Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Dana Wharf creator of the Original 2-Hour Whale Watching Trip

Since 1971 Dana Wharf has been providing the best value to our residents and visitors while introducing them to our marine mammals on our popular trips. Voted the best in Dana Point, our passengers say “This is simply the best whale-watching tour in Orange County ” Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®! 

Expert captains and certified naturalists narrate each excursion, detailing the whales’ movements through their natural migration path, our trips are perfect for the entire family. Founded by legendary Captain Donald Hansen, Dana Wharf remains family-owned and operated and is exclusively endorsed by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland.

Every trip is a new and different adventure, all showcasing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean’s underwater world right here, off the coast of Dana Point. Marine mammal rain checks ensure you see a good show of whales or dolphins, or your next trip is FREE!

Excursions depart multiple times a day and start as early as  8 a.m. with our last trip departing at 4:30 p.m. during the Festival weekend. Trips are approx. two hours in length.

Our Vessels 

Dana Wharf Catamaran Whale Watching Trips

Join Dana Wharf on any of our  2-hour whale-watching catamaran adventures!  Board Dana Wharf’s luxurious 63-foot, state-of-the-art, custom-built Ocean Adventures Catamaran or our new 50-foot Lot ’a Fun one-level Catamaran for a unique close to the water adventure. Both of these vessels provide a smooth ride with an incredibly spacious viewing deck, these are the perfect vessels for whale and dolphin watching. Hurry! These trips sell out quickly! Inquire with your reservationist about which vessel you will be experiencing.

Dana Wharf 95 foot Dana Pride 

The Pride is the largest and most comfortable vessel in our fleet and is said to be the queen of our fleet, complete with a full-service air-conditioned bar/snack bar, flat-screen TV, large salon area, and two-story seating arrangement. This vessel can accommodate up to 149 passengers. This vessel is our largest whale-watching boat, and is in fact the largest whale-watching boat in Orange County!

Special discounted trips:

Sunday, March 5th Whale of a deal at 8 am only $28.00

Take advantage of the wonderful morning and calm seas in Dana Point on our specially priced Whale of a deal at 8 am! This 2-hour trip is significantly discounted for the Festival of Whales 52nd Anniversary and priced at only $28.00 per person  (The regular price is $56.00)

4:30 p.m. Sunset Whale Watch Trip on March 4, 5

Take advantage of the wonderful sunsets in Dana Point on our specially priced Sunset Whale Watch trip. This trip is significantly discounted for the Festival of Whales’ 52nd Anniversary and priced at only $39.00! (The regular price is $56.00)

Dana Wharf invites you to read all our reviews

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“This is a great activity! We bring small groups to Southern California from Tucson every January and February with the main attraction being the Whale Watch tour at the Dana Wharf. The two-hour tour is fun and educational. The Captain of the boat is extremely knowledgeable about whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures. The Dana Pride is a terrific charter boat with excellent viewing from the tables on top and along the railing extending around the boat. There is even a snack bar underneath! This is an awesome activity!”

For reservations,  check out our schedule and purchase online.