Fishing for whale watchers

A gray whale reveals its fluke as it dives, providing a treat for whale watchers aboard Anderson’s catamaran.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A pod of dolphins swims off the bow of Anderson’s catamaran.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Captain Jack Van Dyke educates his whale-watching customers about whale and dolphin behavior during a whale-watching cruise aboard Dana Pride, one of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching’s boats, off Dana Point.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Captain Todd Mansur, center, teaches students about the marine environment aboard a Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching boat.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Ann Nash of Oceanside points out a minke whale to her son, Raiden, 9, as Jeannie Folk watches through a camera in the background during a Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching outing.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A dolphin leaps out of the wake generated by the Dana Pride.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Tourists aboard boats from the two competing whale-watching companies observe a minke whale off Dana Point.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sea lions lounge on a buoy as viewed from the Dana Pride.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Anderson’s catamaran skims the water off Dana Point as tourists are rewarded with a minke whale sighting.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)