Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
Only Manute'a has underwater viewing. Boats are subject to change without notice and changes are not a determinant for cancellation or refund.
What To Expect
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.
Options
Signature Safari
2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour
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
Food and drinks
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
849 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic adventure
T5972RTsherrys,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We go every summer and they never disappoint.
So much fun! I would definitely recommend!
539allysonr,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paid by card online. Capt. Dave's is located by the harbor and offers a lot of parking. I was easily able to book online for the 2.5 hour 8 am tour, for my child and me. When we arrived at the harbor, we went upstairs to check in and got the passes to get on the boat. The staff was super friendly at check-in and on the boat (Capt. Matt, 1st mate, Mike, and photographer, Andy.) Everything about the experience was well-organized. The boat was clean and comfortable so it was an enjoyable ride. We saw about 400 dolphins and 1 humpback whale! It was such an enjoyable excursion! I would recommend you bring your own snacks and/or drinks on board if you don't have a chance to eat beforehand, since snacks and drinks are not provided on the 2.5 hour 8 am tour. There is a small snack shack upstairs where you check in if you forget to bring things to eat and drink. I would recommend this tour and would go back.
Dolphin Fun in Dana Point
B6863MUericb,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience. We were in the midst of a pod of over 400 dolphins they were awesome to experience. The crew and the boat were excellent kudos to Captain Matt, First Mate Mike and Researcher Andy. If you're in Dana Point this is a must do.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Whale Watching Experience
felicity T,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Whale Watching Experience We had an absolutely fantastic experience. From start to finish, the trip was professional, well organised, and exceeded our expectations. The crew were knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about marine life. A special thank you to Alex, Hannah, and Daelyn, who made the experience even more enjoyable with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to answer questions throughout the trip. The highlight was seeing whales in their natural habitat, something that was truly unforgettable for our family. The crew did an excellent job of helping everyone spot wildlife and sharing interesting information about the animals and the local area. The boat was comfortable, well maintained, and the atmosphere on board was relaxed and welcoming. You could tell the team genuinely cared about making sure every guest had a great experience. This was one of the highlights of our California trip and something we will remember for a long time. We would highly recommend Dana Wharf Whale Watching to anyone visiting the area and would happily book again on our next visit. Thank you to the entire team for an amazing day on the water.
Great Trip!
1GreenGetAway,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great Whale Watching Safari off of Dana Point this morning. Captain Matt, 1st Mate Mike and Photographer/Researcher Andy were fantastic! Loved it so much we are going to do it again this afternoon! 🐋
The captain and crew were...
William O,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain and crew were very friendly and provided entertaining information about the sea animals that we expected to see.
Great Experience!! :) I highly recommend Captian Dave's
Faeeza J,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew were amazing on the boat! They seemed quite experienced and had a wealth of knowledge about marine life. I felt quite safe in the crew's hands and had a great experience seeing lots and lots of dolphins!
Amanda was amazing
jamesrV660YT,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience, crew, trip, and sightings. My father in law has Parkinsons and they were extremely kind and accommodating, especially with his wheelchair. Amanda was particularly helpful.
Whale soup
Z4964FDdawnw,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic trip with Captain Matt, Magic Mike, and Safari Safa. They were knowledgeable, fun, and engaging. We saw Minke whales, a Humpback, and more dolphins than we could count. The underwater viewing pod was cool and our departure brownies were delicious. Would highly recommend.
Deceptive advertising and no underwater viewing
O9330XUac,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Don't waste your money if you're trying to get the underwater experience. Sharing my disappointing experience here so others are aware. I bought a ticket specifically for the underwater viewing and when we encountered dolphin pods swimming near the boat, they wouldn't let anyone go into the underwater pods for underwater viewing when the animals are nearby. WHICH IS THE POINT OF WHY I'M ON IT. It was a very disappointing experience and a waste of money. Only time they let us into the "underwater pods" was when they ran out of time and were rushing to get the boat back to shore. We didn't see anything except the bubbles on the surface of the water. Then when I went to tell my concerns with the manager or customer service people, they basically gaslit and guilt tripped me for not enjoying my experience. "Oh but you saw a whale and dolphins! You should be happy!" That isn't what I bought the ticket for, Karen.
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