Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point
5
Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point
By Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
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About
A scenic harbor in Southern California known as the “Whale Capital of the West,” Dana Point makes an ideal spot for spotting majestic marine animals. On a boat designed specifically for whale watching, come face-to-face with the gentle giants on this exciting cruise off the coast. Listen to fascinating commentary from your captain, and keep an eye out for sea lions and dolphins.
from per adult
$59.00
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 0-99, max of 35 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- A scenic whale watching tour off the Orange County coast
- Observe whales, dolphins, and sea lions
- Year-round wildlife sightings
- Comfortable ship with salon and viewing deck
- Snacks and drinks for purchase
- Hear commentary from a real-life sea captain
- Learn about the California coast’s unique ocean life
- Narration by captain
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Drinks
- Climb aboard the Dana Pride to begin your wildlife tour of the Californian coast. Built exclusively for whale watchers, the sleek vessel features a viewing deck, a large salon, and a snack bar, so you are able to observe the action in high style. Head to the open-air deck to listen to the calls of seabirds while you keep an eye out for cresting whales. Or settle in below deck, where you can enjoy the view from a window as you sip a drink. Listen to the captain’s commentary about the variety of underwater wildlife you encounter during the tour. Thousands of dolphins, whales, sea lions, and sharks can be found year-round off the scenic coast of Orange County, so you are guaranteed plenty of exciting sightings. Lean back and enjoy the abundant ocean life without leaving the comfort of the ship.
- Start:
- 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, USAPlease CHECK IN for your boarding passes AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO BOAT DEPARTURE TIME and 45 MINUTES ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8707P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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 experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8707P2
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- autostacker0 contributionsGreat view on the waterI’ve never seen some many dolphin in my life. Once we found the location of the pod, you could see hundreds of dolphins all different sizes. They loved racing along the boat.Written September 5, 2024
- vickielacy19730 contributionsDana Wharf TripWe are in our 70's with a hip condition. There were not enough seats for the elderly to sit down. The boat wasn't covered and overall not a comfortable trip.Written September 4, 2024
- David P0 contributionsA great time!My wife and I took a cruise on our first day of our visit to San Clemente this summer. It was very laid back and we got to see a couple pods of dolphins & a sunfish! (mola mola). The boat was clean and the crew was nice. We really liked San Clemente as a destination and are thinking of coming back during the whale migration.Written September 4, 2024
- MJSampsel0 contributionsDolphins gave us a show!We didn't see any whales but hey... you can't control nature. There must of been a hundred bottle nosed dolphins swimming along the boat and breaching several feet into the air; what a show! Crew was great. I'd go again!Written September 4, 2024
- A U0 contributionsSuch a fun trip!Dana Wharf is the best in my opinion! I go often and I never know what I will see! Dolphin, whale, mola mola, seal ! The staff are very knowledgeable. Would HIGHLY recommend!Written September 4, 2024
- stenbrink20240 contributionslots of dolphinswe saw lots of dolphins, a mola mola, sea lions and learned a lot about maritime life; naturalist, captain and entire crew was excellent; the boat type (katamaran or so) was very well suited for this kind of trip, the kids had several excellent spots for viewingWritten September 4, 2024
- Susan J0 contributionsWhale watching at its finest!My grandson and I went whale watching and we had a lady Captain, I believe her name was Emily. She was amazing and we both enjoyed the trip so much ! So much so that I purchased a pass for the rest of the year! Thanks for a fantastic trip!Written August 30, 2024
- Erick M0 contributionsMy visit was very warmingIt was a wonderful experience the captains were smooth sailing and the wine was good also I would definitely come back outWritten August 24, 2024
- Michelle G0 contributionsSuccessful Whale Watching!My family and I had a great time on this whale watching tour. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw lots of dolphins and a couple whales. The drinks and snacks offered on board were a nice touch. Dana Point harbor is gorgeous and was a fun location to launch from.Written August 10, 2024
- AMR19740 contributionsBlue Waters and A Whale of a timeWe boarded the cruise boat at 1pm with low expectations of whale sightings. The captain knew what he was doing . His skill at the wheel and his crew worked in lockstep to bring us to a spot in the ocean where we were surrounded by these majestic beings . A humbling and powerful experience is what it was . Killer margaritas on the way back not to mention . Will do it again. You will too when you read this . Props to the Dana Wharf Sportfishing Squad . Professional all the way 🤙🔥🤘🏼Written August 1, 2024
- Marilyn M0 contributionsWhale watching 2 hour tourLots of fun. Large comfortable boat with plenty of space for good views of water. Didn't see any whales but hundreds of active playful dolphins and sea lions. Went with 4 friends. Easy boarding. Short educational talk onboard. Would definitely go again.Written July 27, 2024
- Claudia C0 contributionsExcellent ExperienceGreat first experience for me and my husband. Though we didn't see any whales we did however see a family of dolphins and their newborns as well as a few Mola Mola. It was such a fun time. Will definitely go back againWritten July 24, 2024
- tribecatimtelles0 contributions3/4 day boat with ChadMy family drove in from Utah Friday night to go fishing on the Clemente Saturday We were on a 3/4 day boat. Chad was the skipper and Stan and Nick were also working . Great boat . The skipper made sure we caught fish. Stan and Nick set up all our tackle the whole day. Very professional. We had great bait .Written June 22, 2024
- Shannon M0 contributionsWhale and DolphinsI booked the Whale and dolphin watching. My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves and would book again . The boat was comfortable and the staff was pleasant .Written June 1, 2024
- JDW7190 contributionsAmazing ExperienceThis was such a fun and memorable trip. The crew was great and very knowledgeable. We saw 2 blue whales, dolphins and a Mola mola (Ocean Sunfish). I highly recommend!Written May 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
383 reviews
Excellent
326
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41
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7
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4
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5
Patricia B
Boston, MA
Jul 2021
We sailed on July 13th to take advantage of half-price Tuesday and the trip exceeded our expectations. We did not see any whales but instead hundreds of common and bottlenose dolphins. The crew knew where to take us, the ship was clean, there was plenty of seating and shade.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your positive rating. It’s always appreciated and gratifying when we receive positive marks from our customers.
Written July 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan8467
West Chester, OH
Jan 2022
We had some complications during our travels so had to re-schedule this trip a few times (not to mention we missed seeing the request to arrive 45 minutes before departure to check in and got there only 15 minutes ahead of time) and they were always so nice and accommodating! We ended up on the 10am trip on a Wednesday with bright sunshine, beautiful blue skies and fairly calm seas. We did see up to 4 whales from a far which was exciting! There were 2 women crew on board who provided good information on the whales and other wildlife and were highly knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics to answer guests' questions and the Captain provided some information during the stops. The Captain and crew don't have much control over what wildlife is seen, but wish we would have seen more up close (first time they said they have never seen dolphins). For us, there was a 6-8 minute wait between sightings while the whale(s) were diving. We are boaters so enjoyed the ride either way and do recommend this tour group if you are in the area. We live far away or would go with them again in the hopes of catching more whales up close.
Also of note, the galley served a wide arrange of food and drinks which was a welcome bonus (hot dogs, quesadillas, sodas & sports drinks, bagged chips & nuts, full bar, grilled cheese and more!) and again, the person who was working the galley (after assisting with the lines coming and going) was super-friendly.
Note: there was a 50% pp discount on Tuesdays during this time (Jan 2021)
Also of note, the galley served a wide arrange of food and drinks which was a welcome bonus (hot dogs, quesadillas, sodas & sports drinks, bagged chips & nuts, full bar, grilled cheese and more!) and again, the person who was working the galley (after assisting with the lines coming and going) was super-friendly.
Note: there was a 50% pp discount on Tuesdays during this time (Jan 2021)
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking some of your valuable time to provide fellow consumers with your rich perspective. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written January 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allhearts00
Fort Sumner, NM
Jun 2021
Our family enjoyed a wonderful catamaran trip on the Ocean Adventure with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching @danawharf.com. (This was my second trip with them in one week. Thanks my brother and his family for introducing us to this outstanding crew) on this trip we traveled a few miles off the shore and watched large pods of common and bottlenose dolphins of thirty plus dolphins with calves, breaching, leaping, and playing all around us, and racing in front of the catamaran. Dad said that this trip is part of his bucket list and it was breathtaking. My niece even spotted "Patches," a rare, bottled nose dolphin with unique white, pale, patchy coloration all over his skin from Leucism, which is a condition that causes a partial loss of pigmentation. We spotted at least two Minke whales. My daughter said it was amazing to watch the Minke whale surface right in front of the catamaran. We also enjoyed delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and grilled hotdogs (which were very reasonably priced). It was a breathtaking day, which the crew enhanced greatly. Thank you so much, Laura Lopez, for making our trip very special. It would not have been the same without you. Thank you, Captains, for stopping to pick up the mylar balloons to help protect wildlife and to especially Captain Chase Moore and Laura for helping my daughter, it made her day!
We highly recommend Dana Wharf Whale Watching, @DanaWharfWhaleWatch.
Photos by Laura Lopez at Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching - Dana Point, CA, United States.
We highly recommend Dana Wharf Whale Watching, @DanaWharfWhaleWatch.
Photos by Laura Lopez at Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching - Dana Point, CA, United States.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are honored by the review you posted about your experience with us. While we are constantly told face to face how much customers enjoy our service, it takes a very special person to proclaim to the online world that they should check us out. You are one of those individuals and we are proud that you do business with us.
Written June 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RealOC
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Feb 2021 • Family
Dana Wharf has always been top notch for all their charter and ferry trips. As always, we had a fabulous time whale watching. The boat was clean and well maintained. The captain and the rest of the crew were great. I've seen Blue Whales, Gray Whales, dolphins, seals, sunfish, and many other creatures. Watching the dolphins play and jump through the wake at the bow is an exhilarating experience that I highly recommend to anyone.
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philsters
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jul 2020
As a local resident, going whale watching is one of my favorite activities. There are other options, but we prefer Dana Wharf Whale Watching because they never disappoint!
Yesterday was a fun and eventful day. We saw 3 types of "toothed" whales (dolphin) - bottlenose, Risso's and the ever-popular common dolphin. There were large nursery pods with baby dolphin who were quite active!
We also saw a very large ocean sunfish (mola mola). The ocean was very calm and the sun was out, providing a warm and fun experience.
Captain Steve always does a great job finding sea life and describing what we were seeing. Nona the Naturalist has a real gift of giving us an intimate look at the wildlife and her enthusiasm is infectious!
All in all, Dana Wharf provides the best experience for first-timers and regulars looking for a fun day of exploring the rich wildlife off the Dana Point coast.
Yesterday was a fun and eventful day. We saw 3 types of "toothed" whales (dolphin) - bottlenose, Risso's and the ever-popular common dolphin. There were large nursery pods with baby dolphin who were quite active!
We also saw a very large ocean sunfish (mola mola). The ocean was very calm and the sun was out, providing a warm and fun experience.
Captain Steve always does a great job finding sea life and describing what we were seeing. Nona the Naturalist has a real gift of giving us an intimate look at the wildlife and her enthusiasm is infectious!
All in all, Dana Wharf provides the best experience for first-timers and regulars looking for a fun day of exploring the rich wildlife off the Dana Point coast.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience and we are thrilled you had a great time! We appreciate you taking the time to write such nice comments and look forward to your next visit!
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan 2020
Our cruise captain, Tom, was very knowledgeable about the whales and wildlife in the area. He was able to direct us towards some excellent spots and within 30 minutes we were following a migrating gray whale at a safe distance. Friendly staff and a well setup operation. Nearby parking, bathrooms, gift shop and other shops/restaurants.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your rating of our business! Our team works hard to deliver a superior experience in a friendly and courteous manner. Your rating validates our mission, and we look forward to serving you again soon.
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mar 2021 • Family
Within moments of leaving the harbor, dozens, if not hundreds, of common dolphin surrounded the boat. Like a choreographed ballet, the dolphins swam and lept magically in simultaneous groups of three, eight, or more. They stayed with us the entire two hour tour. A majestic humpback shared several slow spouts, revealing the arch of its spine, before too many boats got too close, and it sounded spectacularly waving full fluke goodbye. Sheer beauty. Great group of crew and skipper.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cate R
Wellesley, MA
Feb 2022
I booked this trip via trip advisor after reading that I could cancel. However, AFTER, I completed my transaction, I found the same exact trip available on the vendors website for more than 25% less. When I tried to cancel my reservation on trip advisor, the cancellation policy in my receipt said that I could not cancel. If you are interested in booking an excursion with this vendor, I would recommend going directly to their website where the pricing is significantly less
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you contact our office directly at 949-496-5794 and we will be able to refund the difference to you. Thank you.
Written February 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
May 2022
I had a great time on the two-hour Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour. We saw lots of dolphins, and the captain even steered the boat in a way that made the dolphins leap and twirl out of the water. I think it had something to do with the boat’s wake and drafting, maybe? I especially appreciated the crew’s knowledge about the animals. There was a naturalist on board who educated the passengers about whales and dolphins and answered all my questions.
The food is a bit pricey, which I expected, but I think you can bring your own refreshments. Make sure you bring cash if you do want to purchase food or drinks.
The food is a bit pricey, which I expected, but I think you can bring your own refreshments. Make sure you bring cash if you do want to purchase food or drinks.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thrilled you enjoyed the playful dolphins and learned new facts too! Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again!
Written May 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jpalazzi50
Clancy, MT
Jun 2021
We rode out to sea in silence for over 60 minutes scouring for any signs of life. There was no information given by the crew along the way as to where we were headed, what land we were seeing, etc. We were just told at the beginning to yell if we see anything. For entertainment we listened to a woman, who seemingly worked for the company (she was wearing a name tag) complain about her friends and family for an hour instead of engaging passengers. We finally came upon a pod of dolphins which was really wonderful to see. But by that point, we were running late since they had such trouble locating a whale or a dolphin. They hold true to their motto that you will see a whale or a dolphin or you get your money back! We never did see a whale. Please engage your clientele with information from time to time. People looked bored and I saw several kids sleeping.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the time of the day of this activity? I am trying to squeeze in sometime during a business trip. Thanks.
Written March 26, 2023
We went from 10am to 12 noon, I think they also have an afternoon time too.
Written March 27, 2023
Not when we went :) Actually. It was a good day, two hours before we went. the season was right, Spring/ early Summer. But whales are fickle and don't seem to come when they are called.
I even sang a song, hoping they would hear the beauty of my voice... Just kidding,
So. Cal whales are like Valley girls, they are 'So yesterday'.
Written July 27, 2022
When is the best time of year to see whales?
Written September 24, 2020
Hi, the excursion lasts about 2 hours. You can see wildlife at any time, but I would recommend an afternoon trip after the overcast skies clear.
During the week, the trip usually departs at 10 AM, 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. The crew does a very thorough job of cleaning and sanitizing between trips, and a face mask is required to board.
Please contact the Dana Wharf office to verify excursion times, since they can change.
Written August 24, 2020
There is a ramp to the boat and within the boat there is room for a standard wheelchair, not bariatric or a power wheelchair. However, getting into or out of the boat people will have to take one or two steps, or be lifted somehow. Contact the company though, they may have a device for transport and securing the wheelchair while on the boat.
Written August 17, 2019
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