Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Dana Point, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The ocean near Dana Point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whale-watching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 20 people aboard an RHIB. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife, and also provides facts and commentary as you cruise.
- Spend a day in search of whales and dolphins during this Dana Point cruise
- Listen to facts told by a marine naturalist as your cruise the water
- Wildlife guarantee—if you don't spot any dolphins or whales, ride again for free
- A small group makes for a more intimate experience
What's Included
- Live commentary on board
- U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified vessel
- Licensed Captain and professional crew member
- Cetacean Declaration - Join us again for free within one calendar year if you don't see any dolphins or whales
- Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Please arrive 45 minutes in advance. Check-in upstairs at our waterfront Dolphin Deck building. Located next to Baby Beach and OC Sailing & Events Center in Dana Point Harbor (Dana Point, Orange County, California)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Dana Point Harbor
2
Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Not wheelchair accessible
- You may encounter occasional ocean spray
- No over-sized bags or coolers please.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 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
Cindy_F
Setting off in the amazing blue sea led us to the magical place where whales call home. Many beautiful sightings, dolphins around every corner. You never get tired of what the ocean had for us. Hannah was so amazing making everyone feel welcome, Captain Matt had great energy making sure we get the best view! I’d call it an amazing experience for everyone! And they aren’t just focused on getting a sighting— they care about and respect the wildlife and have a TON of knowledge. Do not second guess booking this tour.
Reviews
4.9
based on 375 reviews
Tara_L, Mar 2026
Captain Marie and Andy were great! They really put in the effort so that we could see whales. They were professional and friendly.
Cindy_F, Mar 2026
Setting off in the amazing blue sea led us to the magical place where whales call home. Many beautiful sightings, dolphins around every corner. You never get tired of what the ocean had for us. Hannah was so amazing making everyone feel welcome, Captain Matt had great energy making sure we get the best view! I’d call it an amazing experience for everyone! And they aren’t just focused on getting a sighting— they care about and respect the wildlife and have a TON of knowledge. Do not second guess booking this tour.
Shannon_L, Mar 2026
Excellent trip Capt Cass and first mate were great. They put us on dolphins and whales. Highly recommend
Meg_K, Feb 2026
we saw four whales and hundreds of dolphins. it was amazing. we also
saw seals and sea lions at the end. super
fun
Marissa_W, Oct 2025
An amazing experience! Captain Marie and first mate Amanda were fun and informative. The company was thoughtful and celebrated special occasions and return guests which made for a personalized experience. I get seasick very easily but this boat was perfect. Never felt ill and it was so fun speeding over the water. We were so close to all the animals we saw. If you are on the fence, just book it. You will not be disappointed.
Eric_G, Oct 2025
Great ride and great crew. I enjoyed the whole ride. I recommend it to anyone who love boat ride and have fun
Kaylene_Q, Sep 2025
Captain Marie was awesome as well as the young lady that was on board with her. Very informative and friendly. Trip was fun and being out in the water with the dolphins and whales was so beautiful. Highly recommend!!
Cynthia_S, Jul 2025
Jamie and Daelin were awesome at showing us a great experience. Saw seals and two types of dolphins!
Kathleen_F, Aug 2024
Captain Chuck and Will were great… very knowledgeable and went out of their way to ensure we had the experience of seeing some amazing animals! (The brownies were pretty tasty, too!)😉
Phillip_C, Aug 2024
It was an exciting tour with pleasant scenery with lots of commentary and very educational. I never seen so many Dolphins all at once.
Gunnar_K, Jun 2024
First time on one of the speed All Swell boats. So much fun and our Captain was great. Could handle the boat well. We didn’t see any whales but we saw a nice sized pod of dolphins, a Mola mola and a pod of bottle nosed dolphins that were quite large. A lot of fun, very enjoyable.
Victoria_E, Apr 2024
Absolutely the BEST whale watching I have done in my life. We saw 6 fin whales, 20+ dolphins, and 2 gray whales all within 2 miles from the coast. The first mate was experienced in bio marine life and I learned a lot about whales. Such nice people and I plan to go again when I visit Laguna. Thank you to the captain and first mate for an amazing experience!!! I’ll never forget it!!
Regina_H, Mar 2023
Birthday celebration with friends. The trip was enjoyed by all. Captain Marie and Caitlin, the biologist made the trip most memorable. We followed a gray whale and played with a school of dolphins. The boat was fast and was very comfortable to be on. Captain Marie's expertise and Caitlin knowledge and information added to the trip. My group plans on going again.
Adam_D, Oct 2022
Great experience, Captain was great full of knowledge and even stayed out longer than planned. Highly recommend.
John_L, Jul 2022
Most amazing viewing of dolphins ever - over 300 for 20". A lifetime memory. I am so lucky to have experienced it with my son.
Lisa_G, Jun 2022
Bottle nose dolphin. Whales would have been great but we saw so much other wild life it was enjoyable
William_M, Mar 2022
Had a great time with Capt. Gary and Janelle(?)... Only saw one snorkeling whale, but got right in the thick of a huge school of Bottlenose dolphins. Even saw Patches... What a blast!
Moshe_R, Jan 2022
So I booked this fairly last minute and they called me very last minute to let me know not enough people had booked and unless I wanted to pay for all the seats myself they would have to cancel or switch me to the boat. I was already in my Uber on the way so I decided to switch to the boat. It was a large boat with about 20 people (so a very different experience than what I had booked for $90). I also saw that you can put on their website for $30 less. I thought they should have given me a discount since they couldn’t run my trip. We did get to see a huge pod of common dolphins and several different gray whales from the catamaran so I can’t be too disappointed. Caitlin and Chuck were great. Thus three stars.
Jonna_S, Dec 2021
It was a cold, wet and rainy day. BUT w had a blast. Tom and Jess were fun and made it an adventure. We saw a large pod of dolphins that was amazing. It was an experience that was well worth fighting the cold, waves and rain!!
Jennifer_H, Jul 2021
We rode with Captain Marie on the Zodiac so much fun. We were so close to the dolphins it was a really magical experience!
Suzanne_Y, Jul 2021
A very comfortable boat ride with informative comments by captain and spotter. Saw many pods of dolphins and even some tuna!
Joyce_d, Jul 2021
It was loads of fun and informative. Seeing the dolphins and the blue whale up close was beyond amazing! Our captain and her colleague were awesome. Will take another ride with them when I find the time.
Brenda_C, Apr 2021
Our guide was so knowledgeable and was passionate about delivering the best experience. Would strongly recommend!
Carrie_K, Apr 2021
Saw one whale, lots of dolphins and sea lions. Great boat and super nice and educated crew. We learned a lot about sea life, whale migration and saw animals in their natural habitat
VivienTucker, Mar 2021
A fantastic whale watching experience. Captain Gary and First Mate Matt were friendly, funny and knowledgeable. We had the amazing experience of seeing a gray whale but also a blue whale. I’ll definitely be taking more whale watching trips with Captain Dave’s!!
Kim_D, Feb 2020
She worked hard to find animals. Saw a lot of dolphins. Weather wasn't great so we chose not to go out real far
Likely to Sell Out
From $99.99
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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