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.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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.
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)
Options
Signature Safari
2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour
Reviews
823 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guides
heatherjE5847GO,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day with great views of a Fin whale! Matt and Amanda did an amazing job guiding us and sharing lots of information.
Amazing time with family
Marc L,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The entire crew was amazing. We saw so many whales, dolphins and even some sea lions. I’d recommend this tour for anyone. Captain Dave’s was worth it.
Whales, dolphins & sea lions…OH MY!!
leadlikeagirl,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came on this whale watching adventure as part of my daughter’s 3rd grade class trip. The crew was amazing from start to finish (despite many of us getting sea sick & needing help managing that). Because we were the 10a tour, they already had info on where to go to see wild life that had already been spotted that day. We were able to see 2 types of dolphins (very playful & easy to trap some good pics & video) and have a really long fin whale encounter (no great pics, but she sature near our boat for over 20 minutes & surfaced several times!!). As we got off the boat we were treated to brownies made from Captain Dave’s wife’s recipe!! A fantastic experience all around. But if you get sea sick easily, do take precautions & come prepared!!
Splendid time
Akop V,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing journey! From our great captain and his lovely crew, to the 20 something Finn whales we witnessed… such a privilege to share the sacred beauty that is our California coast! We will definitely be back in time to see the next big Migration!!
Comfortable and delightful whale watching excursion!
kiwiete,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time out on the water with captain Matt (and Mike and Safa!). Everyone on the crew was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and you could tell that giving us a memorable experience was their priority. They managed what I imagine was a below average wildlife sighting trip with humor and determination to find some whales (fin whales for the win, btw!) The boat was spacious and comfortable, and it felt very easy to get a great view of the whales from multiple spots. We would absolutely book with Captain Dave’s again!
Nice but bit overrated.
Gaurav B,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Staff is amazing and informative. The ocean is amazing but if you’re solely going for the whale experience thinking you will see lots of whales and other big fishes, chances are you will most likely not. The staff try really hard to give you great experience but I blame them whales. Perhaps they aren’t being paid well enough 😂
Awesome
Odyssey821479,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Saw dolphins and multiple fin whales! Captain Matt and crew were great!!
One of the highlights of my vacation!
laddv2017,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An exciting few hours on the water with several sightings of a large Fin Whale made for an all around great excursion! The crew's experience in sighting them, knowing how long before they'd resurface, etc. gave us some fantastic views of this playful whale who swam right next to our boat several times! An absolutely amazing tour and a highlight of our vacation. Thanks to the Captain Dave's and their experienced crew ((Capt. Marie, 1st Mates Andy/Hannah) for a memorable afternoon! The dolphins at the end were fun, too, but paled in comparison to the magnificent views of the Fin Whale!
You should definitely take this trip!
250elleng,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was great! The crew, Captain Matt, First Mate Hannah, and Photographer Daelyn were all amazing! Lots of information and lots of fun! THANK YOU TO ALL OF THEM!
Excellent family adventure
kjJ8061GY,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole crew was amazing. My kids and I, and grandma, had a great time. We had Capt. Alex and his crew, Safa, Dhelyn, and Danny. Safa is excellent with details about the wildlife and narrating parts of the adventure. My 9 yr olds had a blast and have asked to go again. We were able to see whales and dolphins on our tour.
From US$99.99
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