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‘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)
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
Reviews
761 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
691clayw,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! We saw thousands of dolphins and 2 fin whales! The crew is super knowledgeable and are experts in marine biology, which makes the experience even better because they can explain what you’re looking at! I would highly recommend.
If you don’t see any whales or dolphins, they will let you go back on another trip for free
Ctam11,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Trip advisor was supposed to price match the fee I paid to them since the vendor was a lot cheaper. TA gave me so much push back the whole time with So many phone calls and EMs back and forth….I just gave up. their customer service reps are in another country and they are so hard to understand. Pls don’t use TA go directly to the boat company!!
Enjoyable trip.
ga719,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our whale watching trip went smoothly. We were able to observe 2 pods of dolphins, but unfortunately no whales. Staff were courteous, helpful and informative. It was enjoyable to be able to get outside on the front of the catamaran and watch the dolphins race alongside the boat. It was worth the cost, just wish we could have seen whales as well but there are not guarantees.
Great day on the water!
outtatowner66,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience!! We saw a humpback feeding with sea lions, dolphins and a bird-nado. Also saw a minke whale and lots of dolphins on our way back to the dock. The staff on the boat are very knowledgeable on what you are seeing and they have a “naturalist” on board too. It was our anniversary and when my hubby made the reservation, it asked if it was a special occasion. The staff made a point to acknowledge it and make it very special! I highly recommend this whether you are an out-of-towner or a native.
Great whale watch experience!
PageAdventureRocks,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time on my first whale watch tour. The crew was excellent and attentive, with Captain Caitlyn approaching pods of dolphin with care, naturalist Andy keeping us informed, and Hanna and Safa with photography and meeting our every need. The time flew by! I will be back.
Could not have been better!!
jasonbK2922LG,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went out with Captain Jim and Luke on the catamaran for an Ash Scattering Service. Jim and Luke were incredible in every way! Truly the day couldn't have been more perfect. Crew, Weather, 2,000 dolphin, and most important it was such a beautiful way to honor our Mom! We will forever have fond memories of the whole experience! Thank you!
Scattering your loved ones ashes
denisepR4335KV,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were recommend to Captain Dave's from the Neptune Society. We were very happy with our experience. A week before our trip, they called to say they were going to change boats and it turned out to be a better option. It was a small catamaran. Captain Jim was so kind as well as his first mate. I had mentioned to Captain Jim that when we scattered my Mom's ashes there were dolphins following us. After we scattered my Dad's ashes and he gave me plenty of time at the site, he brought us out further to where the dolphins were feeding. It was magical and a great experience for our son. After we arrived back at the dock we were given yummy brownies. We highly recommend Captain Dave's.
A great time!
dennisf117,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fabulous time on this tour. I've not seen so many dolphins, both large and small on any other tour. We were going about the same speed as they were, and they apparently loved swimming near our boat. I stayed at the very front of the boat most of the time and the dolphins were often right below us, swimming right in front of us. They look magnificent at this short distance. There was one period where they were jumping high out of the water, so fun to see these intelligent creatures! The captain: Kaitlyn and her 3 crew members were fabulous, very knowledgeable and informative. They were all photographers, but one took care of the photography for each of us, which we could buy for $15 if desired. No whales this time, but we did see several sea lions. The tour lasted about 2.5 hours and was probably the most fun we had had on our five-day trip. Thanks to Caitlin and her crew for being outstanding!
Great staff who helped us find dolphins in Dana Point Ocean. We didn’t find any whales but had such a nice boat trip!
Jill H,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for offering dolphin and whale watching tours in Dana Point. We had such a great tour on a Tuesday morning and your staff was very friendly and accommodating- they answered many questions from us and other visitors on the boat. Thank you for a great experience!!
Great whale watching tour
mittys2025,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on our 7th or 8th trip with Capt Dave's. This time our crew was Capt Alex, Amanda the first mate, and Daelyn, the wildlife photographer. We had an amazing time. We saw 3 pods of dolphins: short beak common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and long beak common dolphins. Alas, no whales to be seen. Amanda was great at explaining the whys and wheres of the dolphins. Our boat was the HOKU NAI'A, which is not the one with underwater view but nevertheless a great boat. The viewing was wonderful. The amount of people on board was just the right amount for being able to be out on the front of the boat and around the sides for outdoor viewing without being crowded. On a side note, I did ask Amanda where a good taco place was as we headed back to Long Beach on the PCH. She recommended the Taco Stand in Laguna Beach. She didn't steer us wrong. Really good tacos.
From $95.00
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