Whale Seasons

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching vs Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Two whale watching operators in Dana Point, California. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching starts at $72.08 and Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari at $86.92. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

  • Family-run since 1971; says it was Orange County's first whale watching company
  • Marine naturalist aboard every trip
  • 8 hour Ultimate Whale Watch (from $232.14) runs a few times a year
  • Annual whale watching pass from $412.34

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

From
$72.08 per adult
Length
2 hours
Min age
All ages

Private Whale Watching Charter

From
$550 per group
Length
2 hours
Group
4 to 149 guests

Check dates with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

  • Says whales and dolphins are seen on more than 95% of tours
  • Underwater viewing pods on Manute'a need about six ladder-like steps to enter
  • Zodiac trip not for pregnant guests or anyone with head, neck or back injuries
  • Whale Geek Cetacean Exploration: 3.5 hours on motor yacht ORCA (max 6), from $192 per person

Signature Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

From
$86.92 per adult
Length
2.5 hours
Group
20 to 65 passengers depending on boat
Min age
All ages
Cancellation
Non-cancelable, non-refundable and non-changeable unless trip cancellation protection is bought at booking.

Zodiac Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

From
$86.92 per person
Length
2 hours
Group
Up to 20 passengers
Min age
6 and up
Cancellation
Non-cancelable, non-refundable and non-changeable unless trip protection is bought at booking.

Private Charters

From
$350 per group
Group
ORCA 1 to 6, Zodiac RHIB 1 to 20, Manute'a 1 to 49, Hoku Nai'a 1 to 149

Check dates with Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in Dana Point, California.