Posted on September 13, 2018
Monarch Beach Golf Links offers a golf vacation with distinctively Southern Californian style The average golf trip usually includes the standard fare: tons of golf; dinners at steakhouses; copious cold beer consumption; dropping a chunk of change in the golf shop; and a little debauchery that is better left unsaid (this is a family blog). While Monarch Beach Golf Links can’t help with the debauchery part, lifestyle pursuits unique to Southern California are certainly on the agenda – even whale watching! Whale watching at Monarch Beach Golf Links Thousands of gray whales slide through the waters near Dana Point each year during an epic migration between Alaskan feeding grounds and Mexican breeding grounds. Drawn close to shore by the upwelling of cold nutrient-rich waters driven by the Newport Submarine Canyon, whale watchers don’t need to travel far to see them. In fact, many times they can be spotted from Salt Creek Beach and especially from Dana Point’s high bluffs. “Monarch Beach is blessed by its location,” said Eric Lohman PGA, general manager of Monarch Beach Golf Links. “Of the many activities at your fingertips, whale watching ranks right up there as one of the most exhilarating.” Famed marine life artist and ocean conservation champion, Wyland, would agree. “When you see a whale, it changes you; it makes you a better person,” he said. “One of the coolest things you could do if you come to Southern California is go to Dana Wharf, come to Dana Point, and take a whale-watching trip with your family.” The best times for whale watching in Orange County, California January and February are the best months to see gray whales headed south – a little further offshore – before the make the return trip north – closer to shore – typically with calf in-tow. Blue and humpback whales join the party April through September as they loiter around the Channel Islands feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. “Locals” such as sea lions, seals, dolphins and orcas also are spotted year-round, and often turn up during whale-watching excursions. Set a course for Dana Warf Several carter options near Monarch Beach Golf Links are available including Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Dana Point Whale Watching. Nearby Newport Harbor also offers excursion services such as Newport Landing Whale Watching. Waterman Fourcaddies Not only do they fill the role of a traditional caddie while playing golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links, Waterman Fourcaddies are a golfer’s gateway to the SoCal beach lifestyle, including whale watching. Not sure which boat to board? Simply let them know you’re interested in taking a whale-watching trip and they’ll handle everything from making a recommendation to making a reservation. But be sure to plan ahead; whale watching excursions can fill up fast – so don’t miss the boat! Plan your whale-watching golf vacation for this winter Book your Southern California golf vacation at Monarch Beach Golf Links this winter, the heart of the southbound whale migration, and don’t forget to reserve a waterman forecaddie by calling 949.248.3002 or visiting www.monarchbeachgolf.com/teetimes.