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
792 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Day
Ric R,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was everything I imagined it could be. The staff from check in to off boarding were awesome. We caught sightings of grey whales and hung out with a chill pod of dolphins.
Great tour
jerrybV6833FX,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time, very knowledgeable crew and saw dolphins and a whale.
Highly recommend
921sallyl,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable crew. It’s our second trip, definitely worth doing. We have seen lots of dolphins, whales and sea lions. Captain Marie, crew Hannah and Jalen were professional, knowledgeable and fun.
Fantastic whale watching tour
Jolacabana,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this whale watching tour. Captain Alex, crew Daelyn, Cloe and photographer Hannah were awesome. So knowledgeable and fun. We saw a cow and calf frolicking. So magnificent. A must do in Dana Point.
Great whale watching tour for families
S8293XNemmae,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family really enjoyed this whale watching tour! The crew were all very friendly and clearly cared a lot about the environment and teaching us about how to better care for our oceans. The boat was really nice and clean as well.
Outstanding.
robk453,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Communication from start to finish was excellent. Boat was clean. Crew was very knowledgeable and explained everything. Saw three gray whales up close for quite some time. Highly recommend.
Fun for all ages!
Shannon B,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went as a family in January with a 90 year old, two 30-somethings, and a 2 year old, and everyone had a wonderful time! The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, accommodating, experienced, and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about whales and dolphins. We spotted a humpback whale, two species of dolphins, and sea lions. The staff made it a priority to make sure that everyone saw the animals and were knowledgeable about how to find them. The underwater viewing area was a tiny room that 1-2 people can crawl into at a time, but it was very cool to see and pretend you were a dolphin swimming in the ocean with water blasting by you as the boat moved. The 2 year old especially liked the underwater viewing area. We also enjoyed delicious free brownies at the end.
Fun for all ages!
Relax44954550945,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went as a family in January with a 90 year old, two 30-somethings, and a 2 year old, and everyone had a wonderful time! The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, accommodating, experienced, and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about whales and dolphins. We spotted a humpback whale, two species of dolphins, and sea lions. The staff made it a priority to make sure that everyone saw the animals and were knowledgeable about how to find them. The underwater viewing area was a tiny room that 1-2 people can crawl into at a time, but it was very cool to see and pretend you were a dolphin swimming in the ocean with water blasting by you as the boat moved. The 2 year old especially liked the underwater viewing area. We also enjoyed delicious free brownies at the end.
Dolphins!
R5600GXbobv,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience. We saw so many dolphins. 4 different species in fact. We got incredibly close to them. The entire crew was great, especially the photographer Hannah. Her passion for what she does was contagious.
Always a fun adventure!
kathy17107,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is our 8th trip with Captain Dave! We always see lots of marine mammals, especially dolphins. Today we went with Capt. Marie, First Mate Janel, Photographer Hannah and Chloe. The ladies make for an excellent crew. They are very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. We have never had a bad experience.
From US$99.99
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