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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

Sat 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Sep

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)

BlueHawaii-girl

May 2017

Great day on the ocean with a wonderful Captain. Dolphins galore (totally groovin' on the "zoo" boat of humans 😜), Brown Pelicans getting filled up on the fish the dolphins drive to the surface, a sunfish (no, he is NOT 💀, really!), a curious Minke Whale and lollygaggin' bouy sea lions, fantastic weather...WOW!...the only way to whale watch off Dana Point on a superb catamaran. Mahalo.

Response from Host

Jan 2018

Hi, Thanks for your review. I’m so happy you had lovely weather and a variety of amazing sightings on your recent dolphin and whale watching safari with Capt. Dave’s, viewing not just a spectacular pod of wild dolphins but also sea lions, birds, the unusual-looking Mola Mola (ocean sunfish), and a stunning Minke whale! I’m thrilled we could make the trip unforgettable for you. I hope you can visit again soon.

mariedesjardins

Dec 2016

I think we've used Captain Dave, at least 2 or 3 times while in the OC to do whale watching. Very informative and a fun lively staff. Once we saw a blue whale, not only the countless dolphins swimming right next to and under the boat. Actually, it's just like in Titanic when the Dolphins are swimming right next to ship and Jack & Rose are on the deck. Enjoyed going in the bottom of the boat lined with glass. The Dolphins are right beneath you. Lovely activity to do on a beautiful summer day. Enjoyed the sea breeze on the ocean for a few hours while searching for whales and dolphins. Last time, we visited Dana Point was September 2010. We saw a baby blue whale and a larger adult later on in the cruise. They even give a discount if you're a return customer along with a sign on the boat welcoming you back. Once my sister's ball cap blue off into the water and they stopped the boat to retrieve it. Also, on the way back into the marina, we saw some California sea lions and Pelicans. The kids just love the experience too as they were right beside the adults at the front of the boat trying to see what was going on too and taking pictures. Highly recommend taking time to take Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari while in Southern California. A definite must.

Response from Host

Jan 2017

Hi, Thank you so much for your review and for being a valued returning guest. It’s so nice to read how much you like our safaris and the efforts of our crew. I’m thrilled that we could show you sea lions, marine birds, and large pods of delightful wild dolphins, as well as massive, unforgettable Blue Whales. It’s great that you enjoyed the sightings from the deck and also through our unique Underwater Viewing Pods. Thanks for the recommendation. We’d love to have you join us for another safari soon!

Jenna Lynn C

Nov 2016

My mother I took a whale watching trip out of Dana Point with Capt. Dave. For some reason, I was actually surprised that he was the captain of our boat! He was wonderful! We saw a grey whale, which was absolutely breathtaking and a pod of over 500 dolphins! Well worth the money and I would love to have this experience again. The crew was very professional and kind. They took professional pictures of the wildlife and each of us and then sold the pictures at the end of the trip. I bought one, of course, to commemorate this memorable experience! Also, the brownies when you get off the boat were a great finishing touch! THIS IS A MUST DO ADVENTURE!

Response from Host

Nov 2016

Hi, Thanks for your review. I am thrilled to read what an unforgettable experience you had on board our catamaran with Capt. Dave. He has a true passion for marine wildlife and really enjoys taking his passengers out to spend time on the water with these amazing animals. I’m so glad you were able to see an impressive whale as well as a large pod of wild dolphins. It’s great that you liked the souvenir photo and Mrs. Capt. Dave’s delicious brownies! Thank you for coming out with us. I hope we’ll see you again soon.