Watch Dolphins, Whales, And More Frolic Along The Southern California Coast On This Epic Tour
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 01, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Whale watching is a quintessential Southern California activity. I know from experience that being out on the water along our spectacular coast and enjoying up-close encounters with the amazing creatures that call the Pacific Ocean home is an experience unlike any other. No matter what time of year you head out, whale watching in Dana Point, CA, aboard Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari is a journey you won’t forget.
Captain Dave’s offers daily trips out of the harbor in Dana Point, taking eager seafarers aboard their high-tech catamaran for an exciting ocean adventure.
During winter months, not only will you enjoy smaller crowds, but from December through April, you also have an incredible chance to see majestic gray whales. Humpback, Fin, Orca, and Minke Whales can be seen throughout the year.
All year long, groups of dolphins up to 10,000 at a time swim along with and under the boat, leaping and playing right off the bow. The main boat, Manute’a, also feature three “Eye-Spy Dolphin Tram Nets” that give guests and up-close, immersive experience.
Captain Dave’s underwater Hydrophone lets you listen to the dolphins throughout the adventure.
Perhaps the most unique feature of Captain Dave’s tours is the world’s only underwater glass viewing pads, offering sailors a whole new “eye-to-eye” perspective and some epic photo opportunities!
Among the many species of marine animals frequently seen on the ocean safari are California Sea Lions, often basking in the sun on a floating buoy. You might even encounter sharks, pilot whales, or elephant seals!
There is nothing like seeing these stunning sea creatures in the open sea. Over 95% of Captain Dave’s trips locate whales and dolphins, but in the rare occurrence that you do not sea whales or dolphins during your adventure, you will be offered another chance with a free Signature Safari within one year of your initial trip. You can’t beat that!