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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

Mon 18 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Mon 18 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)

Kruddick3

Jun 2021

This company is EXCELLENT! We were visiting from Arizona and decided last minute to get out on the water in hopes of seeing the dolphins. We saw so many dolphins & a few seals. The crew was friendly, professional and the photo souvenirs were awesome and affordable. This was a highlight of our trip and we cannot wait to come back again!

Response from Host

Jun 2021

Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for the glowing review! It’s so great that you jumped on one of our trips last minute and ended up having an excellent time. I’m glad that you enjoyed viewing the beautiful wild dolphins and the sea lions. It was our pleasure to provide an unforgettable trip, and I’m happy you liked the souvenir photo collage too. Thanks again for coming out! I hope we’ll see you again soon.

Travelka7

Jun 2021

We took a chance and went on a trip with Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari based on the reviews. It was a pure joy! Saw three different types of dolphins - more than we've ever seen and learned a lot about them. Captain Marie and her crew were very attentive to the passengers, several times throughout the journey they checked in with everyone on board and made sure folks were doing well. Matt (I hope I got the name right) provided a lot of really interesting facts about the dolphins - it was obvious how much passion he had for the ocean and its creatures. The underwater pods were fun but don't expect to see too much there as the animals may or may not come close during the few minutes you spend there. The boat had ~50-people capacity but we had fewer due to COVID restrictions (~40) so it felt pretty spacious and not crowded. More adventurous folks could go upfront in the splashing area. Overall, we truly enjoyed the trip and felt safe and well taken care of. Kudos for 'in scale' models Matt shared - kids will have fun with that.

Response from Host

Jun 2021

Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you had a great dolphin and whale watching experience with Capt. Dave’s! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed our crew’s informative narration and our unique catamaran with the Underwater Viewing Pods. It’s wonderful that you saw three different types of dolphins up-close and in their natural environment! We appreciate the high rating and hope to see you for another trip soon.

chefkmcdowell

May 2021

Although the whales were hiding that trip, we did see a ton of dolphins, a huge sunfish and some sea lions. The crew (Captain Chuck, Ryan "Cowboy", Stacy, and I believe Natalie?) was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. We had an amazing time and will definitely be back for another tour with them!!!!

Response from Host

May 2021

Thank you so much for the 5-star review! I’m glad you had so many exciting wildlife encounters during your recent trip with Capt. Dave’s. We appreciate the positive feedback about our Captain and crew. I hope you can join us for another safari soon – and hopefully we can show you whales too!