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Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States
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Be
Review №1

Great operation. The boats where nice, the crew was great and they worked hard. They even had ice in a kill bag for the fish. I never saw that on a half day before. I was on the Reel Fun.

Su
Review №2

What a joyful boat ride we had last Sunday! Great and friendly crew members and clean boat. We enjoy the entire 2 hours and saw hundreds of dolphins! Such a cool day to see the miracle of marine life. Definitely will go back again and its a great tour recommended for visitors too.During pandemic, they only allowed around 20 passengers on board and wearing mask is a requirement, so we felt its more safe to go at this time.

El
Review №3

It is really good luck to come here to watch whales! The first time I came I saw a whale jumping out of the water. This time I saw a huge group of dolphins. I have never seen so many dolphins together. I also saw the sunset on the sea. It was simply beautiful. There are not many people and the restroom is also very clean. It is recommended to bring thick clothes and snacks.

Ma
Review №4

Many fish caught and the deck hands were right there to help unhook and take care of the fish. Scenery was fantastic.

Jo
Review №5

We had a great time and the fishing was good. The only reason its not 5 stars is that when they were chumming the water they seem to be attracting more sea lions than fish. At the end of the day it got pretty frustrating because the sea lions will steal your bait so be ready to get your fish out of the water quick.

ad
Review №6

Get the fishing trip for the morning! Such a fun experience, caught ton of fish, they also filet your fish for you and help you along the way if your not very experienced. Had a great crew of fishermen , would definitely recommend

St
Review №7

Figured wed be going for a boat ride if nothing else. We were pleasantly surprised that we did see a humpback whale and a large school of dolphins feeding. We got lots of pictures and the catamaran we were on had underwater viewing in the amas. The crew gave interesting facts about the whales and dolphins throughout the trip. It was an enjoyable experience.

Da
Review №8

Beautiful place! I love fishing in the Harbor, just wish the barracuda were bigger

Am
Review №9

This was a relaxing slow cruise through the harbor. The wine was okay nothing to go on about. They do only accept cash though for any purchases and thankfully we had some. They are currently operating at half capacity due to Covid which is nice for the consumer because it would be crowded otherwise. The staff was very friendly and we enjoyed it!

AR
Review №10

My family and I had an amazing experience!! The staff was very knowledgeable and experienced. It was not scary for younger kids. There was a 9 year old girl on the same boat as us and she also loved it. My son is 12 and my daughter is 14. I would highly recommend for families!!

Br
Review №11

We had a great time on the ship. We went out in the afternoon and saw dolphins, and then the Captain got word of a whale in the area so we went and saw a grey whale. It was so amazing. My family had such a great time that we decided to go a second time. The next trip we saw 2 humpback whales. They were close to the boat and we were able to get some amazing pictures and enjoy watching it eat. Thanks for such a great time.

Ki
Review №12

A little weird with Covid but Josh was great. Josh was patient and so so so kind while helping my little cousin and brother fish. He even fished for the boys yelling out their names to reel in the catch as soon as he got a bite. Again, super weird with COVID but we all had a fantastic time. Ask for Josh if you have kids, he even gave them stickers when leaving.

Br
Review №13

Great launches here. We go fishing every year, getting here before 6am to pickup our fishing rods. There are tons of boats that launch from here. We always ride the Helena, and it is one of the highlights of the year. We go about an hour south, the crew always take great care of us, and we always look forward to it. Highly recommended!

Jo
Review №14

Great time with a great crew. We caught around 29 fish, unfortunately they were too small but the fun wasnt.

Do
Review №15

It was great, no whales and apparently I dont know how to work the video, on my phone to show ALL the dolphins, but thewhole experience was great - I highly recommend this adventure

Mi
Review №16

Lots of fun for the entire family! We went on the 3/4 day fishing trip, but they also offer a half day, all day, and overnight trips. They provide everything you need. When you get there, you will buy your tickets and a fishing license. You can bring your own food, but they have a full-service galley as well. Even in July it was chilly, so Id suggest bringing a jacket and you will definitely need sunscreen or a hat. This was my first time, so sea sickness was an issue. Take something in advance if you think it might be an issue for you as well and dont eat heavy. The entire staff on the boat was super nice and helpful! Would recommend this fishing trip if youre on vacation at Dana Point.

Me
Review №17

Loved loved loved our experience here !!!!!! Collin was amazing and the lady in the front was so polite. Cant wait to go back during christmas to see the lights !!

Ki
Review №18

Weve been fishing with Dana Wharf charters over 2 decades... always a wonderful experience.

Sh
Review №19

Had an amazing 1st time today my 9yr old son my husband and I had an amazing day. We saw gray whales common dolphins, blue fin tuna and a special surprise visit on the way back to the marina by some bottlenose dolphins! The captain was awesome by turning the boat around and getting the dolphins to show off how they like the waves from the boat. Thank you very much for this much loved tour!!! We will definitely be doing this again soon!

ma
Review №20

Went on a Twilight trip with two friends everything was great service was awesome but the captain of the sun Fun had his buddy on board who caught a smaller fish than myself and still won the jackpot and we never got put on anything theres clearly better spots than where we went and spent the entirety of our trip on one spot close to the shore with no fish bigger than a pound will not be back

Mi
Review №21

Perfect affordable getaway when you dont have opportunity to take a proper vacation. Getting out on the water away from the shore and you can feel all the stress fade away. The dolphins like to swim alongside the boat and in its wake. If a whale isnt spotted, you get a coupon for another trip. Cant go wrong! Look on Groupon for a great deal.

Al
Review №22

Great deal, great crew, always come home w/ fish!

d
Review №23

I have purchased the full day deep sea fishing trips multiple times and my entire boat caught absolutely nothing. However, the worst part was a very rude and disrespectful deck hand. I think that they forgot that people pay for a pleasant experience and that we should be treated with a LITTLE customer service... last time i ever schedule a trip with them...

Gr
Review №24

Had a fun experience whale watching with my younger brother. Loved going on the catameran and the ride was comfortable and educational. We got super lucky and actually saw tons of dolphins feeding and swimming with us and we got to chase a blue whale that had been hanging around the area for a couple days.

An
Review №25

I enjoyed this trip. Price was very reasonable. I just wish more fish were caught. I understand you cant make the fish bite though. All in all only like 10 fish were caught among the 22 people on the boat. I caught 3 mackerel and 2 sand bass but my dad didnt catch anything.

To
Review №26

Whale watching was so fun, my family enjoyed the experience so much . Amazing customer service, crew and captain. Everyone was so nice and accommodating. We got to see many dolphins and 3 whales. The food was great too!

me
Review №27

A few friends and I went down to Dana Point for the festival of whales this last weekend. If you’re looking for something fun to do on a weekend, do this! Dana Wharf Whale Watching knows exactly where to go to find the dolphins, whales and even sea lions! And to top it off, if you book the 8-10am ride, it’s only $15/person. The customer service was wonderful and we would definitely go back again!

Ro
Review №28

Great staff,inside of shop and in boat. Best boat burgers around.A great day!

MA
Review №29

We had a great experience! Seen a HUGE pod of dolphins but we also got to see a whale and her calf totally worth it!

Di
Review №30

TERRIFIC CAPTAIN!!GREAT CREW!THIS IS MY NEW FISHING COMPANY!

Ni
Review №31

Every time I go out on these boats whether it be for whale watching, the boat parade, or boat rides with Santa, its always a great time and experience. The staff is always helpful and friendly and make you feel welcome and make sure everyone has a good time. Christmas at the Harbor is a must see for everyone, it gets better and better every year.

Ni
Review №32

Awesome family experience together! We got a great deal, they even gave our kids stuffed animals and a book. We saw a pod of hundreds of dolphins, all playing and swimming around the boat. The kids were amazed, the boat ride was easy, the sunset was gorgeous, and the staff are beyond incredible. They truly care about what they do, and it shows. When we come back on vacation we will be doing this again for sure.

Ga
Review №33

Been here almost 4-5 times in last 2 years. Staff is super nice. Recently in COVID-19 situation they have taken a very good sanitization care. Only one thing that bother is when you purchase tickets via agencies like ticketsatwork.com we still need to pay full amount to in addition... but they refunded that in 2-3 days.

Vi
Review №34

Went on a whale watching tour here and really enjoyed the crew and the tour. We didnt get to see any whales but I suppose the whales dont really care about that, hah. We did however see tons of dolphins and learned a lot about them from a very nice lady who was part of the tour. Our only disappointment was someone who refused to pay attention to their children who were running a muck and were super rude. I have kids myself so I know how it is, but the parents stood at the bow of the boat and completely ignored the kids (probably 5 and 9 yos). Nothing to do with the crew or company itself though.

Pa
Review №35

If you are new to fishing or an experienced fishermen- this is worth an experience

Ke
Review №36

Awesome as always. The Dana Wharf crew ALWAYS tries their best to deliver a quality Sportfishing experience and they go the extra mile to put the guest on fish.We didnt have a great fish count today but thats why its called Fishing not Catching.OneLove.

Ya
Review №37

I highly recommend this place! My family and I had a blast. We got to see whales, dolphins and sea lions. At the beginning it was hard to adjust to the ocean waves, but through time it got better. They have restrooms and they sell snacks and beer. This is a great place for the family or even a romantic date. We are definitely coming back!

Je
Review №38

Always enjoy. Mauricio on the Clemente is the best!

Ar
Review №39

Great experience . This time we did not see whales but seen big pot of dolphins ;))

He
Review №40

Family fun, truly something for all ages (kids 17, 14 & 8). We enjoyed every minute of the two hour tour. We saw so many dolphins, jumping near the boat & playing with us as we cruised along. The service was knowledgeable, kind & educated. I’d highly recommended! The time we went, Spring break for our kids wasn’t even crowded, plenty of parking & no lines.

An
Review №41

It was fun. deck hand workers need to learn how to take control of the boat and not let kids play with live bait.

Pa
Review №42

Never done whale watching but generally have a good time on the half day trips ... if the fish dont bite there is usually a galley so you can find solace in a cheeseburger. And the deck hands have always been very helpful and knowledgeable.

de
Review №43

The crew of the Clemente were fantastic. Of our party of 7 six had never fished before. The crew was patient, helpful and knowledgeable.

Ro
Review №44

Buy your tickets for Catalina, Whale Watching, or Fishing alsowell supplied on fishing gear and assorted shirts ect,

Pe
Review №45

Dana wharf sport fishing and whale watching is amazing. This visit we went out on a family fishing trip that they offer on Sundays where kids are always free. The best part is that they teach the kids all about fishing, lowers, weights, lines, bait, and how deep the ocean is for what you need to use and about the fish and our local sea life. Great trip great price we cant wait to go back and the captain and crew are the best ever.My son is on the autism spectrum high functioning and he did amazing the whole 4 hours out on the boat and the whole 45 minute beforehand kids tutorial that they have I was surprised yet overwhelmed with joy at how great all of the kids did and how much they all enjoyed it neuro typical as well!!

Ma
Review №46

So much fun! I was petrified about the whole thing - but Chris (the captain) + his co-pilot Justin were great at explaining details but keeping it fun. Played good music along the way and the weather was perfect! Definitely recommend this activity for anyone, plus they offer a picture package for only $30 and you get the photos on an SD card right after which is nice. I do wish it would have lasted a little bit longer but I cant wait to do it again.

Jo
Review №47

Got tickets to whale watch through Goldstar for Valentine’s Day. We saw a humpback whale flip twice and SO many dolphins! The captain was informative and the boat was clean. It was a total 2 hr ride and we got to see the beautiful sunset on our way back to dock. It was a nice touch to the sunset the glass of champagne included in our ticket. Definitely dress warm since it’s very windy out on the water and the sun is going down!! I had no complaints. Well worth the money!!

Ja
Review №48

Love Dana Wharf!! From fishing to whale watching to the best Christmas gifts ever ( t-shirts, jackets, gift certs....) Theyve got it all!!

An
Review №49

The crew was awesome!! Extremely friendly and helpful.

Ty
Review №50

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, free parking lot, excellent boat ride, we saw seals, whales, dolphins, and different sea birds. Beautiful views off the boat, restroom, mini bar, snacks and more. Variety of items inside gift store a must visit. Nice restaurants and other shops near by.

Mi
Review №51

Awesome experience! We followed 2 humpback whales for about 30-40 min. The captain shared some interesting info about the whales in the area and general knowledge about the sea life. Nice people. They gave our two kids stuffed animals as gifts.The only negatives were they were about 20 min late and then the actual time spent whale watching was about 40 min. The rest of the time was spent getting to and from the dock. I feel like we should have gotten at least the full 60 min to whale watch.But great experience. So awesome seeing the whales up close. It’s magical.

Li
Review №52

The boat crew staff, were fantastic! We went out to go whale watching and were quite lucky. The whales were cooperating, and we got to see a few of them. They mentioned their whereabouts in the water and had the boat stay put while waiting for them to appear again. I would recommend this company for this activity.

Kr
Review №53

Dana Point is a good place to go bicycling, good restaurants, nice beaches, you can also find parking lot free up.to 4 hours.

Ch
Review №54

My freind and I did the whale watching and had a great time. We didnt see any whales but there was a pod of dolphins that were so playful jumping all over the place and being silly. They were great! There were tons of them. They seemed to follow the boat. The ship had snacks and even burgers if you needed food. There was plenty of seating and a covered part of the boat. The employees were very nice and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend! Not bad for $50 per person.

Ma
Review №55

Had so much fun!! The people on the boat were extremely nice and went out of their way to help anyone in need. Made it very personable. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Ja
Review №56

Took my nephew to see whales. We only found dolphins. over all it was fun tripemy nephew loved it. Crew was very friendly and informative.

Ka
Review №57

Best fishing trip ever very kind employees and I enjoyed it

Da
Review №58

Went on a 3/4 day trip fishing. It was ok I guess except that we were driving a majority of the time it seems. We would finally stop and drop our lines in and then the capt. would have us reel back in to move the boat again because the anchor didnt catch and hold . Just not enough quality fishing time, too much time driving to the spots and not enough fishing time over all. The crew was very friendly and helpful and made sure everyone that needed help got it.

Ty
Review №59

A Saturday charter on the fury and that boat and crew and skipper are incredible. Highly recommend this landing

Sh
Review №60

Whale watching we were able to see one baby gray whale but tons of dolphins great crew and knolwsegable captain

Fr
Review №61

Heard they feed the dolphins but didnt on both trips. Was pretty crowded but the crew did their best to make sure people were wearing a mask. People dont listen so take less people and make them keep distance.

An
Review №62

Launchpad for the Catalina express ferry boat, there are so many great viewpoints and picture spots here. The whole area is decked up with lights, and great for nighttime walks and runs. We took the ferry from here, and were pleased with the numerous eating options that open early and close late.

Co
Review №63

Great business, always happy with the tours, captain and crew!

Ja
Review №64

Quick Summary: Fun 2-hour long trip for anyone (kids too). We saw lots of dolphins, sea lions, and learned a lot about the marine life. Bathrooms on board and snacks & drinks.Experience: It was easy to get on board and load off at the end. They even provided a coupon to return for another trip. If you do not see dolphins or whales, everyone gets a ticket to come back for free - which I thought was perfect. However, down here there is always something so I doubt they fulfill that promise often. Ignoring whale watching, its a fun cruise around the coast - so if you want to do something different that is what I would say is the first benefit of this outing. Next would be all the dolphins, had to be hundreds in the school we found and the captain made lots of wakes for them to jump in and out of. Towards the end we made our way towards laguna beach where there were a few sea lions. My parents had been on this cruise the year before and saw whales - others sharing similar experiences. So although we did not see a big whale, I was satisfied in the many dolphins and my son was thrilled.For Kids: with tables, benches, and plenty of places to walk its helpful for toddlers and young children that want to move around. Inside the boat there are tables with windows looking out and towards the back is a table full of whale toys and books to educate children. A staff member helped my son learn about whales. 2 hours was just enough for my son, every time he got board we moved to another location, had a snack, etc and it worked perfectly.Clothing: Make sure to bring a sweater or wind breaker, you are at sea and depending on the season and time of day you will probably get cold.Seating: On the Pride boat, there was plenty of seating all around - inside and out. In addition, plenty of standing space to quickly move around and catch different shots and views.Bathrooms: This is why it was 4 stars and not 5 stars. The bathrooms were gross - not just from someone making a mess during the trip but grime from weeks. Broken sink, needs a new toilet, and new paint. Other than this, it was a great experience.Snacks & Drinks: They had a selection of sodas and beers plus chips and candy. For those wanting food, they do server grilled cheese, hot dogs and a few other items made on the onboard grill. Prices were fair.Pricing: We use the Tuesday special, half price or $22 per person (children and adults) which I thought was a fair price. Groupon did have an offern, but it required 48 hour bookings to discourage same day use (as a business owner I understand and agree with that principal). If you are not using a groupon, coupon, or Tuesday discounts its closer to $45 a head. I booked on their website and it was a smooth & easy process.Parking: As a Dana Point resident, parking can be a problem. Arrive 60 minutes early in case you have to find parking farther away.

Si
Review №65

So nice we went out at sunset for the spreading of my aunts ashes ! Very beautiful sunset the boat crew took an amazing picture of the whole family very nice . If you get sea sick take some.medicine before hand I was sick for a few days but am very sensitive.

Re
Review №66

First time we didnt get to see a whale BUT they spotted hundreds of playful dolphins and we had so much interaction! Been on this tour 6 times, never disappointed!

Ra
Review №67

Went to dana point for my birthday today and my fiance set up a surprise parasailing and omg it was so fun i totally recommend it for fishing trips. Little shopping and food center perfect for a day trip

Ja
Review №68

Amazing trip, everyone caught their bag limit! We seen more dolphins and whales on this fishing trip than on the whale watching ship!

Vi
Review №69

Very friendly staff and informative. Would definitely recommend these guys, very professional.

Ph
Review №70

Had seen a flyer in the hotel at Anaheim and it looked interesting so decided to go. Also it was down the coast so could take in a few other sights along the way. Finding it was easy and parking is only a short walk away. The surrounding area is also worth a look even if you dont go on the trip. I booked online as the flyer had a discount code (LBM8) and I thought it would make it easier. I turned up early so checked in and then so had a wander around the bars and quaint shops. Once aboard there seemed to be plenty of room so found a good spot at the stern and settled in for the trip. Lots of seating available, both in the shade and without and bar serving drinks and snacks along the way. Was a lovely day and sea was very smooth and had a number opportunities to take some pics of the landscape we were leaving behind. The staff kept us entertained and told us what was happening and talked about any points of interest as we went along, be it info or any passing marine wildlife. Unfortunately we didnt see any whales and to be honest I had gone with no expectations However we were joined by a very large school of dolphins that kept us entertained for some time. That were that close to the boat I was finding it difficult to photograph as I had a telephoto lens on my camera expecting the whales to pop up anywhere. Because we hadnt seen any whales we were giving a 50% off voucher to use another day. This was my last day in the area otherwise I think I would have used it. Thoroughly good day and recommended

Da
Review №71

Came across Dana Wharf Whale Watching tours online and found availability for a tour. I solely booked based upon ratings, availability and I wasnt disappointed. The crew is friendly, knowledgeable, eco-friendly and punctual. Also, the boat is clean, stable, secure for passengers, and rides at a good speed. Today, we viewed a Fin and Humpback Whale. Also, a large pod of common dolphins and small pod of short peak dolphins . This tour was special for me and I would highly recommend using Dana Wharf tour services anytime.Thank you for a great day on the ocean with your amazing team..Hope to see you guys in 2020..

te
Review №72

What a wonderful place to see beauty frm every direction u look into. And the seals r so adorable. This place is very clean and nice to even just stroll around. Love it we will definitely be returning to this place we love it

MF
Review №73

We went out on the Fury for a 2 day trip. The boat was nice and clean. They have a bunk room for sleeping accommodations. The crew was super friendly and helpful. The food was really good too. My only real complaint was there is no shower on the Fury. But it was still worthy of a five star review We had a super fun trip. Definitely would go again.

Je
Review №74

The fury is the ship and crew to run with. capt. marcus has always put me on fish, theres something about making that blue deck turn purple that just charges me up. Bloody decks every time

Mi
Review №75

Had a great time. They took their time and made sure we saw them. Very informative guides!!

sh
Review №76

Fun two hour whale and dolphin watching ride on a catamaran.

Mi
Review №77

Professional and prepared crew. I appreciated that the concessions stand aboard ship had very reasonable prices for water and Gatorade.Our group saw a large pod of dolphins and some sea lions. The dolphins swim right next to the boat and there was a least one baby. I managed to spot a mola/sunfish, flying fish, and a ray down in the water as we passed by.My children were happy on the trip. There was plenty of seating under a shaded canopy, but there was also a lot of room to stand outside to observe.

Da
Review №78

We had the BEST time! Even the adults were having a blast

La
Review №79

Great crews on there boats and friendly

De
Review №80

Beautiful place to go out on the water. We spotted a humpback whale not too far from our starting point!

zo
Review №81

A. Awesome experience with a reasonable price . I spent just $35 to get a Dolphins tour . Like whale watching , no whale but lots of dolphins, unique experience, I wish everyone can get a chance to take this tour

Tr
Review №82

Great time. Great views. Dolphins were abundant.

Ni
Review №83

My fiance and I took an evening whale watching trip, although we didnt see whales. We did however get surrounded by the largest pod of dolphins we had ever seen! It was like being in an episode of blue planet.

RE
Review №84

Lots going on, charters really full although they were helpful in trying to accommodate 11 of us!

Ma
Review №85

Great walking area with yummy restaurants.

Re
Review №86

Very nice and curtious people

Re
Review №87

Nice boat nice no fish lots of small fish

Tr
Review №88

Amazing! Trip was smooth, well narrated and these guys spotted dolphins, whales, all sorts of great sights immediately. Will do it again!

La
Review №89

We purchased 7 half day tickets for my husbands birthday in March. Because of COVID19 our trip was postponed. I then called back before Mothers day to rebook, and was told that they are taking reservations, but may have to cancel again depending on restrictions. I then called back today to rebook, (restrictions are now lifted)and was NOW told that because I purchased the tickets on AAA (discounted) that my tickets could not be honored until July! Corey rudely hung up on my husband and told us to call AAA for a refund. Obviously they need money and only want full priced reservations made through their website with their price inflation.. DO NOT BOOK!

Ch
Review №90

Went out last weekend and saw three beautiful and amazing grey whales. They were readily professional and knowledgeable. A great time had by all.

MA
Review №91

Had a good time fishing and catching lots of fish!!!

St
Review №92

$75.00 for two humans for two hours on a boat. It was great! We saw two great whales matting, many more great whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

Sh
Review №93

Wonderful time whale watching and enjoying the calm.

Wi
Review №94

I absolutely love this place. This is my second time going and the staff and crew are all friendly. They do their absolute best to see the whales!

ma
Review №95

Great staff friendly and helpful. Highly recommend fishing with them.

Sh
Review №96

Great whale watching experience. Competent friendly crew and easy hassle free experience

Ge
Review №97

Love whale watching. They have great whale watching excursions. Whales are seen most of the year around here. Call to find out which ones are being seen. To me every trip is great. I love seeing the daulphin bow ride.

KJ
Review №98

A must see if you are in the area. Very clean and beautiful boat. People are very friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be back!

cr
Review №99

Had a great day on the Fury. The Captain was intent on getting us on the fish and everyone was catching good size fish. Bags were full with everthing from rock fish to yellow tails.The crew was helpful and making rounds making sure things were good with everyone. Ill definitely be back.

Sh
Review №100

Dana Wharf is a must for me. Everything about it rings home! Donna is amazing and has such great insight when it comes to keeping the Wharf ship shape. All the staff are always friendly and in time with the daily fish count and whale and dolphin sightings. As well as othe sea creatures and going ins out in our big blue backyard

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States
  • Site:http://www.danawharf.com/
  • Phone:+1 949-496-5794
Categories
  • Whale watching tour agency
  • Boat rental service
  • Fishing charter
  • Sightseeing tour agency
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:6am–8pm
  • Tuesday:6am–8pm
  • Wednesday:6am–8pm
  • Thursday:6am–8pm
  • Friday:6am–8pm
  • Saturday:6am–8pm
  • Sunday:6am–8pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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