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
831 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fin Whale and Risso Dolphins?.. err, Yes please!
jonnow953,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were blessed to see a Fin whale and a large pod of Risso Dolphins. They all came close to the boat. Beautiful experience! Hats off to the Boat Captain for positioning the boat for good viewing as there were a few smaller boats speeding around getting in the way. Alex was our skipper & Amanda was our guide for the day - she was very friendly, knowledgeable and willing to answer loads of questions. All the team were great and passionate about the animals. If I’m ever in the area again, I would do this trip again.
Delightful crew.
Charles G,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00On time departure. Very experienced crew. Good results finding dolphins. Somehow whales not trained to show up!
A whale of a good time!!
Arizona-Kathryn,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best whale watching experience. We saw whales as many as seven times and one of them came right up to the boat. It was pure luck I know, but the captain takes this time and tries to make sure that all of us enjoy as many sightings as possible. Several of the guests had been on the same trip as many as 10 times. They told me it’s the best because some of the other boats with other companies just go straight out and then come straight back in. I highly recommend Captain Dave’s whale watching!
Terrific Crew
ARRIA123,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific crew. They were friendly, knowledgeable and very informative. Saw 6 whales including one just 20 feet off the side of the boat. Overall, a terrific experience.
Great experience
ForensicNeuroscience,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Gary was terrific, the Orca boat was great, and we saw it all - a fin whale, scores of dolphins, and a school of sharks which is rare! Highly recommend.
We enjoyed the crew Capt...
David E,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed the crew Capt Matt and his crew were very knowledgeable. Lots of dolphins and an amazing time with a Fin Whale.
Recommend Captain Dave’s
brian n,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy check-in, good communicators, great crew, ❤️Dana Point! Saw a blue whale for the first time Bam! And much, much more!
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!!
From US$105.99
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari