Tour

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

4.9(340 reviews)
2 hours
From $95
View Reviews & Availability
Opens Viator, our trusted affiliate partner
Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point
20 photos

About This Tour

A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!) We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.

Photo Gallery

Exciting adventures with an apex predator of the ocean

Exciting adventures with an apex predator of the ocean

Acrobatic humpback whales can be seen throughout the year

Acrobatic humpback whales can be seen throughout the year

Dana Point made famous the 'dolphin stampede'

Dana Point made famous the 'dolphin stampede'

Zodiac whale watching cruise experiencing a blue whale up close

Zodiac whale watching cruise experiencing a blue whale up close

The west coast's most famous bottlenose dolphin, Patches, hangs out with our zodiac

The west coast's most famous bottlenose dolphin, Patches, hangs out with our zodiac

Rarely seen orcas are a very special treat

Rarely seen orcas are a very special treat

📊

Tour Analysis

Tour Characteristics

Analyze this tour to extract its characteristics (adventure level, structure, food importance, etc.). This is a one-time analysis that enables personalized matching.

One-time analysis • Enables preference matching

What's Included

U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified vessel
Cetacean Declaration - Join us again for free within one calendar year if you don't see any dolphins or whales
Live commentary on board
Licensed Captain and professional crew member

What's Not Included

Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in)
Gratuities

Additional Information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 6 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
You may encounter occasional ocean spray
No over-sized bags or coolers please.

Meeting Point

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)

Special Instructions

Please check in 45 minutes before trip time. Public parking is free and first-come, first-served. IMPORTANT: Please allow ample time to arrive and check-in. Unfortunately, we cannot delay the boat's departure nor rebook you on another trip if you are late. • Minimum age is 6 years old. • Participants with head, neck, or back problems or other serious medical conditions and pregnant women are not allowed.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather

Tour Operator

Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.

Viator Certified

Trusted local operator

Guest Ratings

Based on 340 verified reviews

4.9

Average rating

5
32596%
4
113%
3
21%
2
21%

Ready to Go?

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

Secure your spot instantly through Viator and receive flexible cancellation options plus verified customer support.

View Reviews & Availability
Opens Viator, our trusted affiliate partner

Trusted partner • Instant confirmation

Other Tours You Might Like

Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

4.9(765)
From $95
View Details
Dest ID: 22659
Slug: 22659