Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing
Overview
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.
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)
Meeting Location
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-44596P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 910 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 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).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
