Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point
Overview
A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!)
We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.
What's Included
- 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
- Licensed Captain and professional crew member
- Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in)
- Gratuities
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 exhilarating adventure departs from Dana Point, the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, and the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®. May through October you could see the largest animals on earth, magnificent Blue Whales. December through April you could witness the incredible Gray Whale migration. And throughout the year you’ll have the opportunity to see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, sometimes Orcas (Killer Whales), and so much more. Several species of wild dolphins, some in 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, such as a birthday or anniversary, be sure to let us know when reserving so that we can arrange for a special greeting. Check in about 30 to 45 minutes in advance. Then relax under a blue 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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- You may encounter occasional ocean spray
- No over-sized bags or coolers please.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 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-44596P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 414 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions 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 Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point. 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.
- 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.
- Licensed Captain and professional crew member.
- Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in).
- Gratuities.
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 2025The minimum age to participate is 6. 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 Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. 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
- 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
- Licensed Captain and professional crew member
- Food and drinks (available to purchase at check-in)
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- You may encounter occasional ocean spray
- No over-sized bags or coolers please.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
