Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Dana Point's highest-rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods. For over 25 years we have provided the most unique and eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching trips to view magnificent Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, occasionally Orcas, and more. Five species of wild dolphins are also seen throughout the year, including mega-pods with up to 10,000 dolphins! Plus sea lions, marine birds, and even sharks. You'll depart from Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®. We're a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance. Aboard our uncrowded high-tech catamaran you will enjoy up close and personal dolphin and whale watching with expert narration, complimentary triple fudge brownies, and more.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Entry into the Underwater Viewing Pods requires the use of ladder-like steps. Persons with a disability or limited mobility may have difficulty.
Trip times may vary by date.
Only Manute'a has underwater viewing. Boats are subject to change without notice and changes are not a determinant for cancellation or refund.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Your whale watching experience departs from Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World® and the 1st Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. May through October you could see the largest animals on earth, Blue Whales. November through April you could witness the incredible Gray Whale migration. And throughout the year you’ll have opportunities to see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, sea lions, sharks, and so much more. Several species of wild dolphins, some in mega-pods numbering up to 10,000, are seen year-round. Upon arrival, you’ll find free parking and a warm smile from our “Dolphin Deck” team. If you or one of your guests is celebrating a special occasion, please let us know when reserving so we can arrange a special greeting. Then relax under an umbrella and enjoy a sandwich, snacks, ice cream, cold beverage, or hot coffee with the best view of Dana Point Harbor, until you’re escorted to the boat. Nearby restrooms are available to use prior to boarding. Although our primary boat has underwater pods, there may be times when other vessels without the 'pods' are used. These unique vessels offer an equivalent whale watching experience.
What‘s Included
Licensed Captain and professional crew
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
Food and drinks
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Signature Safari
2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour
Reviews
782 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Check in workers, eh! Boat crew awesome!!
Vacation01509153213,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I went whale watching on Saturday, January 24th on the 9 a.m. boat. When we arrived to check in we asked about coffee & snacks. The two ladies working that morning told us to "look around" to find food. When a couple of friends ordered coffee they said "it will be a minute." I purchased a snack & beverage & was told to wait because they had to make two coffees. It wasn't that busy, so I didn't sense a rush of customers. It just felt like we were putting them out & inconveniencing them. If you're going to work with the public at least be gracious & welcoming. The boat crew were awesome. Amanda checked on people & gave those of them that were experiencing sickness great remedies to help them. Her photos were great. The Captain found a huge pod of dolphins & was dedicated to make sure we had our fair share of fun watching them. Thank you boat crew!
Best present ever for our grandsons.
dempseyk6,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Alex was relentless on his search for dolphins on our safari. Once he located a pod of common dolphins he kept us in their midst for plenty of time for our grandsons and us to view them both from above and below. This trip will be seared into their memory for a lifetime. Thanks for your persistence and the wonderful job that your crew did out on the Pacific that day.
Hundreds of dolphins!
christinemJ8541OR,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most amazing dolphin sightings! Hundreds of them swimming along with the catamaran. It was magical!
An Unforgettable Day on the Water
Derek S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible whale and dolphin watching experience. Captain Matt and first mate Hannah were amazing tour guides and made the entire trip fun and informative. We saw sea lions, a huge female gray whale, and thousands of dolphins, both long nose and short nose. The dolphins surrounded the boat and put on an unforgettable show. Everything about the tour felt well run and personal. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an unforgettable day on the water.
A Blissful Day
AniStorydoc,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A blissful day on the water with the splendor of the ocean, the miraculous life and companionship of the dolphins and sea lions and birds and all sorts of life and sounds and scents that remind us that we are part of so much more than we realize . The caring guidance and teamwork of the captain and crew were amazing- so knowledgeable, engaging, friendly … and having Mrs. Dave on board was an added bonus. We got to go down below and be almost face to face with the dolphins … as if we were swimming with them. Every minute was a joy. It was a really spectacular, beautiful, bonding, peaceful day and a wonderful way to spend our anniversary. Thank you all! Can’t wait to come again.
WE LOVED IT!
X6986IKcindya,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved it! Daelyn was amazing! So knowledgeable; she shared so much interesting information throughout the trip. The whole team, Alex, Daelyn, and Hannah were so full of personality and friendly. I would recommend Captain Dave's without hesitation! And, the brownies....YUM!
A Rare, Immersive Dolphin Experience in the Pacific
kathrynfH1986GG,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An epic adventure aboard a beautiful custom catamaran. The MANUTE’A stands out, and the underwater viewing pods add a rare, immersive dimension that makes the experience unforgettable. We sailed smoothly into the Pacific and joined a pod of roughly 100 dolphins—an extraordinary sight. I went with my best friend and my 2½-year-old son, and the experience was engaging, calm, and well-suited for all ages on board. The crew made the day exceptional: Captain Alex navigated us effortlessly, Hannah, the photographer, was bright and skilled, capturing the experience beautifully, and Daelyn brought deep knowledge and a warm presence that invited everyone into the moment. Thoughtful, well-run, and special. Highly recommend.
An Amazing Adventure
carolynbZ8605TP,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the pleasure of setting sail with Captain Matt, First Mate Hannah, and photographer Daelynn. I'm so happy we had this tight-knit group. They went above and beyond to make our trip fun, entertaining, and filled with learning. Sadly, there were no gray whales spotted, but plenty of dolphins of all sorts and sea lions. There were even tiny baby dolphins! I can't recommend this enough. Two thumbs up and five stars across the board.
Highly Recommend
saldous,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went out with Captain Matt and First Mate Andy and had an amazing time. We saw Grey Whales, Common and Bottle Nosed Dolphins and California Seals. The whole trip was excellent, the boat was busy but not to the extent that you couldn’t find a good vantage point, Andy provided useful and relevant commentary and the underwater viewing pods were a novel idea that provided a great vantage point when the dolphins were racing the boat. We would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone wishing to view the amazing marine wildlife along the Californian coast.
Best Dolphin Party Ever
LaurieWallin,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Alex was friendly, knowledgeable and upbeat despite the first hour of the tour not having luck finding whales or dolphins. Then he spotted the biggest dolphin pod (400-500) and steered to join the dolphin party! Michael, our naturalist, provided interesting facts and Daylin the photographer captured the most spectacular dolphin leaps!
From US$99.99
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