A Whale of an Experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

  • June 8, 2016
A Whale of an Experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel can witness these amazing animals with a four-hour guided excursion through the Eco-Adventure Center or on an overnight experience that includes a two-hour self-guided whale watching trip.

The Biggest Show on Earth excursion is offered through the Eco-Adventure Center. Guests embrace their sea legs on a three hour whale watching trip and enjoy the opportunity to see first-hand why Dana Point is the Whale Capital of the West. The adventure begins in the Eco-Adventure Center where expert naturalists provide an overview and brief introduction to the program. The naturalist then accompanies guests on the trip, providing education about the whales and other marine life that is seen while on the boat. The guided activity also includes transportation to and from Dana Point Harbor, as well as a light snack on the boat. The Biggest Show on Earth is $110 per person.

The resort also features a year round Whale Watching Package that includes overnight accommodations in a pool/garden view guestroom and a self-guided, two-hour whale watching trip out of the Dana Point Harbor. The package starts at $674 per night for two guests. Additional whale watching tickets may be purchased through the resort's concierge.

From May through November, blue whales, the largest mammals ever to roam the earth, congregate in Dana Point to feed on four to six tons of krill a day in our abundant waters. Blue whales are steel gray in color and are long and streamlined. Their dorsal fins are extremely small, and each whale has a unique fluke that is as wide as a wingspan on a private jet plane. Blue whales are rorqual whales, a family of baleen whales with pleated throat grooves that expand when the animal takes in water while feeding. Blue whales can reach a length of up to 100 feet, weigh as much as 150 tons and have been found in every ocean of the world. They are solitary mammals; however, they are occasionally seen feeding in loose groups where food is abundant.

Other whales including fin, minke, humpback and killer whales are occasionally seen in the waters off of Dana Point.

Dedicated to showcasing Southern California's natural wonders, the Eco-Adventure Center offers unique excursions that showcase the local surroundings. Children of all ages can learn about the whales that migrate past the resort on a whale watching adventure, discover the native fish and underwater creatures on a snorkel excursion, or experience riding the waves during a body boarding activity. Expert naturalists guide guests on a variety of programs that help them gain insights about the environment while also having fun.