You've never experienced anything like this. Our exclusive underwater glass viewing pods put you face to face with some of the largest creatures on earth! Book your seat today! Get within arm's reach of wildlife on our speedy and fun dolphin & whale watching zodiac-style boats. VERY low to the water & GoPro friendly.
Our fastest vessels! Booking a super-safe private boat charter gives you all the beauty Dana Point has to offer, and with exclusivity of a private event. All boat rentals come with Captain & crew. Explore suggested private charter. Join us for holiday fun & festivities at Dana Point Harbor's Boat Parade of Lights!
Our fastest vessels! Booking a super-safe private boat charter gives you all the beauty Dana Point has to offer, and with exclusivity of a private event. All boat rentals come with Captain & crew. Explore suggested private charter. Join us for holiday fun & festivities at Dana Point Harbor's Boat Parade of Lights!
Services
Clock Departure times: Cruise times vary. Manute'a (pronounced mah-noo-tay-ah) is our high-tech, high-speed catamaran sailboat offering the world's most unique dolphin and whale watching experience in Orange County. Manute'a features Capt. Dave's exclusive Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.
These amazing viewing pods give you the extraordinary experience of feeling what it's like to swim with dolphins and whales-underwater-without getting wet, making it an unforgettable whale watching tour you'll talk about for days to come!
These amazing viewing pods give you the extraordinary experience of feeling what it's like to swim with dolphins and whales-underwater-without getting wet, making it an unforgettable whale watching tour you'll talk about for days to come!
Kids adore whale watching field trips almost as much as we do! If your class is ready to dive into the deep and captivating world of maritime education, we invite you to embark on one of our year-round whale watching day trips for kids. Your students will be thrilled to discover a wealth of information about the Pacific Ocean, Southern California coastline, its thriving ecosystem, and the many fascinating marine creatures that call it home.
Cruise Ship SPECIAL OPTION Dana Point Boat Parade Private Charter: Participate in Dana Point's Boat Parade of Lights, while enjoying the holiday lights and decor from the comfort of a private boat. Just your group of up to 6 guests, plus our crew, aboard our motor yacht ORCA. Our ORCA charter is a 38-foot luxury motor yacht available for year-round private tours.
One of the Most Popular Sailing Tours in Southern California! Custom sailing charters on our legendary and intimate sailing catamaran in California offer unique eye-spy dolphin and whale tram nets. Although this vessel is certified to carry 22, we highly recommend no more than 20 passengers for the comfort of all your guests.
Hailed by many passengers as "better than Disneyland", Manute'a is the most unique whale watching boat in the world. A private boat charter to view the scenic Southern California coastline and incredible year-round wildlife will surely wow your guests of any age. Manute'a features our exclusive two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods, so you can feel what it's like to swim with dolphins and whales underwater without getting wet.
Reviews (10)
Zakwally Flix
Jan 03, 2022
Report
Captain Dave's whale watching was a fun day with our family. We watched a mother and calf Grey whales for quite a while and then ventured off to see a couple pods of Bottle Nose Dolphins. The boat was clean and the crew Chuck, Sasha and Hanna were knowledgable and friendly. The entire process from booking, confirming and sailing went smoothly. Very fun day!
Forestcats
Dec 28, 2021
Report
We had taken another whale watching company and it was a do it once and done. Then I saw YouTube footage by Captain Dave’s and was so happy to find it done professionally, safely, w great respect for the animals. I’ve brought guests here because they will always have a very good experience. I gifted this experience for the holidays because everyone has too much stuff but not enough living.
Diana Thomas
Dec 28, 2021
Report
Unless you are on a boat that is whale chasing ( not good) there is never any guarantee of seeing any of the large whales. Sometimes there aren’t dolphins ( small whales) in the area at the time either. That said
The small boats carry fewer passengers allowing for much better viewing. Capt Dave’s is a great value for this type of whale watching excursion. The staff I interacted with were professional without being unfriendly and treating their passengers as just a job.
I felt they were genuinely concerned with giving their guests the best experience possible. Even though my outing didn’t
The small boats carry fewer passengers allowing for much better viewing. Capt Dave’s is a great value for this type of whale watching excursion. The staff I interacted with were professional without being unfriendly and treating their passengers as just a job.
I felt they were genuinely concerned with giving their guests the best experience possible. Even though my outing didn’t
Cher Aguilar
Dec 27, 2021
Report
From the moment our tour was booked until we were driving away from the Harbor, every moment was magical! Excellent customer service, superior communication and the best tour ever! We had Captain Gary driving Fast Cat for our tour and he was phenomenal! Excellent energy, knowledgeable and patient just to name a few of his qualities! While my husband and I have done many tours with Captain Dave’s, this was a first for our daughter and our first on one of the kodiak boats! Super close to the water and in the middle of all the action! We all had the best day ever! Great way to start off the new
Tamara
Dec 24, 2021
Report
Hannah Deines
Dec 21, 2021
Report
Captain Gary and First Mate Janelle did an amazing job. We got to see it all! Whale, sea lions, and two different species of dolphin. Captain Dave’s is very tourist friendly and genuinely care about their customers. My family is from the Midwest and obviously enjoyed our wonderful trek on the ocean but what was even more awesome is that my husband and sister in law who are locals enjoyed it just as much! Highly recommend Captain Dave’s zodiac tour for anyone looking for some fun and adventure.
Clare Mata
Dec 20, 2021
Report
Captain Dave and staff made our final farewell to our two dogs meaningful and peaceful. They were respectful and kind, and I felt assured that the ash scattering at sea was done with dignity and with an understanding of how important it was to us. Kayla and Kim offered heartfelt sympathy as they told us we were doing a very loving act for our sweet pets. Such kindness and compassion make the world a better place.
J. T. Barnes
Oct 27, 2021
Report
We didn't see any whales, but the captain was in contact with 2 other spotters trying to find them.
Nice sunny day for a cruise.
Since we didn't see any whales, we were given a voucher for a free adventure. (Sorry, I live on the east coast, so I don't think that will be anytime soon).
Very friendly staff.
However, we did see sea lions lounging on a bouy.
Nice sunny day for a cruise.
Since we didn't see any whales, we were given a voucher for a free adventure. (Sorry, I live on the east coast, so I don't think that will be anytime soon).
Very friendly staff.
However, we did see sea lions lounging on a bouy.
Kayli Wells
Oct 23, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
We had the small zodiac boat. It was perfect size to be very close to the dolphins. We saw SO many dolphins. The staff was great. The experience was beautiful and it wasn’t terribly priced. I am SO grateful for this experience. Marie and Kaitlyn were great!
We had the small zodiac boat. It was perfect size to be very close to the dolphins. We saw SO many dolphins. The staff was great. The experience was beautiful and it wasn’t terribly priced. I am SO grateful for this experience. Marie and Kaitlyn were great!
Leonardo Genzon
Apr 01, 2021
Report
A great experience for the entire family. Knowledgeable friendly crew. Beautiful fast boat and loads of whale and dolphin sightings.
Captain Marie and crew members Kaitlyn and Stacie were awesome and made sure we had a fun filled safari.
A bit of a longer drive than Long Beach and a few more bucks per ticket than some of the competitors but definitely worth it.
Captain Marie and crew members Kaitlyn and Stacie were awesome and made sure we had a fun filled safari.
A bit of a longer drive than Long Beach and a few more bucks per ticket than some of the competitors but definitely worth it.
