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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)

dngrockstar

Sep 2020

This was my second time doing this adventure! The first time we were able to see a whale and pod of dolphins. The second time we got to see a huge pod of dolphins and some sea lions out at sea! The entire tour itself lasted about 2.5 hours. When you check in, you can pick up some snacks and souvenirs while you wait before the tour starts. There’s a parking lot nearby, but I’d recommend getting there early enough to secure a parking spot. There’s a bathroom nearby and it’s smart to go before jumping on the boat. The boat does have a bathroom but hope to have good balance as it may be a challenge, as the boat tends to rock a fair bit. Not entirely sure what kind of vessel we were on but it looked like a catamaran. Captain Chuck and Buck were super cool and knowledgeable about all the marine animals we encountered. The vessel we rode had these viewing capsules below the deck where you can see the dolphins under water. You’ll have to climb down a ladder then lay on your stomach to get a glimpse of the underwater world. If you’re a dolphin lover, you’d enjoy this experience. To end the trip you’ll get these delicious brownies. Overall, the entire crew and experience was awesome and I’d definitely go again!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Hi, thanks for your review and for being part of our Dolphin Safari family! I’m so happy that you continue to enjoy spectacular dolphin and whale sightings with us, and that you like taking advantage of the special features of our unique catamaran Manute’a to get a really up-close view of the marine mammals. The photos you shared are beautiful! I’m so glad you had a great time and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

rbsheehan

Sep 2020

What a great idea for our staycation in 2020! The captain and crew on the whale watching boat in Dana Point could not have been more accommodating, informative, fun, and caring!! With only seven passengers on the boat, we were easily socially distant and still had a great great trip. 2020 is not a year for whale watching apparently, however the dolphins are making up for it. We had such fun riding with hundreds of jumping dolphins, and they make everyone happy The crew was attentive to everyone’s comfort and capability and helped us all get to the best viewing spots. And it’s a nice long boat ride with fresh air. Easy drive from San Diego locations. TOTALLY recommend Capt. Dave’s!!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Hi, thank you for choosing Capt. Dave’s for part of your staycation this year. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed watching hundreds of delightful wild dolphins on our uncrowded catamaran. It’s wonderful that you were satisfied with our crew’s service and informative narration too. We appreciate the recommendation and hope you can come out with us again soon!

Dalene F

Sep 2020

Surprisingly inviting, exciting, unexpected adventure! A great way to spend the afternoon and well worth the money.

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Hi Dalene, thank you so much for the 5-star review! I’m very glad that you had an exciting dolphin and whale watching trip with Capt. Dave’s. We appreciate the positive feedback and would love to see you for another adventure soon!