Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari | 2 hours 30 minutes

616 Reviews | Dana Point
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Child (2-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Infant (0-1) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Non Refundable All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Signature Safari
2 Adults x $100.00
$200.00
Approx Total
$200.00
2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 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
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • DVD (available to purchase)
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Overview

Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Dana Point's highest-rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods.  For over 25 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, occasionally Orcas, 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, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®. We're a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance. 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.

Meeting points

Please arrive 45 minutes in advance. Check-in upstairs at our waterfront Dolphin Deck building. We're located next to Baby Beach and OC Sailing & Events Center.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Your whale watching experience departs from Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World® and the 1st Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. May through October you could see the largest animals on earth, Blue Whales. November through April you could witness the incredible Gray Whale migration. And throughout the year you’ll have opportunities to see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, sea lions, sharks, and so much more. Several species of wild dolphins, some in mega-pods numbering up to 10,000, are seen year-round. Upon arrival, you’ll find free parking and a warm smile from our “Dolphin Deck” team. If you or one of your guests is celebrating a special occasion, please let us know when reserving so we can arrange a special greeting. Then relax under an umbrella and enjoy a sandwich, snacks, ice cream, cold beverage, or hot coffee with the best view of Dana Point Harbor, until you’re escorted to the boat. Nearby restrooms are available to use prior to boarding. Although our primary boat has underwater pods, there may be times when other vessels without the 'pods' are used. These unique vessels offer an equivalent whale watching experience.

Sample Menu

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.

Non Refundable

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

616 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    574
  • 4 stars
    26
  • 3 stars
    9
  • 2 stars
    4
  • 1 star
    3

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 574 reviews with 5 stars

Excellent experience!

Published on Jan, 2025

Very friendly and professional organization. Safety conscious staff and well maintained vessel. Will book another trip when we’re in the area.

Great whale and dolphin watch.

Published on Jan, 2025

We had a wonderful time and saw whales (or the same whale breaching numerous times) as well as many dolphins frolicking next to the boat. The day was sunny and the ocean calm. We took many photos and just enjoyed being on the open water and watching the sea life. I would highly recommend the whale watch.

Lots of fun

Published on Jan, 2025

The staff was knowledgeable on a beautiful day. Didn't end up seeing any whales but that wasn't their fault. We did see about 1,000 dolphins. Great trip!

What a great birthday!

Published on Jan, 2025

We went to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday and everything was spectacular! Captain Chuck, first mate Hannah, and photographer Matt took good care of us. We got very lucky with the weather being perfect and saw dolphin pods with hundreds of dolphins, a mola, sea lions and many different sea birds. Hannah and Matt were knowledgeable about them all and answered all of our questions. This was our third trip with Captain Dave and we will definitely be back. Practical advice: We were on the smaller catamaran, so we were very glad we brought along some ginger for motion sickness. Some of the more adventurous folks stuck their hands through the strapping in the back and let the dolphins touch them - it looked fun, but they got drenched. I wish I had brought a towel so I could do it too. Take advantage of the bathroom break before boarding the boat, even if you don't think you need to. You absolutely don't want to use the bucket on the boat. (It's not really a bucket, but it's not something you want to experience.)

Perfect!

Published on Jan, 2025

Hannah and Capt Alex were amazing and so knowledgeable! We saw close to 1000 dolphins swimming in pods and with the boat. Plus a 30 foot Gray Whale!

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