Dana Wharf Captain Tommy White Retires After 47 Years on the Water

DANA POINT — After an extraordinary 47-year career, Captain Tommy White of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is officially retiring at the end of March, closing a monumental chapter in Dana Point Harbor’s maritime legacy. Hired in 1977, White began as a deckhand and eventually became the beloved captain of Dana Pride, Dana Wharf’s flagship vessel. Over the decades, he captained countless fishing trips, whale watching tours, and special events such as the Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights and Santa Boat Rides, earning admiration from generations of passengers. White’s favorite memories include leading Fish for Life trips, which he described as “joyful and grounding.” Dana Wharf President Mike Hansen called White “an integral part of our family,” and General Manager Donna Kalez praised him as “a consummate professional and true gentleman.” Captain Tommy White’s final day is Thursday, March 27, 2025, with a celebratory whale watching cruise planned in his honor. For media inquiries and photos, contact Donna Kalez at [email protected].