DANA POINT BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Dockside Story Hour with Nona: Picture Books and Sea Air at Dana Point
A dockside children's story time aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel in Dana Point — live readings, a take-home craft, and a small-group setting for families.
Dockside Story Hour with Nona: Picture Books and Sea Air at Dana Point.
Boarded at the Dana Wharf dock in Dana Point, these story times pair short, sit-down readings with a maritime setting: Nona reads aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel while the event is held at the dock and simultaneously streamed to Facebook. The sessions are designed for a limited group of children and their accompanying parent, include a make-and-take craft, and benefit the Gray Whale Foundation.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Story time aboard a Dana Wharf vessel
Each book is read aloud by Nona while seated on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel at the dock, bringing the hush and rhythm of a maritime boarding to a children's story hour.
Live readings, livestream, and a craft
Sessions include Nona's readings, a live stream to Facebook so friends and family can watch remotely, and a make-and-take craft to extend the experience off the dock.
Small-group format that supports conservation
Attendance is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate, and the $8.00 per student fee is collected with proceeds benefiting the Gray Whale Foundation.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
The program is brief and focused: families arrive at the Dana Wharf dock, settle aboard a moored whale-watching vessel, listen as Nona reads, watch or share the moment via Facebook livestream, and finish with a hands-on craft to take home. The format keeps the pace easy for young children while capitalizing on the marine setting.
THE SETTING
Story time aboard a Dana Wharf vessel
Each book is read aloud by Nona while seated on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel at the dock, bringing the hush and rhythm of a maritime boarding to a children's story hour.
THE PROGRAM
Live readings, livestream, and a craft
Sessions include Nona's readings, a live stream to Facebook so friends and family can watch remotely, and a make-and-take craft to extend the experience off the dock.
THE PURPOSE
Small-group format that supports conservation
Attendance is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate, and the $8.00 per student fee is collected with proceeds benefiting the Gray Whale Foundation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Story times begin at 9am; please arrive 15–30 minutes before the scheduled start to check in and claim your spot.
Sessions are intentionally limited in size; arriving early is recommended to ensure placement in the small-group story time.
There is an $8.00 per student fee; proceeds benefit the Gray Whale Foundation.
All readings take place aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel while moored at the dock and are also live streamed to Facebook.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time do story times start?
Story times start at 9am.
Where do the readings take place?
All books are read by Nona aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel while the group is at the dock; readings are also live streamed to Facebook.
How many children can attend?
Attendance is limited to 15 children.
Is a parent required to attend?
The program description notes a limit related to parents alongside the children; families should plan for an accompanying parent as indicated by the operator.
Is there a fee to participate?
Yes. The fee is $8.00 per student, with proceeds benefiting the Gray Whale Foundation.
When should we arrive?
Arrive 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled story time to check in and secure your spot.