Boating town guide
Dana Point
Dana Point, Orange County, CA
Overview
Dana Point is South Orange County's harbor town. Dana Point Harbor was built in the 1960s and dedicated on July 31, 1971, on a coast Richard Henry Dana Jr. had judged a poor anchorage when he visited in 1835. Today it is a county-owned harbor with a large marina, a public launch ramp, a fuel dock, charter and fishing fleets, and a waterfront of shops and restaurants undergoing a revitalization project begun in 2024.
The harbor
The Marina at Dana Point operates more than 2,400 slips for boats from 21 to 85 feet, and Embarcadero at Dana Point runs dry storage for 464 boats and trailers with a full launch ramp. The redeveloped marina is planned to hold over 2,200 slips and 493 dry spaces, with guest slips moving to the outer basin near the entrance. A fuel dock sells diesel and gasoline in the east basin.
Whale watching and sportfishing
Dana Point holds the trademark Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World and was named a Whale Heritage Area in 2021. The harbor puts you in open water in about five minutes, and gray whales, blue whales and dolphins can be seen across the year. Dana Wharf, founded in 1971 as the first business in the harbor, runs sportfishing trips for tuna, white sea bass, bonito and halibut alongside whale tours, and other operators run catamaran and zodiac trips. The Festival of Whales has been held each March since 1972.
The Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute, at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, was founded in 1977 as a hands-on marine education center. It sails the historic schooner Spirit of Dana Point and the 65-foot research vessel Sea Explorer, hosts school field trips, offers weekend public admission, and welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year. The Tall Ships Festival is held in September.
Getting there & access
By water
The harbor is a short run from open water. Visiting boaters can book guest slips through The Marina at Dana Point at (949) 496-6137 (advance reservations recommended) or use one of two anchorages: east, near the bait barge, or west, next to the Ocean Institute and Baby Beach. Call Harbor Patrol at (949) 248-2222 before anchoring.
Trailer boats
The Dana Point launch ramp is on the harbor's launch and fishing basin, and Embarcadero at Dana Point has dry storage and overnight trailer parking at (949) 496-6177. The Log lists a renovated six-lane ramp open 24/7; confirm current conditions and fees with the harbor.
Fuel
The Dana Point Fuel Dock on the east side of the fishing and launch basin sells diesel and gasoline, according to The Log and the state boating database.
By road
The Ocean Institute is at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. A parking structure has opened with free parking for the first four hours during the revitalization project, and public access to shops, restaurants and excursions continues.
Amenities
- The Marina at Dana Point — Over 2,400 slips, guest slips and commercial fishing slips
- Embarcadero at Dana Point — Dry storage for 464 boats and trailers, launch ramp
- Dana Point Fuel Dock — Diesel and gasoline on the east side of the fishing and launch basin
- Whale watching and sportfishing fleets — Dana Wharf, Capt. Dave's, OC Ocean Adventures and Zodiac safaris
- Ocean Institute — Tall ship sails, whale cruises and school programs at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
- Sheriff Harbor Patrol station — Around-the-clock law enforcement, firefighting and rescue
- Bilge pad exchange — Free exchange program for vessel operators
- Charters and clubs — Private sailing charters, yacht brokers, yacht clubs and sailing associations
Rules & official resources
- Anchoring is only permitted in designated temporary anchorage grounds under federal law and County ordinance; call Harbor Patrol at (949) 248-2222 before anchoring
- Guest slips are reserved through The Marina at Dana Point at (949) 496-6137
- OC Sheriff's Harbor Patrol provides round-the-clock patrol, firefighting, first aid and rescue in the harbor
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine and outboard service
Sportfishing and charter fleets and owners making ocean runs depend on reliable engines, so mechanics and mobile service are in steady demand.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Bottom cleaning
Boats in the large marina collect marine growth and typically need regular diver cleaning.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Detailing and gelcoat care
Sun and salt on fishing and charter boats call for frequent washdowns, compounding and wax.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Dry storage and slip services
With a dry storage operator on site and revitalization work moving docks, owners often need help with storage and slip arrangements.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.