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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)

cyndit639

Mar 2020

it was amazing we were able to see hump back whales and dolphins and sea lions. they went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. I would do it again tomorrow.

Response from Host

Mar 2020

Hi Cyndi, I’m so happy that you had a great time on the water with Capt. Dave’s. It’s wonderful that we were able to show you impressive Humpback Whales as well as delightful wild dolphins and sea lions! Thank you so much for the high rating. I hope you’ll be able to come out with us again soon!

Matt S

Mar 2020

This whale/dolphin watching experience was a pretty good use of an afternoon. The staff here was fantastic, both dock-side, and while on the water. We definitely did get to see quite a bit of dolphins, and even a sea lion, which was fantastic. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water, which is always a great thing! The equipment was in great shape as well. My only negative is that there is a lot of time travelling to and from the marina (so a lot of "down time") to the viewing areas, so be prepared for that. Again, being out on the water is great overall, so that's not necessarily a bad thing!

Response from Host

Mar 2020

Hi Matt, thanks for your review and high rating. It’s wonderful that you were satisfied with our boat, crew, and the amazing wildlife sightings on your recent trip out with Capt. Dave’s! I’m sorry you felt that there was so much “down time”. We are fortunate in the lovely Dana Point area to be much closer to the open ocean, just minutes in fact, compared to other harbors in the area. And we have the closest proximity (less than a mile) to the deep coastal canyons where the dolphins and whales find their food. We will take your concerns into consideration and try to do better on future trips that may experience a similar wait before encountering the animals. We appreciate your positive feedback and would love to see you again soon!

NYTravelerBD

Feb 2020

My wife and I were hugely skeptical of whale watch tours, which often seem to disappoint. But Captain Dave's was absolutely incredible. We saw an estimated 800 dolphins swimming close to our ship, and my daughter was thrilled to watch them up close/under water in the glass bottom portal. We also saw several enormous humpback whales breaching, which was super cool. This was the perfect dolphin and whale excursion for young children because it's only 2.5 hours, and after a short 15 minute ride out to sea, you begin seeing wildlife. Our great had 4 children under age 8 and they absolutely loved it, as did the adults. Can't recommend this whale watching tour highly enough!

Response from Host

Feb 2020

Thanks for taking the time to review us! It’s wonderful to read that your whole family had an unforgettable time viewing hundreds of playful wild dolphins at the surface and also below, via our unique Underwater Viewing Pods. I’m glad you encountered multiple lively Humpback Whales too! It was our pleasure to have you aboard for these amazing sightings. We appreciate your strong recommendation, and I hope you can join us again soon!