
● Features: Whale watching (2 and 8 hour trips), wine cruises, and burials. Raised platform for better viewing, and a covered galley area with snacks and drinks.<br />
● Capacity: 55 passengers (59 max)<br />
● Captains: Steve, Emily</p>
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