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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)

B2523KHkater

Sep 2020

The entire experience was fantastic! The crew was genuinely helpful and concerned for each traveler's comfort. We were able to move into and spend time in a pod of over 800 Common Dolphin, and then, with the consensus of all on board went out 10 miles offshore where we hoped to see whales. While we did not, we happily scooped up 5 mylar balloons which would be a danger to the marine life. The captain and others were extremely knowledgeable and were able to teach us all so much about the Dolphins and their lifestyles, their babies, the way the sleep, and eat and dive ... it was really more educational than a trip we did many years ago on the Ocean Institute's boat. Altogether a JOY!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Hi Kate, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I’m so happy that you had a fantastic trip with Capt. Dave’s, spending time with hundreds of playful wild dolphins! It’s great that you liked our crew and found the trip to be educational as well as fun. We also appreciate your support of our eco-friendly efforts to maintain the well-being of our ocean and its inhabitants. Thanks again for coming out. I hope we’ll see you again soon!

TravelingMerm

Aug 2020

What a unique and mesmerizing experience! I had a blast from start to finish! All the staff were warm, welcoming and fun! And they also worked hard to keep us all safe from crazy, choppy waves as well as Covid! Everyone wore masks and there was plenty of room for social distancing. As the water fades from pale minty green, to deep emerald then cobalt blue, you can stand out on the front and enjoy the views from all around you, including underneath your feet through the net lounges! Really let's you get close to the dolphins as they fly along with the boat! And when the waves are wild like they were when I went, the front of the boat turns into the best kind of roller coaster so hang on tight! And the most awesome part is that, if the conditions are right, you can go below and lay down and view the dolphins from beneath the waves!! They have a small viewing area in each side of the bottom of the catamaran surrounded by thick windows that allows you a different perspective of riding along with the dolphins as they speed along in front of the boat! Our crew members were Captain Tom, Hannah and Stacie. They were all so knowledgeable did everything they could to teach us about the Common and Bottlenose Dolphins we saw, and even the sea lions! Unfortunately we didn't see any whales, but not for lack of trying! Capt. Tom went above and beyond to try and find some for us. They even gave us a homemade brownie as a goodbye gift and it was delicious! Highly recommend!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Hi, thank you for the review. I’m thrilled that you had such a great experience, enjoying the colorful marine landscape as well as the up-close views of the lively wild dolphins. It’s good to read that you were happy with our COVID-19 precautions, and that you had fun with the different perspectives of the wildlife offered by our Eye-Spy Dolphin Netting and Underwater Viewing Pods on our unique catamaran Manute’a. We are pleased to have provided an unforgettable excursion, and we really appreciate your recommendation. I hope you can come out with us again soon!

SeeShelley

Aug 2020

Very safe and take every precaution for your safety. Lots of sanitizing spray was used and everyone wore masks and were safely distance. This was my fifth trip with Captain Dave's and as usual it never disappoints. Fantastic time. Took my granddaughter this time and we went down into the pod for some underwater viewing of the Dolphins. So lots and lots of dolphins and quite a few babies. Saw the famous patches dolphin too. This is the only dolphin or whale watch company I would ever go out with. A Minsk whale was nearby but we didn't manage to see him. I have seen blue whales in the past with Captain Dave's Safari but not this trip. They're just not coming in close enough right now. But still Always a terrific time. My 17 year old granddaughter really enjoyed it.

Response from Host

Aug 2020

Hi Shelley, thanks so much for the positive, detailed review. I’m thrilled that you had so many amazing dolphin sightings, including the eye-to-eye perspective via our Underwater Viewing Pods. It’s wonderful that you felt safe during the trip, and that you continue to be so satisfied with each trip you take with us. We love having you as a repeat guest, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.