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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)

ronbeach

Feb 2020

I had a great day on the water today with Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. While I have my own boat in Dana Point, it can be hit or miss finding whales when I go out myself. Today made it clear that going with a professional crew is well worth the effort. Not only did they find the whales, but the crew also took drone videos throughout the tour. I took pictures myself, but they do not compare to those taken from the drone. I highly recommend that you purchase the video of your tour as it includes footage from your cruise as well as scenes from prior tours.

Response from Host

Feb 2020

Hi, thank you for your review and for posting the wonderful photos! It’s so good to read what an amazing time you had on your recent dolphin and whale watching safari with Capt. Dave’s. I’m very glad you liked our crew and the drone footage from the trip. We’re grateful for the positive feedback and we’d love for you to come out with us again soon!

Ddconover

Jan 2020

We did see one gray whale but not a single dolphin! They post a board where they show how many of each they see on a given day. One day this week, they saw 300 dolphins and yesterday we couldn't find one! Perhaps this is normal this time of year. Also..it was freezing. listen to them when they say it is 15 colder out at sea or you will freeze. Disappointing experience overall.

Response from Host

Jan 2020

Hi, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us. I’m so sorry that you thought the trip rated only 2 stars! I’m happy to read that you did have an exciting encounter with a magnificent migrating Gray Whale, but we definitely understand the frustration about the lack of dolphin sightings. We would love for every trip to experience the magic of being so up-close with the beautiful wild dolphins, but as it is wildlife, we just can’t guarantee that. I’m sorry you felt uncomfortable during the trip. We always recommend for our guests to layer their clothing and bring at least a jacket or a sweatshirt, since it’s always cooler out on the water. Thank you for choosing Capt. Dave’s. Remember, now that you are part of our Dolphin Safari family, you get a special discount on future trips - I hope you will consider joining us again so we can have a second chance to show you the delightful dolphins!

Mrsrjaynes

Jan 2020

The cruise was beyond amazing--from beginning to end! We sailed on 1/5 at 11am. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. They narrated the entire trip--but not too much. We knew it was possible that we would not see whales so we picked a cruise we felt would be comfortable to just enjoy the ride. We were more than thrilled when they told us they spotted whales. Not 1, not 2, but 3... maybe 4 whales. I lost count in the majestic moments. The viewing pods were neat but cramped. We saw so many dolphins so close to the boat you felt like you could touch them. Same with the whales. Some were really close to the boat. One note... several other cruise boats are out there as well as individuals on their own boats. Some other companies gave up after the whales took a deep dive, but not Captain Dave's. They waited and followed at a close distance. They also interacted with others on the water who were on a collision course one of the whales and one cutting off the whales path. They care about the whales and safety. Oh... and you get brownies at the end of the cruise! Highly recommended cruise!

Response from Host

Jan 2020

Hi Mrsrjaynes, thank you so much for the positive, detailed review. It’s so exciting to read what spectacular sightings you enjoyed on your trip out with Capt. Dave’s, including multiple awe-inspiring whales as well as large pods of wild dolphins! I’m very happy that you were pleased with our crew and their informative narration. It’s great that they were able to show you the animals super up-close, and that you took advantage of our unique Underwater Viewing Pods to get a special eye-to-eye view of the wildlife too. The photos you posted are gorgeous, and thank you for your recommendation! I hope we’ll see you again soon.