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High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

Overview
A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!)

We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.
City: Dana Point
Wed 25 Sep
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $89.00
Wed 25 Sep
Starting at $89.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
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
Licensed Captain and professional crew member
Additional Info
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • You may encounter occasional ocean spray
  • No over-sized bags or coolers please.
  • 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 (154)
rockies411
Jan 2019
Second time I have been with Capt Daves. Took the Zodiac boat with Capt Marie this time. Saw dolphins and several humpback whales... Capt Marie was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Look forward my next trip.
Response from Host
Feb 2019
Hi, Thank you so much for the positive feedback about Capt. Marie and your recent trip aboard our high-speed catamaran Fast Cat. I’m excited that you were able to encounter playful wild dolphins and impressive Humpback Whales! We appreciate your repeat business, and look forward to your next trip out with us.
David B
Jan 2019
The four of us took a morning trip on the fast cat. This boat allowed us to cover a lot of “ground” quickly. It was our first time on this boat, but we have taken previous trips on their larger boat. Captain Marie was very informative and in constant contact with her network to help spot whales and dolphins. We found a large pod of dolphins, including mothers and calves, and watched them for some time. She then found a gray whale heading down the coast, which we followed for a while. Overall very fun trip!
Response from Host
Jan 2019
Hi, Thanks for your review, and for being a valued returning guest of Capt. Dave’s. Sounds like you had a lot of fun on our small, high-speed catamaran Fast Cat, viewing an impressive migrating Gray Whale, and a large pod of playful wild dolphins! I’m glad you were satisfied with our Captain’s service. We appreciate the high rating, and hope you can come out with us again soon.
Diane L
Aug 2018
I have been on whale watching trips with Capt. Dave for a few years now. In the past I have been lucky enough to see blue whales and that was very memorable. Any time you can see a whale out in the open water is special. This ship is very good with viewing pods for looking underwater at the sea life. The crew gives detailed lessons about the marine life and getting to get wet as you stand on the front-end of the boat and look for whales is a ton of fun. To watch the dolphin pods and see them close to the boat is awesome. To watch them jumping out of the water is a ton of fun as well. Unfortunately, no blue whales this trip because it seems the water was too warm for their liking according to the crew, but a good time was had by all, I am sure.
Response from Host
Aug 2018
Hi, Thank you for your review, and for being a valued returning guest of Capt. Dave’s! I’m so pleased that you have found our trips to be educational and fun. It’s great that you enjoy our catamaran’s unique features, such as the Eye-Spy Dolphin Netting and the Underwater Viewing Pods, which have allowed you to get even more up-close and personal with the wild dolphins and whales. It is possible for passengers’ feet to get splashed at the very front of the boat, but in other areas of the boat, guests can stay totally dry and still have amazing sightings. Thanks again for coming out with us. I hope we’ll see you again soon!

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