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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)

cowgirll2020

Aug 2020

Took the tour on 7/30/2020. Safety was greatly taken into account for covid 19. Saw a few dolphins and a hump back whale. I've taken many whale watching tours which were considerably less cost but chose this one because it advertised a below deck viewing pod. That was unique. I "assumed" it was an area to sit and view under the water however, if you have any type of health issue such as back problems, knees, etc or are clostrophophbic this may not be for you. What it really is is a small hole you have to crawl down into on your hands and knees and get about 2 minutes time to view. You are moving inside so it was troublesome for me to stay still while trying to view. I did get a glimpse of a dolphin though. I should have done my homework for the price difference. Had a good time though and our captain did go miles out of the way so we could see the whale.

Response from Host

Aug 2020

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. It’s good to read that you were satisfied with our health and safety measures, and that you had fun getting up-close sightings of the beautiful wild dolphins, along with a magnificent Humpback Whale! I’m so sorry that our Underwater Viewing Pods did not meet your expectations. While not huge, the pods are more than just a small hole. They are special compartments built into the underside of each of the hulls on our catamaran Manute’a; about 2 adults or 3 kids can fit at a time. There is cushioned padding on the bottom, and windows on both sides – each pod with 36 square feet of bullet-proof glass from which to view the animals! Once the trip encounters wildlife, our crew opens the hatches to these pods and our guests take turns descending the ladder to enjoy the eye-to-eye perspective of the dolphins and whales. It’s even possible to hear the dolphins’ clicks and whistles! This feature is exclusive to Capt. Dave’s. Ocean conditions and animal encounters can vary so this part of the experience is different for each guest and I’m sorry you were not comfortable during your turn. Is there anything we could do to improve and earn a 5-star review from you next time? Thanks again for your feedback, and we’d love for you to come out on another trip soon.

Syeda_E

Jul 2020

Enjoyed lot ... great service and nice atmosphere. It would be my life time memory. Thanks capt Dave’s and his team.

702joannp

Jul 2020

This was such a wonderful experience! My mother in law and I enjoyed the tour! Our guides was amazing and yes we saw dolphins and sea lions! We will definitely be doing this again! The brownies was also delicious! Thank you!

Response from Host

Jul 2020

Hi Joann, thanks for your review. It’s fantastic to read what a good time you and your mother in law had while out with Capt. Dave’s. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed spending time with the playful wild dolphins and beautiful sea lions. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!