Whale Watching Excursions

See why Dana Point is the "Whale Capital of the West!"
Most excursions are 2-3 hours long.
Reservations recommended.
 

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

(800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994 | danawharf.com
The originator of Whale Watching in Orange County invites you to celebrate over 40 years of exceptional Whale Watching. Take an adventure cruise to see the California Gray Whales in their natural environment. Fun for all ages and trips will be on a variety of large vessels piloted by expert captains. Sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Excursions depart every hour on the hour from 8:00AM to 4:00PM during the Festival weekends and three trips daily during the week. Back by popular demand - The Whale of a Deal - all tickets on the 8am trip are just $10.00! We have rolled back prices to the 70's, hurry these trips sell out fast!

Prices: Adults - $32, Senior and Military - $27, Children 3-12 years - $19, Children 2 and under are free. Check out our schedule and purchase online: zerve.com/DanaWharf/OceanAdv use a Promo Code (FOW12) save $5 per adult fare (includes Seniors and Children WOW, not valid on 8am special.)

Dana Wharf Whale Watching is also hosting a special two-hour Whale Watching excursion following their Marine Mammal Lecture both weekends at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. A variety of guest marine biologists will present recent findings on whales, dolphins and other marine mammals aboard their 63-foot, state-of-the-art OCean Adventures catamaran – featuring an incredibly spacious viewing deck and full-service deli-style gallery – for those that want a one-on-one educational experience. Prior to the 11:30 AM departure, a special lecture session from 10:00AM to 11:00AM and continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry's will be included with all 11:30 AM reservations. Tickets are $42 for adults, $29 for children 3 – 12 and free for children under 2. For reservations call (800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994 or visit danawharf.com

Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises

(949) 496-2274 | ocean-institute.org
More than just a whale watch, this cruise introduces participants to whales and many other marine animals using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and video microscopes.  Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration, and behavior patterns.  Cruise times are 10:00AM and 1:00PM on Festival weekends.  Member pricing is $22/adult and $19/child (4 – 12 years old).  Non-member pricing is $35/adult and $22/child (4 – 12 years old).  Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. 

Capt. Dave's Whale & Dolphin Safari

(949) 488-2828 | dolphinsafari.com
Most unique Whale Watch in the world!  Get eye-to-eye with Wild Dolphins and Whales - without getting wet - in our two exclusive underwater viewing pods on board our hi-speed, hi-tech, Sailing Catamaran. Only 49 passengers, never crowded, so you can get within arm’s reach of huge, wild dolphin herds. See and hear below the surface with an underwater camera and hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist narrates how the animals live, including Capt. Dave Anderson, whose award winning film on Wild Dolphins & Whales has drawn people worldwide to Dana Point. Front of boat is low to the water to get you close to the animals and on board micro whale and dolphin museum is fun and educational. Our trips are broadcast LIVE on WhaleWatchingTV.com http://whalewatchingtv.com, so you can actually wave hi to family and friends while you are out with the whales and dolphins! And we saved the best for last - Mrs. Captain Dave’s triple fudge brownies are served complimentary on every safari. $55 Adults/$35 child (3-12 years old).

Aventura Sailing Association

(949) 493-9493 | aventurasailing.com

Enjoy the only whale watching excursion powered by the wind aboard one of Aventura’s luxury 30 foot sailboats. $35 per person, (must have at least the maximum of 6 passengers), or enjoy a 30 foot Private Boat for $210, (6 passengers maximum), 2 ½  hour trip. You can upgrade to a larger vessel for an additional fee. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the serenity of being under full sail as you listen to the sounds of the sea and whales as they breach.  Bring your camera and capture the whales as their tails fly high!

Dream Catcher Yacht Charters

(949) 248-7100 | dreamcatcheryachts.com

Wouldn't it be great to have your own custom version of a Jacques Cousteau adventure at sea? Board one of our luxury sailing or motor yachts, skippered by one of our experienced, Coast Guard-licensed captains for a three-hour excursion for you and up to five of your closest shipmates starting at $55 per person. Our departure times are whenever you want to go - we are on your agenda! If you want to search for whales and dolphins and see the spectacular Southern California Riviera coastline in a more personal and intimate setting - then Dream Catcher Yacht Charters has your private yacht waiting at the dock! You can also learn something about sailing and boat-handling if you are interested or you can just sit back, enjoy the voyage, and scan the horizon for sea life. Shhh - hear that? The whales are gently calling your name… Dream Catcher Yachts is celebrating our 20th year in Dana Point Harbor!

Media Note:  Full-color digital images are available online at festivalofwhales.org.