Afisha Life Homepage
Dana Point
Explore
Walking Tours
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

Mon 23 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Sep

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

wendalinec

Feb 2022

AMAZING !!! We saw a pod for well over 1000 common dolphins & a beautiful whale. It was just breathtaking!

Response from Host

Feb 2022

Thanks for the 5-star review, Wendaline! It was a pleasure to help you have up-close encounters with a magnificent whale and an enormous pod of dolphins. The photos you posted are gorgeous, and I hope you can visit Capt. Dave’s again soon!

meredithr826

Feb 2022

We booked the whale and dolphin cruise with the underwater sea pods for our sons birthday. Captain Marie was wonderful and did a great job getting us close to the dolphins and finding the whales for us to see. Hannah, omg she is the BEST! Very knowledgeable, friendly and great attitude. She went above and beyond to make it special for our son’s birthday. We saw 3 whales and a huge pod of dolphins which were amazing to see in the sea pods. On the way back we saw a group of sea lions hanging out on the buoy. Great experience will book again next time in California.

Response from Host

Feb 2022

Hi Meredith, thanks for your review. It’s fantastic that we were able to make your recent trip extra special for your son’s birthday. I’m glad you enjoyed viewing multiple whales and huge pods of wild dolphins. We appreciate the high rating and your kind words about our crew! Thanks again for coming out. I hope we’ll see you for another adventure soon!

EDMUND S

Feb 2022

A great trip. An outstanding and unique experience that should be a “Must Do” for anyone in the area. On this my second Captain Dave outing I brought my family. They were equally impressed. Every aspect of a Captain Dave trip is excellent - from booking the ticket to check-in at beautiful Dana Point Harbor to cast off and the tour and receiving a complementary Mrs. Captain Dave brownie at voyage’s end. Our crew of Captain Chuck, Hanna and Stacy brought to the tour decades of experience and expertise, graduate marine sciences degrees and great enthusiasm. The waters and coast around Dana Point were a spectacular setting for our viewing of a grey whale and hundreds of dolphins. So don’t wait! The modest price of a Captain Dave’s ticket delivers a world class experience.

Response from Host

Feb 2022

Hi Edmund, thank you very much for taking the time to post such an amazing review of Capt. Dave’s. I’m thrilled that you and your family were impressed with your recent safari, including the up-close wildlife sightings, our crew’s service and expertise, and the beautiful location. We love having you in our Dolphin Safari family, and hope you can join us again soon!