Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

4.9 (985 reviews) 2 h 30 min

out of 5

985 reviews

4.9

Get up close and personal with year-round whales and more! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Two, exclusive eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Whale Watching On the Water Dolphin Watching Involves Animals Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Curated Catalog

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 49 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Licensed Captain and professional crew
Included: U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified vessel
Included: Cetacean Declaration - Join us again for free within one calendar year if you don't see any dolphins or whales
Included: Live commentary on board

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: DVD (available to purchase)
Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Itinerary

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.

Stop 1

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please arrive 45 minutes in advance. Check-in upstairs at our waterfront Dolphin Deck building. We're located next to Baby Beach and OC Sailing & Events Center.

End point

Please arrive 45 minutes in advance. Check-in upstairs at our waterfront Dolphin Deck building. We're located next to Baby Beach and OC Sailing & Events Center.

Using your ticket

Please check in 45 minutes before trip time. Public parking is free and first-come, first-served.

IMPORTANT: Please allow ample time to arrive and check-in. Unfortunately, we cannot delay the boat's departure nor rebook you on another trip if you are late.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.