by Donna Kalez

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.

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. 

Additional events and announcements will be shared throughout the year. We invite the community to visit danawharf.com, sign up for our Email Club, and follow us on all social media platforms to stay connected.

On behalf of my family and all of our dedicated employees, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past 55 years, we would be nothing without our customers who support us every step of the way - and to the many new guests who have recently discovered Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching we are deeply grateful. Everything we do is guided by our father’s belief in giving back to the community, because when you give to the community, the community gives back.

Thank you for being part of our journey.