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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

Thu 14 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Thu 14 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)

stoves48

Apr 2018

Whale watching in general is a very special experience, but when you combine that with the professionalism and commitment of an AMAZING crew, you’ll never forget the time you had. We went with our five year old and he had the best time. The crew made sure that he was able to see everything and paid him extra special attention. We saw common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and a gray whale. It was unbelievable to ride through the ocean with the dolphins playing and swimming alongside of us. It was a perfect day! Advice: take motion sickness meds just to be safe.It can be rocky but it’s totally worth it. Gave some to my son as well and was so glad I did because he got to enjoy the trip without distraction.

Response from Host

May 2018

Hi, Thank you so much for your review. It’s wonderful that you and your son had a memorable time getting up-close and personal with different kinds of beautiful, playful wild dolphins, as well as a magnificent Gray Whale. I’m so pleased you were satisfied with our crew too. We love to help kids and adults alike have the most fun, educational experience possible with these marvelous sea animals. Thanks again for coming out. I hope we’ll see you again soon!

Neil P

Apr 2018

My family and I were touring California on a road trip. We wanted to book a boat trip at some point in our holiday and read about Captain Dave's tours and were impressed by the reviews. I'm so glad we did this tour as it was one of the best experiences we have ever had. Firstly the crew (Captain Tom and the others) were brilliant. So informative and helpful, and also made things a lot of fun too. Secondly the boat is great. Very comfortable and easy to get around. The kids loved the underwater viewing pods. Thirdly and most importantly, the ocean and the various creatures that live in it were absolutely awesome. We were lucky to come up very close to two massive fin whales. We spent a good half hour spending time with these majestic creatures which left us completely spellbound. We then moved on to search for gray whales, but unfortunately none could be found that day. On our way back we saw a group of sea lions, and a pod of dolphins swam along with us for a while. Overall this was one of the best days of our holiday, and I wouldn't hesitate in booking this again.

Response from Host

Apr 2018

Hi, Thanks very much for your positive review. I’m thrilled to read that you had such an up-close, unforgettable experience with Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. I’m so glad you were comfortable on board Manute’a as you enjoyed spending time with the two Fin Whales, as well as the lively wild dolphins and sea lions. It’s also great that you liked our crew’s service and the unique Underwater Viewing Pods. Thank you for choosing us. We’d love for you to visit again soon!

196janicem

Apr 2018

My husband and I have read about Capt. Dave's for several years and finally made it out to Dana Point. We will definitely be back. We were on - the Manute’a. We saw dozens of dolphins that swam right next to the boat. We saw 1 gray whale that day, several sea lions, & pelicans. *The weather was beautiful, but keep in mind that it is always cooler out in the ocean and I would suggest jeans and a good jacket. *Take them up on the offer to have your photo for $15. They really do a great job with your picture and include photos of the wildlife from your boat ride. Oh, the brownies were awesome too. Dana Point is a beautiful city and Capt Dave's is well worth the trip.

Response from Host

Apr 2018

Hi, Thank you for your review. I’m glad you had the chance to join Capt. Dave’s for some exciting encounters with fascinating marine wildlife. It’s so great that you liked our unique catamaran Manute’a, and enjoyed fantastic sightings including a migrating Gray Whale and a large pod of wild dolphins! I’m also happy you were pleased with the souvenir photo and complimentary brownies. Thanks again for coming out, and I hope we’ll see you again soon.