Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing
Description
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.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(856)
Incredible experience with Captain Dave’s. From check-in to the end, it was fantastic. Captain Alex, first mate Mike, and photographer Hannah were all very helpful, energetic, courteous, fun, and made the morning a memorable time! We saw a few different pods of common dolphins and one pod of bottle nose dolphins. Would definitely do it again if we are ever back in the area. Highly recommend!
Thanks so much for the review and recommendation! We're thrilled that you were pleased with the entire Capt. Dave's experience, and that our staff on land and out on the water made sure you had a fantastic time. We loved showing you the different kinds of wild dolphins! We hope you can come out for another fun excursion soon.
This was an excellent adventure. We saw 300-400 dolphins up close. We had calm seas and grey skies so the weather was perfect. Captain Matt was very friendly and knew where to find the dolphins. Hannah and Dylean were very helpful mates. Couldn't have asked for more.
Thanks for the stellar review, Daniel! We're very glad you enjoyed pleasant conditions and had the chance to see hundreds of playful dolphins up close. We appreciate the positive feedback about our Captain and crew too. We hope to see you again soon, for more unforgettable marine wildlife encounters!
Captain matt and The crew, Hannah and Daley made it so fun and comfortable - a great day on the ocean. They went above and beyond to get us blue whale sighting. We got more than our moneys worth and such a lovely day on the ocean, dolphins, brownie treats,. A day to remember for sure.
Hi Amy, thanks for the 5-star review. It's fantastic that our crew did their utmost to show you amazing views of a huge Blue Whale and pods of wild dolphins. We're thrilled you enjoyed the complimentary brownies too, and had a memorable experience overall. We'd love to welcome you back for another exciting trip soon!
It was GREAT Saw two Blue whales and loads of other. It went longer than the 2 1/2 hrs but we all voted to jet it go on!!!
Thanks for joining us! We're happy you had a great time on board, and love knowing you got to experience seeing blue whales. We hope the next time you're here on the West Coast, we can welcome you back for another fun adventure!
Honestly life changing. The feeling of boating along with a pod of 400-500 dolphins is indescribable. I'm hooked! Need more whales and dolphins in my life. Andy, Hannah and Capt. Marie were amazing. They even gave us a brownie on the way out!
We're thrilled to know you had a 5 star experience seeing dolphins with us! There's something truly special about seeing wild dolphins, and we're so glad we were able to share this moment with you. We're so glad our crew made your day that much better, and that you came away at the end with some beautiful memories and one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's delicious triple fudge brownies! We hope you'll be able to join us on board again for more fun in the future!
Exceptional team with so much knowledge and all very personable wit ha very mixed tour group. Saw both whales and dolphins. Highly recommend.
Thanks so much for joining us! We're pleased to know you had a wonderful experience on board, and are grateful for your compliments to our crew. It's great that you saw both whales and dolphins. We hope to welcome you back soon for more dolphin and whale watching adventures!
We had a wonderful experience with Captain Dave's aboard the Manute'a on Friday, June 19. The weather was beautiful, and the trip was both relaxing and educational. The onboard naturalist did a fantastic job explaining the local marine ecosystem and why whales and dolphins thrive in the waters off Dana Point and Laguna Beach. The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. If you're looking for a memorable whale and dolphin watching experience in Orange County, I highly recommend Captain Dave's!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed and thoughtful review and high rating! We're thrilled to know you enjoyed your day on the water with us and are happy that you found it both educational and entertaining. We appreciate your kind words for our crew, and are so happy for your recommendation. We hope we can welcome you back on board the next time you're here in Dana Point!
We go every summer and they never disappoint.
Thanks so much for coming aboard once more. We're glad you had an excellent time, and can't wait to see you next summer!
Paid by card online. Capt. Dave's is located by the harbor and offers a lot of parking. I was easily able to book online for the 2.5 hour 8 am tour, for my child and me. When we arrived at the harbor, we went upstairs to check in and got the passes to get on the boat. The staff was super friendly at check-in and on the boat (Capt. Matt, 1st mate, Mike, and photographer, Andy.) Everything about the experience was well-organized. The boat was clean and comfortable so it was an enjoyable ride. We saw about 400 dolphins and 1 humpback whale! It was such an enjoyable excursion! I would recommend you bring your own snacks and/or drinks on board if you don't have a chance to eat beforehand, since snacks and drinks are not provided on the 2.5 hour 8 am tour. There is a small snack shack upstairs where you check in if you forget to bring things to eat and drink. I would recommend this tour and would go back.
Thanks for such a detailed review of the whole experience! We're so glad you joined us, and felt it was well worth 5 stars. We appreciate your insight, feedback, and kind words for our company and crew. Here's hoping you can return soon for more dolphin and whale watching fun!
Such a great experience. We were in the midst of a pod of over 400 dolphins they were awesome to experience. The crew and the boat were excellent kudos to Captain Matt, First Mate Mike and Researcher Andy. If you're in Dana Point this is a must do.
We're pleased as punch to know you were able to experience dolphins with us! Thanks for taking the time to rate and review us. We appreciate the shoutout to our fantastic crew, and can't wait to have you join us again!
