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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

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $100.00

Make a reservation

Sun 17 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)

massimo T

Aug 2019

I have done many shakes tour in Canada, Australia and this was the worst one Zero whales seen and no effort to look for them Surely nice group of dolphins Baby as 2 years old pay almost full price Boat was full and hard even to have your space to see dolphins

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi Massimo, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. It’s very disappointing to read that you thought the trip rated only 3 stars. Looks like your excursion had wonderful sightings, including a large pod of 200 common dolphins as well as 30 Bottlenose dolphins! I’m so glad you liked viewing them. I wish we could have shown you some whales too. Our Captains and crew are very experienced and go above and beyond on each of our safaris to get our passengers as up close as possible with as much of the ocean wildlife as they can. However, nature is unpredictable and we never know what we will see each time, which means every trip is different and special. I’m sorry you felt the boat was crowded. We never take more than 49 guests at a time, so there is always enough space for everyone to have a seat or move around the boat. Most of our guests love that we limit the number of passengers, and the fact that amazing sightings can be had from anywhere on the boat! Everyone does count as a passenger, regardless of age, but we do offer separate pricing for adults, children, and infants. Looking at your reservation, the pricing for each guest was correct. Once again I’m sorry you felt that the trip was not quite what you were hoping for. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to improve and earn a 5-star review from you next time. We would love for you to join us again soon!

N2111YCalans

Jul 2019

I visited a few years ago and had a fantastic day with a girlfriend and always wanted to return with my family. We were able to go on the safari this afternoon and we had a great time. We saw a ton of common dolphin. The staff takes great care to make sure everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. I highly recommend as a must do when in the area. Such a wonderful trip. Hi My teen even thanked me!

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to write us a positive review and recommendation! I’m thrilled you were able to join us again and share this amazing dolphin and whale watching experience with your family. I’m glad you were pleased with the crew’s service, and that everyone had a great time watching the playful wild dolphins. We appreciate your repeat business, and hope you can come out with us again soon.

RODPCM

Jul 2019

I have been on many dolphin and whale watching trips and I cannot recommend anything as highly as I can recommend Captain Daves! I recently returned from a 10-day trip where I went out at least once a day and often twice a day. I can't say enough good things about all the staff and the crew, from the office staff and the schedulers to the captains and the crew on the boat. They all go above and beyond to maximize your experience and make sure that you have an amazing,safe and educational experience! Thank you so much captains Chuck, Marie, Tom, Mark, Daniel, Craig, Steve, I am sure I am forgetting someone! If you go out with Captain Daves you will never be disappointed! I have seen bottlenose dolphins, long and short beaked common dolphins, gray whales, minke whales, fin whales, blue whales, brydes whales...i saw a cow/calf Brydes whales...i saw Patches, a piebald bottlenose dolphin...wherever you are in the world, this trip will not disappoint you! You will be amazed & delighted! Please come to Dana Point & see dolphins & whales swimming wild & free in their home, the ocean...do not ever go to Sea world or any other marine mammal abusement park! Say no to captivity & do not buy a ticket unless you are seeing dolphins & whales wild & free on their own terms...trust me, they will come to you because they choose to, not because they have been exploited, starved & forced to perform for you.

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi, Thank you so much for your review and for being a valued returning guest of Capt. Dave’s. It’s so exciting to read what fantastic sightings you’ve had of the various amazing ocean wildlife, including many different kinds of whales and dolphins! Thank you also for supporting our dedication to educational, eco-friendly tours. We are grateful for your strong recommendation and kind words about our Captains and crew. We look forward to seeing you again on your next visit to Dana Point, the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world®!