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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

Sun 22 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Sun 22 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)

JeniRoberts1

Jul 2022

A great experience with people who know how to make the outing special. We took my Grandpa on his 96th birthday today and back home he couldn’t stop talking about it! We saw blue whales and an “army” of dolphins as Captain Marie said. This is my 4th or so trip on captain Dave’s main boat and it just never gets old! So much fun and so many memories!

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Hi Jeni, we are absolutely honored to read that your recent trip with Capt. Dave’s was the best experience of your lives! That is amazing and it’s fantastic that your Grandpa had a memorable birthday! I’m so glad you saw awe-inspiring Blue Whales, as well as hundreds of wild dolphins. We love having you in our Dolphin Safari family and we hope to see you again soon!

wendygZ1815SV

Jul 2022

Ever had a ‘Blue’ day? Yeah me neither UNTIL TODAY!!! We saw not one, not two, but THREE Blue Whales aboard Captain Dave’s Manutea’. The experience was amazing!!! Neil, Hannah & Stacy were all fantastic hosts and did their best to get us up close to these gentle giants. One or two times even crossing right under our bow! They gave great information, answered lots of questions, took some beautiful pictures and lastly seemed to have just as good of a time as all of the guests. While this was probably a Blue Special kind of day, I’ve booked with Capt Dave’s outfit a number of times and have enjoyed it each time. Oh….and not to forget the pod of dolphins we saw as well keeping pace with us as we made it further out to sea on the way to see the Blues. Hope you too can make it to Dana Point and have a similar experience with Capt Dave’s crew!

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Hi Wendy, thanks for your review and for sharing the beautiful photos! I’m thrilled you had the chance to encounter multiple massive Blue Whales, as well as the playful wild dolphins during your safari with Capt. Dave’s. We love the positive feedback about our Captain and crew too. Thanks for being a valued returning guest, and we can’t wait to see you for another memorable trip soon!

683alz

Jul 2022

Keep reading reviews on brownies. Did I miss that. My wife forgot tickets they were back in the parking lot. And we are both handicapped but she made it back in time. Did not see whales, but we knew that it was in season for them. Saw dolphins and sea lions. Are coming back during whale season to give that another shot.

Response from Host

Jul 2022

Hi Al, thanks for the review and high rating! It’s fantastic that you enjoyed viewing the playful dolphins and basking sea lions while out on the water with Capt. Dave’s! I’m glad that you liked Mrs. Capt. Dave’s complimentary brownies too. We hope you can come out with us again soon, and hopefully we can show you some whales too!