October 1, 2007 

Ahoy! Thar She Blows!

Southern California’s summer tourists may have come and gone, but this winter a different type of tourist will be traveling along the West Coast and heading to Baja during its annual migration: the majestic California Gray Whale.  The whales will begin their migration in late November, but from March 1 through 9, thousands of these 35-ton leviathans will splash through the seaside community of Dana Point, California – the West Coast’s premier location to meet and greet these incredible creatures during the 37th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.  

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is one of Southern California’s largest seafaring celebrations and reaches out to whale admirers around the world.  Dana Point is teeming with festivities every winter during this special time of year, offering something for everyone.  The Festival draws over 100,000 visitors each year. 

Festival highlights include parades, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, and of course, whale watching excursions that will allure even the most steadfast landlubber out to sea.  For those wishing to spend more than a day admiring these mighty leviathans and taking in the sights of beautiful Dana Point, a variety of accommodations are available throughout the city, many offering whale watching packages and breathtaking ocean and harbor view guest rooms. The 2008 Festival invites visitors to migrate to each and every exciting event via complimentary shuttle service provided throughout the Festival venues! 

For background information on the Festival and Dana Point, as well as a detailed Calendar of Events visit us online at www.festivalofwhales.com.  I hope you’ll consider sharing this exciting event with your audience.   

And…you're invited!  Please join us during the month of February for a variety of media whale watching excursions. Contact Penny Eliah at 949-499-4499 or trademarkmg@cox.net to make arrangements. Here are your options:

• Dana Island Yachts
  "Sail with the whales" in comfort aboard Dana Island Yachts luxurious motored sailboats. 6 passengers maximum. Availability Monday through Friday, 10am - 12 noon. 24 hours notice needed.
• Dana Wharf has trips daily at 10am, 12 noon, and 2 pm weekdays; 10am ,12 noon, 2pm and 4pm weekends.
• Dolphin Safari
  The Manute'a, a lovely 50-foot sailing catamaran for 49 passengers, with custom features including underwater viewing and a research hydrophone. A specially designed crow's nest seats four special guests for bird's eye viewing, filming and photography. Each trip is approximately 2 1/2 hours and includes some leisurely sailing.
• Ocean Institute
  The R/V Sea Explorer is a 70-foot marine educational vessel with a research component that is dedicated to environmental education.  As an educational platform the vessel is ideal. This floating lab is equipped with onboard computers, satellite technology, touch tanks, viewing aquariums, video microscopes, and state of the art electronics.  A bowsprit over the water provides students a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales and sea lions. Available the last two weekends of February.

For more information on the Festival media materials, please contact me at 949-499-4499.  It would be my pleasure to arrange for photography, interviews or a personal whale watching excursion for you and/or your staff. Thank you for your interest in the Dana Point Festival of Whales!

Sincerely,

Penny Elia
Festival of Whales