Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Dana Point, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.
- Learn about California's marine wildlife from your captain
- Indoor and outdoor cabins ensure comfort, no matter the weather
- Watch for whales, dolphins, and sea lions
- Choose from a range of tour times to suit your schedule
What's Included
- Narration by captain
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Please CHECK IN for your boarding passes AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO BOAT DEPARTURE TIME and 45 MINUTES ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- There are no refunds or rescheduling for no shows.
- Customers are limited to 10 tickets max for yourself or your party.
- Please arrive 30 Min. prior with your entire party to check in.
- If you are lost please call 949-496-5794 x7.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 125 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Bill_C
A perfect day helped the rating- beautiful weather, but we saw 100’s of playful dolphins, also saw sea lions. But not whales. Captain and crew were great, friendly knowledgeable and helpful. They had a Marine Naturalist on the boat who was great with audience. Overall One of the highlights of our week. Great value too
Reviews
4.7
based on 687 reviews
Alberto_R, Mar 2026
It’s a fun experience for kids and adults! We didn’t see a whale but did see a lot of cute common dolphins still made it worth it. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable as well.
Mary_B, Mar 2026
It was a beautiful day. We only saw one Whaie, but he/ she surfaced several times so it was well worth the trip. The staff were all professional and attentive.
Wear boat shoes!
Penny_K, Mar 2026
We had a great time even though we didn’t see any whales or dolphins but we get to go back again and we can’t wait! Victoria was absolutely fantastic and we were very impressed on all her knowledge of the ocean! Hope she’s there next time we go!
Eric_M, Mar 2026
Great way to kill a few hours. Awesome food and stores to see before hand. The crew really knows the area and we saw a 70’ plus fin whale, 3 gray whales and an amazing amount of dolphins.
Max_C, Mar 2026
Excellent boat to travel on. The traveling docents were outstanding. Their knowledge was wonderful to understand what we might see if we saw whales. They also told us all about dolphins, which was very knowledgeable.
Brandon_B, Mar 2026
VERY BEAUTIFUL, the staff are very involved and inviting. The whales were friendly as well haha. Captain Brandon is a funny guy!
Janelle_K, Mar 2026
The captain knew where to go and was in contact with other boats about what they were seeing. He was great about telling us what side of the boat we needed to be in. And he said we saw an incredible 7 whales on our trip, as well as several groups of dolphins. They had drinks and made burgers available for purchase.
Vincent_M, Feb 2026
Its very cool to see whales, and its awesome to be able to find them. Its not super exciting. You need to do it once though
Kristina_I, Jan 2026
Amazing. Didn't see a whale, but the trip was so enjoyable! Thank you! Loved it, loved the staff. Will be back!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the review! We are happy to know you enjoyed the trip despite seeing whales. Dana Wharf hopes to see you again soon!
Richard_M, Jan 2026
Excellent staff on board. Need to have a clearer audio system from the captain’s area—voice a bit muddied and not always easy to understand. Also, when I went online to buy tickets, I asked to see the boat, however, we went out on a different one.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Richard! Thank you for the review and feedback. As for the boats, depending on the circumstances, we may change them last minute. We hope to see you again next time!
Bill_C, Jan 2026
A perfect day helped the rating- beautiful weather, but we saw 100’s of playful dolphins, also saw sea lions. But not whales. Captain and crew were great, friendly knowledgeable and helpful. They had a Marine Naturalist on the boat who was great with audience. Overall One of the highlights of our week. Great value too
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much, Bill!
Sandy_L, Jan 2026
We did not see whales or dolphins but it was an enjoyable trip in splendid weather. The tour operator was gracious to gave out a rain check to come back anytime.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Sandy! Thank you for the review. Sometimes, it may happen that wild life may not be in the area. We give those whale check tickets, so we can give you another try to see marine life! See you on the next trip!
Joseph_K, Nov 2025
Bring a windbreaker jacket, the boat ride was exceptional, we enjoyed everything about it, we are going again today.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Joseph, thank you so much for the suggestion for others! It does get chilly once when you're out on the water. We appreciate your loyalty and business. Thank you again so much!
JESSICA_W, Nov 2025
The doubt they had about seeing a whale from the beginning was disappointing. I d9nt think it was a good time of year but they guaranteed to see one or a free visit in a year. That's not true either. You get 30% off. Go somewhere else.
Emily_H, Oct 2025
I traveled with a five year old and it wasn’t what we expected. The ride out to where the whales are is very long (we rode about 45 minutes off the coast) and choppy. Of course the captain doesn’t control the water but I think for parents wanting a fun, breezy excursion it may not work. There’s also no narration or “tour” during the way out so you’re just riding rough water. We did finally see whales which was really beautiful. They move quickly but we enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I got sea sick (which I don’t blame anyone for) but the deckhand chastised me for using the bathroom, instead of helping me. Overall, if you’re a serious whale watcher this could be worthwhile. For us, it was not particularly enjoyable.
Amy_T, Sep 2025
We had an amazing time. We only got to see dolphins no whales but they gave us a voucher to come back since we didn't see any which was amazing. And the kids had a great time.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Amy! We can't wait to have you come back and try again. It's nice to know you still had a great experience. See you soon!
Linda_M, Sep 2025
We didn’t see whales but it was a beautiful day & calm water. We saw plenty of dolphin & seals that was beautiful.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you Linda!
Sofia_N, Sep 2025
It was fun. We spotted a humpback whale and saw lots of dolphins. Even though the tour was meant for whale watching, the dolphins was the highlight of our trip. They really did put on a great show. Highly recommend for a half-day family fun trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you Sofia for the five stars!
Daniel_R, Aug 2025
Great staff and an amazing experience. We saw a blue whale! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Welcome to the 1% club!! Thank you for the 5 stars and sharing your experience!
Kate_L, Aug 2025
Very nice smooth experience everybody was very friendly directions were very easy to follow beautiful area the boat was gorgeous the Captain Awesome his crew was awesome very professional and nice the experience was very overall beautiful.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the five star review!
elvia_m, Jul 2025
My grand daughter and I love it .. we will
Do it again .. we saw a him back whale and dolphins.. everyone was so nice .
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you and your granddaughter for joining us on an adventure!
Patrick_R, Jul 2025
A great day at sea! We saw a humpback whale and 3 huge schools of dolphins. We will come back for sure
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much Patrick for joining us out on the water!
Lyndsay_N, Jul 2025
We had the most incredible time! Lovely boat, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Loved being able to stand at the front of the boat over the deck and feel like you are swimming with the dolphins under the boat. Also the boat was great because you could sit in the sun or shade or walk around the boat as you spot things. We didn’t see any whales but tons of dolphins that were swimming and playing under and around the boat.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for the review! We appreciate you for joining us and letting us know your experience!
Enilda_M, Jul 2025
Manage your expectations. We didn’t see any whales, but we saw 2 pods of dolphins. The day was nice, weather was perfect and the water was calm. We enjoyed the trip.
Rebecca_M, Jul 2025
Beautiful even if you don’t see whales. We were able to see over 50 dolphins playing and jumping near the boat!!
Floyd_W, Jul 2025
The only reason I don’t give it 5 is cuz I didn’t see a whale! But the dolphins was memorable and something me and my family will share forever! Thank you Lots of fun
Sylvia_S, Jul 2025
The dolphins are beautiful and very playful. The entire experience was peaceful and relaxing. 😁👍🏻
Christy_C, Jun 2025
Great experience, staff are friendly and highly knowledgeable. Are boat only had about 25 people on it so we got the private charter feel. We didn’t see any whales but we saw 1000’s of dolphins. It was a great day!
Nicole_J, Jun 2025
Beautiful day on the boat! Friendly staff and great scenery. Unfortunately, no whales, but we saw lots of dolphins!
Darrell_E, Jun 2025
Staff very professional. Very enjoyable but we didn’t see any whales. Weather was good
We would do it again
From $65.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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