Dana Point Festival of Whales
The Dana Point Festival of Whales is an annual celebration of the majestic Gray Whale and the long journey these amazing animals take every winter.
The Festival of Whales began 40 years ago as an annual seaside event in the town of Dana Point. The community and visitors celebrate the migration of the California Gray Whale and other species with ocean-theme events and activities with an emphasis on education and environmental responsibility. A variety of activities are scheduled for both in and around the harbor area with the main event being, of course, whale watching. Though the gray whales migrate past Dana Point for several months, the Festival dates tend to be among the most popular for whale watching tours. Be sure to make your reservation several weeks in advance!
Whale Watching
Bring the kids, family, and friends t0 really up-close and personal with herds of wild dolphins up to 5,000 strong and migrating Gray Whales. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari will take you aboard our high-speed, high-tech catamaran sailboat for an educational and incredibly exciting and experience.
Two eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods let you “swim” with dolphin and whales without getting wet! You’ll hear the animals too, with a research-quality hydrophone.
Experienced marine naturalists including Captain Dave Anderson, whose award winning film on Wild Dolphins & Whales has drawn people worldwide to Dana Point, will explain how these animals live. Kids love to see and touch our incredible collection of whale and dolphin artifacts.
And we saved the best for last: On your way back to the harbor Mrs. Captain Dave’s delicious triple fudge brownies are served complimentary!
Don’t forget to tell your family and friends on land to watch your trip LIVE on WhaleWatchingTV.com!
Whale Watching Trips | Daily
Dana Point’s first year-round dolphin and whale watching company to offer daily trips!
When: Every day! Departure times can vary. Please call, email, or book online.
Length: 2 1/2 hours
Cost: $55 per adult, $35 kids 3 – 12 years old, 2 and under no charge
Reservations: Call (949) 488-2828 or book online
Whale of a View | March 3, 4, 10, 11
When: 11 AM to 3 PM. Showings every hour.
Where: Our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Cost: Free
More Information: (949) 488-2828 or email
Visit our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (next to Baby Beach) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California” and purchase a signed copy of Captain Dave’s DVD. Screenings every hour. In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater camera and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip to record what his passengers experienced first-hand. It took him five years to create the documentary, an experience that has forever changed his life.
Throughout the day relax and enjoy our Dolphin Deck with the best view in the harbor. You can even see our boat’s live whale watching broadcast from WhaleWatchingTV.com. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and refreshments are available for purchase.
Captain Dave’s Kids Carnival | March 10
When: 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Cost: Free
More Information: (949) 488-2828 or email
[singlepic id=25 w=51 h=75 float=left]Fun for the whole “pod”! Drop by our Dolphin Deck location at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, (near Baby Beach and OC Sailing and Events Center), for FREE activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts, and much more. Parents will have a chance to enter a raffle and win awesome prizes.