The 8 Best Dana Point Whale Watching Tours

1.Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 788 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Join Captain Dave’s crew for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip from Dana Point Harbor. A naturalist explains local marine life while you watch for dolphins, whales, sea lions, and birds. On Manute’a, ladder-access underwater pods offer a close view below the surface. The crew provides a brownie and a free return trip if no cetaceans appear.

“We saw so many dolphins. My kids loved standing at the bow of the boat and seeing all the dolphins swimming and jumping in front of them. The staff was really knowledgeable and provided so much information about the marine life.”

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2.Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 676 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Cruise 2 hours off Dana Point aboard a 95-foot vessel with a captain’s narration and room to watch from open decks or an enclosed cabin. Look for blue, gray, humpback, fin, and other whales, plus dolphins and sea lions. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and the boat returns to 34675 Golden Lantern.

“The crew was great. Pointing out dolphins, birds, and Whales. The Team was wonderful and my family and I had a great time.”

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3.Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Board a Coast Guard inspected Zodiac in Dana Point for about two hours of fast, close-to-the-water wildlife watching. Captains such as Marie, Gary, and Chuck work with marine naturalists to find dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, sea lions, and more. Check in 30 to 45 minutes early, dress for spray, and remember that the boat requires at least six passengers.

“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”

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4.Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Cruise from Dana Point Harbor for 150 minutes aboard an uncrowded eco-friendly catamaran. Marine naturalists, including Captain Marie, Andy, Hannah, or Lauren, explain whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and birds. The boat has two underwater viewing pods and tram nets, though pod access can vary.

“The day could not have been better. From the weather to the crew to the dolphins we saw in abundance. The whales were shy today but no one left dissapointed because the hundred + dolphins in the pod was very entertaining. The crew was fantastic. Marie, Hannah and Lauren made the trip so enjoyable sharing their knowledge of the marine life we may or many not encounter. We would definitely do this again.”

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5.Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Join a two-hour Dana Point cruise led in English by a marine naturalist captain. Watch for gray, blue, fin, minke, and humpback whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and possible sharks. Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed, with a free-trip voucher if no whale or dolphin appears.

“we had a great time and saw hundreds of dolphins and a few whales!”

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6.Family and Private Group Whale and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $150

Take a three-hour semi-private or private RIB from Dana Point with guide Will, carrying no more than six people. Search for dolphins, seasonal whales, sea lions, sunfish, and possibly Orcas while learning about marine life. Morning and afternoon trips run in most weather, with snacks, water, and BYOB allowed.

“2 plus hours of whales and lots and lots of dolphins and sea lions. The day could not have been any better!”

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7.Whale Watching and Fishing Combination Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $170

Join a captain-led, three-hour trip from Dana Point Harbor aboard a fast rigid inflatable boat. You will search California waters for dolphins, sea lions, sharks, sunfish, migrating whales, and the rare Orca, then fish a local reef or kelp bed. Choose a morning or afternoon departure. Fishing licenses are required from age 16.

“Understand that it is possible to not find whales, so disappointed but not upset. Great dolphin sightings. Fishing was extremely disappointing. We have been on other excursions in the San Diego area with great success in catching fish you Read more”

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8.Dana Point Fast & Fun Zodiac-Style Dolphin & Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours · from $95

Join Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari for a two-hour ride on a Coast Guard-inspected rigid-hull inflatable boat from Dana Point. A captain and marine naturalist or biologist explain the local wildlife as you search for dolphins, whales, sea lions, sharks, and birds. Caitlyn has earned special praise as a guide.

“Ottima barca veloce e divertente ! Meraviglioso avvistamento delfini , peccato nn aver trovato le balene”

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