Ocean Institute vs Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Two whale watching operators in Dana Point, California. Ocean Institute starts at $40 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.
Ocean Institute
- Professional naturalists brief guests before boarding and stay aboard
- Possible hands-on activities such as sorting mud samples and viewing plankton under a microscope
- Dates listed for October to December 2026, mostly weekends
Whale and Marine Life Tour
- From
- $40 per person
- Length
- About 2.5 hours (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
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.