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Dana Point Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Eco-Safari

Dana Point Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Eco-Safari

Overview

Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Orange County's highest rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods. For over 20 years we have provided the most unique and eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching trips to view magnificent Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and occasionally Orcas (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, False Killer Whales, and more. Five species of wild dolphins are also seen throughout the year, including mega-pods with up to 10,000 dolphins! Plus sea lions, marine birds, and even sharks. You'll depart from Dana Point, home to one of the most diverse marine eco-systems in the world. Aboard our uncrowded high-tech catamaran you will enjoy up close and personal dolphin and whale watching with expert narration, complimentary triple fudge brownies, and more.

City: Dana Point

Fri 15 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Fri 15 Nov

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Licensed Captain and professional crew

U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified vessel

Cetacean Declaration - Join us again for free within one calendar year if you don't see any dolphins or whales

Live commentary on board

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Entry into the Underwater Viewing Pods requires the use of ladder-like steps. Persons with a disability or limited mobility may have difficulty.
Trip times may vary by date.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (376)

stineytravels

Jun 2018

I want to start out by saying the 3 star review has nothing to do with the business as a business and had everything to do with mother nature not cooperating. The crew and staff were all extremely helpful, friendly, and professional! It was not their fault that the animals were scarce and the water was choppy. That being said, I do have to give this 3 stars because as an experience that's what it was. I was really excited to see some whales and dolphins and unfortunately all that appeared was 1 Minke whale (which was amazing by the way!), some sealions (which are always cool to see), and a dolphin fin or two for a brief second. So my recommendation is to take this tour, but manage your expectations. Do not get your hopes up too high. Do not go into it expecting that you will see lots and lots of cool animals. That way, if you don't see much, you won't be let down, like I was, and if you do see lots you'll be pleasantly surprised! Understand there is nothing the crew can do if the animals won't cooperate, but they really do try as hard as they can to let you see as many great animals as they can. (And the animals we did see were truly magnificent.) My next recommendation is to take Dramamine if you even think you might be prone to sea sickness. My husband did, and while he still felt quite ill, he managed not to throw up from all the choppy water. (Quite a few others, particularly the kids were not so lucky.) Again, the crew did all they could to mitigate the conditions, they were not their fault, but just be prepared if you take this trip, that it could be nauseating. Would I take this trip again? Probably not, especiallyy not for the price we paid, $65/pp which would have been a steal if we'd seen more animals - the facilities were excellent, the boat was beautiful, the crew and staff were great. But for what we saw, I feel let down (again not the business's fault). They do offer discounts for return visits, but we live across the country and are really unlikely to make it back here. So, in sum, if you take this tour, it has the potential to be really really great-if the animals cooperate. But go into it expecting not to see much, be prepared for the possibility of sea sickness, and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised rather than let down, like I was.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Hi, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’m so sorry the dolphin and whale sightings did not meet your expectations. Nature definitely is unpredictable, and while we are lucky to have whales and dolphins off the coast of Dana Point year round, we never know what we will see each time. We believe that is part of what makes each trip special. I’m happy you had the chance to encounter a lovely Minke whale, as well as sea lions and wild dolphins! It can be breathtaking to view these amazing creatures in their own natural environment. I’m so glad you liked our boat, and were pleased with our crew. But I’m sorry your husband did not feel well during the tour. Ocean conditions are usually mild, and our catamaran offers extra stability with its twin hulls. However, for those concerned about motion sickness, we do have a few suggestions. Book a trip that departs early in the morning, when there is typically very little wind. Purchase a pressure-point wristband (we have them for sale if you forget). These wristbands can be used by adults and children without the drowsiness or other common side effects of over-the-counter seasickness medications. If you begin to feel sick during the trip, move to an area with lots of fresh air and a view of the horizon. And don't feel embarrassed about asking for assistance! Our crew is always happy to help as well if passengers mention that they don’t feel well. Is there anything we could do to improve and earn a 5-star review from you next time? We appreciate your recommendation, and hope you will consider coming out with us again in the future. Remember, as a returning guest you would be eligible for a special discount!

ncinaz

May 2018

Our first trip with Captain Dave's was fantastic. The captain and crew were informative and welcoming. We felt safe and comfortable and, most importantly, saw hundreds of dolphins and a few sea lions. Luckily we went on a day when the boat was only about half-full but I think it would have been enjoyable even on a full boat. We look forward to going back in the future.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Hi, Thank you for your review. We’re so pleased to have you as guests of Capt. Dave’s, and I’m thrilled that we were able to show you large pods of playful wild dolphins as well as the sea lions. I’m glad you were comfortable on our unique catamaran, which is designed for up-close viewing of the marvelous ocean wildlife. We also limit the number of passengers on board, so no trip is ever overcrowded. I hope we will see you again soon. Remember, returning guests who book by phone can get a special discount!

danadoodle2018

May 2018

This was our second time on this safari. The first time it was just my husband and I, before we had kids and that time we experienced dolphins, whales and sea lions. That was six years ago. This is the first time we've been back to California but we have two small children and wanted them to experience this too. It was a blast being on the boat and we will be doing this every time we visit California.

Response from Host

May 2018

Hi, Thank you very much for your review and for posting that great photo! It’s wonderful that you decided to bring your whole family to experience a dolphin and whale watching safari with Capt. Dave’s. I’m so glad you had an unforgettable, exciting time viewing the incredible ocean animals. We appreciate your repeat business, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!