--- title: Captain Daves Dolphin & Whale Safari slug: captain-daves-dolphin-whale-safari-dana-point type: attraction sub_type: whale watching source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/captain-daves-dolphin-whale-safari-dana-point city: Dana Point state: CA country: US address: 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive geo: lat: 33.46253 lng: -117.70294 duration: up to 2.5 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T17:21:15.973Z price_from: amount: 90 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 2610 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Dana Point Whale Watching & Dolphin Watching Eco - Safari price: 90 regular_price: 95 savings: 5 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (1-12 yrs) min_age: 1 max_age: 12 - name: Infants (0-11months yrs) min_age: 0 - name: Zodiac Whale Watching from Dana Point price: 89 regular_price: 100 savings: 11 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (6-12 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 12 --- ## Overview Grab your binoculars for an unforgettable Dana Point whale-watching experience! These narrated cruises in Dana Point, CA, showcase abundant marine life including whales and dolphins aboard high-speed boats with underwater viewing pods and hydrophones for whale sounds. ## What's Included - Narrated marine wildlife cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Manute’a catamaran or Zodiac-style boat - Use of underwater viewing pods to experience swimming with dolphins and whales without getting wet - Hydrophone access for listening to dolphin and whale vocalizations - Eye-Spy Dolphin Tram Nets and a micro dolphin and whale museum (on the Manute’a) - Comfortable seating and large sunshade on Zodiac tour - Legendary Triple Fudge Brownies courtesy of Mrs. Capt. Dave ## What's Not Included Not explicitly mentioned in the source. ## Ticket Options - **Dana Point Whale Watching & Dolphin Watching Eco - Safari** — $90.00 (regularly $95.00, save $5.00) Enjoy a guided 2.5-hr whale-watching cruise aboard a high-speed Manute’a catamaran from Dana Point, CA. This state-of-the-art sailboat features a micro dolphin and whale museum and 3 Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods for an immersive whale-watching experience without getting wet. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (1-12 yrs) - Infants (0-11months yrs) - **Zodiac Whale Watching from Dana Point** — $89.00 (regularly $100.00, save $11.00) Enjoy an intimate 2-hr guided whale-watching cruise aboard a high-speed zodiac-style boat from Dana Point, CA. This state-of-the-art Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) reaches speeds of 30 knots or more as it glides through the stunning Southern California waters. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (6-12 yrs) ## Good to Know * Enjoy a high-speed, stable ride and up-close marine wildlife viewing in Dana Point, CA. * Witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, curious sea lions, sleek sharks, vibrant birds, and more. * Tours last approximately 2 or 2.5 hours. Please check-in at least 45 minutes prior to cruise departure. * Manute’a catamaran has Eye-Spy Trams Nets, underwater viewing pods, a micro-museum, and restrooms. * Zodiac-style boat reaches speeds of 30 knots or faster but has no restrooms onboard. * Zodiac tour accommodates up to 12 passengers; Manute’a catamaran up to 49 passengers. * Bring sunglasses, cameras, film or memory cards, binoculars, sunblock, caps or visors, jackets, windbreakers. * It’s usually 10-15 degrees cooler on the water; layering clothes and wearing tennis or deck shoes with non-marking soles is advisable. * Rain poncho recommended if rain is expected; hats and visors are helpful. * Beer and wine allowed on the 2.5-hour Signature Safari with plastic cups; Zodiac requires drinks in closable containers. * Guests can purchase cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream on the Dolphin Deck. * Manute’a has two bathrooms below deck accessible by a small ladder; Zodiac does not have bathrooms. * Captain Dave's vessels usually go out 3-5 miles, up to 8 miles occasionally, always near Orange County coastline. * Seasickness remedies like Bonine, Dramamine, Ginger tablets, Ginger Ale and pressure point wristbands available for purchase. * Tours operate rain or shine if safe; captains decide safety before departure. * If no whales or dolphins are sighted, guests receive a complimentary ticket valid for one year (non-transferable). * Pregnant women allowed on Manute’a but not on Zodiac due to bouncy ride. * Children of all ages welcome; vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified. * Wheelchair accessible; request assistance when booking. * Legs and feet might get wet at bow depending on ocean conditions; boat slows for wildlife viewing to reduce splashing. * Tipping is optional and appreciated if you enjoyed the tour. ## FAQs ### When is the best time of day to see whales and dolphins? There is no specific time! Dolphin, whales and all types of marine wildlife float, freestyle, glide, pose, dive, dip, and zip throughout the year, all day long. Morning trips are calmer because there’s less wind, and disruptions in the water are easier to spot. ### How far in advance should I check in? It is recommended to check in at least 45 minutes ahead of time. Check in and chill on the Dolphin Deck. Between June and September, on holidays, or the Festival of Whales, it is best to arrive 60 to 90 minutes in advance to ensure parking ease at Dana Point Harbor because whales tend to double-park. ### What should I bring with me? You’re welcome to bring beer and wine on their 2.5-hour Signature Safari, but for safety, please don’t forget the plastic cups. And as always, drink responsibly. You can also visit the Dolphin Deck to purchase cold beverages, delicious sandwiches, yummy snacks and refreshing ice cream. As for the Zodiac cruise, because of the fast and bouncy ride, drinks must be in containers that can be closed, such as reusable water bottles, and easy-to-eat dry snacks that won’t be swept away by the wind such as granola bars and cookies. Guests should bring sunglasses, cameras, (or extra space on the smartphone), film or memory cards, binoculars, sunblock, caps, and visors. Jackets and windbreakers are always good for the cruise, too. ### What should I wear? It is usually 10-15 degrees cooler on the water, even when the sun shines, so it’s a good idea to layer clothes. Wear tennis or deck shoes if possible, preferably with non-marking, non-black soles. And if it looks like rain, a rain poncho will help. A hat or visor is a good idea, too. ### Can I take pictures or video? Yes, there are plenty of photo opportunities on board. ### Is there a bathroom on the boat? Manute’a sailboat has two bathrooms. The bathrooms are slightly below deck so you need to be able to climb down a small boat ladder – just three steps – to get to them. Zodiac-style boat, however, does not have a bathroom on board. ### How far out to sea do you go? Captain Dave's vessels usually go out about 3-5 miles, but they have gone up to 8 miles from shore on occasion, depending on where the whales and dolphin are. They are always in view of the gorgeous Orange County coastline. ### What should I do about seasickness? Bonine, Dramamine, Ginger tablets. Ginger Ale and Pressure Point Wristbands are all available for purchase on the Dolphin Deck, but check in early to ensure maximum effectiveness. ### What happens if it rains or gets foggy? If it’s safe, you go! And although it rarely rains in Southern California, your captain will make a decision as to the safety of the voyage before departure if it does. Be prepared, at the dock, and ready to go! ### What if we don't see whales or dolphins? In the unlikely event your cruise turns up zero whales or dolphins, you can return with a complimentary ticket within one year from the date of the trip! Please note that your “no sightings” ticket is non-transferable and expires one year from the date of your “no sightings” cruise. ### Are pregnant women allowed on the cruises? Pregnant women are allowed on Manute’a sailboat. However, pregnant women are not allowed on the high-speed zodiac-style boat due to the potentially bouncy ride. ### How old does my child have to be? Children of all ages are welcome aboard their boats. All of their vessels are safe and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. ### Can I bring someone who is in a wheelchair? Yes. Please make a note of your request for accessibility assistance in the comments section above when booking your tickets. ### Will I get wet on the boat? Depending on ocean conditions, your legs and feet could get wet on the bow while the boat is out to sea and going fast! However, the boat slows down in the presence of dolphins and whales and you’re less likely to get splashed. ### Should I tip the captain and crew? Only if you would like to, and please know it’s never expected. If you have enjoyed your whale and dolphin safari, gratuities are always appreciated. ### How many people can the boats accommodate? The Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari holds a maximum of 49 passengers per trip and the Zodiac tour can accommodate up to 12 passengers per trip. ## Reviews > "wonderful trip" > — A8722FZrobertw, June 12, 2026 > "Incredible" > — Slice1904, June 12, 2026 > "Love the zodiac private charter" > — S629r, Denver, Colorado, June 11, 2026 > "Great trip!" > — jillmill61, Tampa, Florida, June 11, 2026