Whale Watch Naturalist Training Program
Become a trained naturalist and share the wonder of whales and dolphins with the public.
Program Overview
ACS Orange County trains volunteer naturalists who ride along on whale watch boats departing from Newport Beach and Dana Point. These trained volunteers serve as onboard educators, helping passengers identify species, understand whale behavior, and appreciate the marine ecosystem off the Southern California coast.
Since the program's inception, over a thousand naturalists have graduated and gone on to educate tens of thousands of whale watching passengers. Naturalists play a vital role in turning a recreational boat trip into a meaningful conservation experience.
Course Structure
A comprehensive training program covering everything you need to know.
Cetacean Biology
Learn the fundamentals of whale and dolphin biology, including anatomy, physiology, respiration, thermoregulation, and sensory systems. Understand what makes cetaceans uniquely adapted to life in the ocean.
Species Identification
Master the identification of whale and dolphin species commonly seen off the Orange County coast, including gray whales, blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and more.
Local Ecology
Explore the marine ecosystem of the Southern California Bight, including oceanography, food webs, kelp forests, and the environmental factors that make our waters a hotspot for marine mammal diversity.
Interpretation Techniques
Develop public speaking and interpretation skills specific to the whale watching context. Learn how to engage diverse audiences, answer questions confidently, and deliver memorable educational experiences on the water.
Who Can Join?
The Naturalist Training Program is open to anyone with an interest in marine mammals and a desire to educate the public. No prior experience in biology or teaching is required. We welcome students, retirees, career changers, and anyone with a passion for the ocean.
What we look for:
- Enthusiasm for marine life and conservation
- Willingness to commit to the full training course
- Comfort speaking to groups of people
- Ability to ride on a boat for 2-3 hours (sea legs welcome, not required)
How to Register
Training sessions are typically held in the fall to prepare naturalists for the winter gray whale season. To express interest or get more information about the next training cohort, please contact us.