Join Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing for a festive boat ride alongside Santa at Dana Point Harbor. This unique holiday event supports charity and offers magical coastal views for the whole family.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves sitting or standing on a stable boat with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Dana Point Harbor has a rich maritime heritage as a historic port and fishing community along California’s coast.
Conservation
Dana Wharf Whale Watching supports local marine conservation efforts and educates guests about protecting the ocean ecosystem.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Join Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing for a festive boat ride alongside Santa at Dana Point Harbor. This unique holiday event supports charity and offers magical coastal views for the whole family.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing, based in Dana Point, California, operates whale-watching, sportfishing, and harbor cruise experiences departing from Dana Point Harbor. The company offers a diverse range of ocean outings for families, anglers, birders, and sightseers, emphasizing comfortable vessels and memorable marine encounters.
Whale-watching options include the EPIC Whale Watching 4 Hour Adventure aboard the fast, comfortable New San Mateo with a strict 12-passenger limit for an intimate wildlife experience. That EPIC adventure highlights the Gray Whale migration and may include sightings of humpback whales, fin whales, and multiple dolphin species. Pelagic Bird Watching runs as a six-hour expedition on a fast catamaran with a local bird expert guiding the search for pelagic birds, whales, and dolphins.
Sportfishing offerings range from half-day fishing trips—designed for all skill levels with friendly crew support, limited capacity, and onboard food and drinks—to a 3/4 Day 9 Hour Fishing Trip targeting seasonal species such as tuna, halibut, and yellowtail while drifting offshore.
Dana Wharf also presents special-event cruises: Live Music Harbor Cruises aboard the 95' Dana Pride, Champagne & Sunset Sails on the historic 1926 Schooner Curlew, Fourth of July dinner cruises with prime fireworks views, a 60-minute Evening Holiday Harbor Cruise on select December dates, and a Father’s Day Dinner Cruise with live acoustic music, BBQ, and beer tasting. Family programming includes Story Time with Nona, limited to 15 children plus parents with a make-and-take craft and live streaming.
All experiences depart from Dana Point Harbor and combine local knowledge, comfortable vessels, and a focus on enjoyable ocean experiences across skill levels.
Location
Dana Point, CA
Departures from Dana Point Harbor
Intimate Cruises
12 max
Small-group whale watching available
Trip Lengths
60–9 hrs
Short harbor to full-day trips
Historic Schooner
1926
Schooner Curlew built in 1926
Reserve a seat on whale watches, fishing trips, or harbor cruises departing from Dana Point Harbor — limited capacity trips fill quickly.
Book Your Tickets Early
This special event fills up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee a place on the boat.
Dress in Layers
Coastal weather can be chilly, especially on the water, so bring warm layers even if the day starts sunny.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and comfortable boarding.
Consider Motion Sickness Remedies
If you’re prone to seasickness, prepare with medicine or wristbands for a more comfortable ride.
Warm Layered Clothing
To keep comfortable against chilly ocean breezes during the colder months.
winter
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the strong sun exposure while on the open water.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memories of your festive boat ride and potential whale sightings.
Motion Sickness Medication
Helps prevent seasickness on choppy days ensuring an enjoyable experience.