Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!)
We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 6 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
You may encounter occasional ocean spray
No over-sized bags or coolers please.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Your exhilarating adventure departs from Dana Point, the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, and the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®. May through October you could see the largest animals on earth, magnificent Blue Whales. December through April you could witness the incredible Gray Whale migration. And throughout the year you’ll have the opportunity to see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, sometimes Orcas (Killer Whales), and so much more. Several species of wild dolphins, some in 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, such as a birthday or anniversary, be sure to let us know when reserving so that we can arrange for a special greeting. Check in about 30 to 45 minutes in advance. Then relax under a blue 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.
What‘s Included
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
Licensed Captain and professional crew member
Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in)
Gratuities
Options
Zodiac Safari
2-hour Zodiac Adventure Safari
Reviews
383 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fin whales all day
Lakegirl1927,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Capt Matt. Very knowledgeable and we saw multiple fin whales! Epic
Excellent whale watching trip
Cruiser508795,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just got off a truly magical whale watching tour with Captain. Gary and 1st Mate Safa from Capt Dave’s Whale Watching in Dana Point CA. Gary and Safa were so knowledgeable about the marine animals and we saw pods of dolphins but also a mama fin whale with her calf! We also saw another fin whale but seeing the mama and her calf was incredible! It was so much fun and I I highly recommend Cap’t. Dave’s!
We had the best time !...
Trinidad C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best time ! Saw 2 fin wales and one of them swam next to us for quite a while . Then the playful dolphins came to greet us. We were with Captain Marie and her charming companion. Thanks for a wonderful time !!!
The BEST whale watching experience!!!!!!
Pioneer54530208748,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I live locally and have always wanted to try out Captain Dave's. A few friends and I took a day off to go whale watching on a Tuesday morning and we had an incredible experience! We saw three fin whales, a gray whale, sea lions, cormorants, shearwaters, and pelicans on a cloudy, calm day at sea. The captain, Matt, was an excellent navigator and did a great job answering questions and covering whale facts; the marine biologist on board (I cannot recall her name) was also an excellent resource and guide. I learned so much and felt at awe having seen some of the most beautiful animals on earth. I definitely plan to come back with more friends soon!
Great activity!
I4401THjaner,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time with Captain Matt and First Mate Mike. Saw three whales chasing each other in a circle in a game of sorts. Saw dolphins and seals. Great time on the water.
Excellent Trip
P5075RJellenn,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional trip. Captain Jim located three mega pods of Common dolphins, we followed two Fin whales for 1 1/2 hours and ended the tour with a threesome of sea lions on a buoy. Janel provided us with her abundant knowledge of marine life. Mike was also very helpful and well informed. I highly recommend Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching.
2nd time in a month
alikevents,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much fun! This is my 2nd time in a month going ! I predict it’s my new guilty pleasure 💗 I love love seeing the dolphins and both times I’ve seen whales. Captain Cas is super funny and Chloe has so many cool Facts!
Powerful nature experience!
A5639PYisabelleg,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on our boat trip and were lucky to encounter 3 fin whales. Captain Gary and First Mate Hannah were really a great crew, very friendly, generous with their time and respectful of the animals. They explained everything and shared a lot of interesting information about the whales, dolphins and other wildlife. We will definitely be back.
It was a fine trip with excellent guides
Charles G,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cas and Janel are terrific. Commentary accurate and humorous
Fun and successful whale watching trip!
Cruiser53881975265,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and successful whale watching trip! We saw Fin whales and a super pod of small nose common dolphins that were so playful and jumping out of the water a bunch and so fun to watch. We also saw long nose common dolphins and sea lions. Captain Matt and 1st Asst. Hannah were fun to be with and knowledgeable and skilled. I had hoped to see humpbacks but saw fin whales instead and since I'd never seen them before, that was cool. Although, fin whales don't breach or fluke their tails so you don't get to see much of them other than their dorsal fin, which is why I like humpbacks more. But it was cool to observe them in the water and see how fast they go. They are the 2nd largest whale, after the Blue whale. Whale watching is so relaxing and exciting b/c you are just scanning the water constantly to get a glimpse of them. I could do it for hours waiting for the small glimpses of these enormous and graceful and awesome animals. The small nose dolphins were such a highlight also because they seemed so happy jumping vertically out of the water; something I'd never seen before. And there were so many babies it was adorable. Matt and Hannah lost track of time b/c we were all having so much fun watching the animals. They got back into the harbor later than expected, which just meant bonus time for us out on the water. Super fun trip!
From US$105.99
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