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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

Wed 25 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Wed 25 Dec

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)

Steven H

Oct 2017

We thought that we'd give this one a try and we weren't disappointed! Our "Captain" had a well rounded sense of humor and mixed it well with his guide of what was going on and where we were. We found a large pod of dolhins that were about 300 in all. Dolphins as far as the eye could see but especially along the bow in front of the trampoline. You just couldn't get any closer than that. The time absolutely flew by. We also saw 25-30 sea lions but alas, no whales on this trip. The brownies at the end of the trip were very tasty; snacks and drinks were'nt really needed on the trip but nice to know they had them.

Koyote1

Sep 2017

Went last weekend to Dana Point to go out and watch for whales and/or dolphins. Having done this twice in the past and was not disappointed, I was interested in trying a new company to view. After check-in, the recent sightings were posted on the board and they were as recent as the afternoon before. We chose the earliest departure at 10:30 am; this I recommend as its prime feeding time at sea. We boarded the boat which is a refurbished trimaran that has underwater viewing platforms on both sides. Tom, the captain gave us a safety briefing and we were off. Within about twenty or so minutes he took us out to what he called a “small pod of dolphins”. Here were about 150 animals so I can’t imagine what a large pod is. The dolphins came right to the boat and swam in front of the bow as we moved around. It was the most amazing thing to see so many dolphins at one time. You could see the water breaking in the distance which was another pod. This pod also had sea lions swimming among the dolphins as well. The whole time Tom has said there was a Minke Whale somewhere in the area we were and to keep our eyes opened. About ninety minutes into the voyage, we spotted him too. He was by himself and about 28 feet long. Greg, the naturalist, takes your picture when you board and then all the wildlife you see. The way back to the dock, he presents you with the collage he made showing the wild life surrounding you in the middle. It was $15 and well worth it. This was by far the best excursion to view wildlife I have ever had.

thiessed

Jun 2017

We spent our last full day of vacation in Dana Point, CA (06/05/2017) to go whale watching. I had been when I was young but my wife and teens had not. We all had a fantastic time and this will always be a memorable time for us. The staff and crew were attentive and friendly. We were able to see a couple of hundred common dolphins, a dozen or so bottle nose dolphin and Fin whale, which was the highlight of the trip. The brownies made by Captain Dave's wife at the end was also very good and a great treat to leave with. I highly recommend doing this when visiting or if you are blessed enough to live there, go again.

Response from Host

Feb 2018

Hi, Thank you for your review and for including Capt. Dave’s in your vacation plans. I’m thrilled that we were able to show you a magnificent Fin Whale up close, as well as a multitude of amazing wild dolphins. I’m glad you liked our crew and enjoyed the complimentary brownies. It’s always our pleasure to make your trip memorable. Thanks so much for the recommendation, and I hope we’ll see you again soon!