Quick Details
Dana Point’s Highest-Rated Whale Watching Experience
“We’ve gone to other companies at both Dana Point and Newport Beach, but Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are the gold standard for consistent experiences.” – 5-star review from kelpzone/Tripadvisor
Connect with nature on a one-of-a-kind catamaran with the world’s only underwater viewing pods, or Dana Point’s only high-speed zodiacs. Experience a 5-star, uncrowded, up-close and personal view of majestic gray whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and more. You’ll be wowed by up to five different species of amazing dolphins, including mega-pods that can number in the thousands! Other wildlife includes sea lions, birds, sharks, and more.
“Better than Sea World, The Zoo and LegoLand so that says a lot!” – 5-star review from Angela L./Tripadvisor
Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. All of our remarkable experiences have live narration from expert naturalists or biologists, and Mrs. Capt. Dave’s legendary triple fudge brownies are served as a special treat.
Our safaris are eco-friendly and we are a Responsible Whale Watching operator certified by the World Cetacean Alliance.
“I’m a marine biologist and I’ve been on whale watching trips all over the globe. Captain Dave’s is one of the best operations I’ve experienced. Their staff is outstanding, the boat is exceptional (underwater viewing pods are UNREAL) and their knowledge and concern for wildlife and conservation issues is obvious in everything they do. I cannot recommend them highly enough.” – 5-star review from Valerie P./Tripadvisor
Signature Dolphin & Whale Safari on MANUTE’A – Most Popular Experience
Features:
- Two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. Go underwater and, without getting wet, feel what it’s like to swim with dolphins and whales.
- Originators of the Eye-Spy viewing platform! Three Eye-Spy Dolphin & Whale Tram Nets put wildlife inches below your feet.
- Uncrowded, up to 49 passengers with plenty of elbow room and comfortable seating for all.
- Micro-museum with whale and dolphin artifacts.
- Catamaran sailboat. Very stable!
Zodiac Dolphin & Whale Safari – Fastest Experience
Features:
- Extremely low to the water. Wildlife at your fingertips!
- Our fastest whale-watching boat! More speed can equal more time with wildlife.
- Up to 20 passengers.
- Zodiac-style = Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Super stable!
- Comfortable with a large sunshade and heavily padded seats.
“We do a whale watching trip with Captain Dave’s every year. Every. Year. We used to go out on the big whale watching boats that are totally impersonal. They are cheap and, frankly, they suck. Captain Dave’s is a little pricey but it’s worth it. Once you do this tour, you’ll never go back to the cheapo companies. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The experience is completely intimate because the boats are very small. You will probably see whales and you will almost certainly see dolphins. Hundreds of them. Some of them will be just a few feet from you. You read that right. Sometimes you get what you pay for. This is that place.” – 5-star review from Craig W./Yelpct for fundraising.
Reservations, schedule, and information: 949-488-2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com
MORE WHALE WATCHING TRIPS:
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
The Original 2-Hour Whale Watching TripTop-rated Whale Watching with the best value since 1971. Dana Wharf offers the largest selection of boats and trips.
Ocean Institute Pacific Marine Exploration Cruise
Come aboard the R/V Sea ExplorerJoin the Ocean Institute’s marine educators in exploring the ocean from top to bottom, while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during our 2.5-hour long marine life exploration program.