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
812 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding captain and crew! Mama fin whale "Betty" and calf "Boop" were so fun!
johntS8397MW,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding captain and crew. Did 12pm trip on Wednesday. After initially going to where other boats were waiting and not seeing anything for 20 minutes, the captain decided to head in another direction and intercepted a radio communication from a sailboat that saw "Betty" a mama fin whale and her calf "Boop". We hung out there watching them for over an hour - super cool. Also saw another fin whale and a gray. And then ran into a small to medium pod of dolphins frolicking beneath the boat. Crew was friendly, accommodating, and good at explaining. We parents and our kids loved every minute of the trip! Would recommend without reservation!
Great experience. The...
Jennifer D,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The crew were so friendly and knowledgable. We had such a great time, seeing whales, dolphins and sea lions. I know it is not guaranteed to see whales on this trip, but they make every effort they can to try and find them!
Great day out!
smjkchicago,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful day on the water with an excellent crew! We brought a 5 year old and an infant and it was great - just the right length for a trip and very exciting to see the whales and dolphins!
Beautiful morning on the ocean in Dana Point!
T2661ZJlaurad,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had so much fun today on the whale watching trip with Capt. Dave’s. Captain Marie, along with first mate, Michael, and photographer, Hannah were such a great crew. They all provided so much interesting information about the sea life that we saw. It was a gorgeous day on the water. Everybody on board really enjoyed watching the Dolphins swim around us. Beautiful comfortable boat too.
Dolphins, whales and sun shine!
Scenic766950,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip with Captain Marie and first mate Michael and photographer Hanna. Followed a pod of common dolphins for quite a while and then to cap off the trip, saw a group of 5 gray whales. Great company and a memorable adventure!
No-Sighting but no regrets. Absolute perfect team!
spchaitanya15591,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was during the 'festival of whales', a perfect sunny day to be on the water. Sadly, it was a no-sighting day for us. But the captain and crew at Captain Dave's did everything in their capacity to make sure we still had a fun and a pleasant day in the water. The Captain, Matt made sure we got our return tickers even before we docked. The 1st officer Micheal made sure the trip was fun, engaging and informative. Safa captured our time at the sea with pictures now hanging by my fridge. We each got their raved about cookie as a parting gift and I'd say though we didn't see any whales, no one on the boat left unhappy. Kudos to the team for taking care of the details from parking directions to preboading calls to thank you muffins. 5/5 anyday.
Excellent Whale watch for an afternoon.
Compass36387231001,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Marie, First Mate Andy, and Photographer Hanna gave us a wonderful 2.5 hour ride on the Mautea. Lovely weather, use sunscreen and bring a jacket and hat, and be aware there is motion on the ocean. Although, this trip was not to the zoo where animal are penned in, we did get into a pod bottlenose dolphins. The observation pods were opened for a good look underwater. Later,another boat reported a whale sighting and we experienced a modern day whale hunter chase to find a Fin Whale, the second largest whale ,next to the Blue Whale. It was exciting and I'm glad we were out of the way for most of the bow spray. This was very enjoyable and I recommend Captain Dave's .
Great time!
Ryan P,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic adventure, but no whales—but lots of dolphins! I definitely would do it again. Highly recommend.
Fantastic
bobwQ6286GV,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic cruise as usual. Dave's tours are always great. There were no whales and very few dolphins today but the crew was great and very knowledgable. It was truly enjoyable. Capt. Eric and Safa and the photog were great. We will return as we have for about 15 years. Robert Werner
INCREDIBLE!
gracefO2327CC,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently went on a whale watching tour (early March 2026 on Sunday 3pm, lasting 3 hrs!) with Captain Matt, 1st Mate Michael, and photographer Safa. My group of 4 all loved it! The staff were knowledgeable and entertaining, wanting to provide the best experience possible. We saw 12 whale, hundreds of dolphins and even a sea lion! We were blown away by what we saw and how close but respectful we could get to the animals. Captain Matt said he's likely been on 1500 whale watches and this trip made his top 10 experiences. I'd recommend booking the last experience of the day if possible because the tour can be slightly extended due to animal sightings if necessary. That's what happened in our case!
From US$99.99
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