Set sail from Dana Point with Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing on a private catamaran tour. Enjoy coffee, stunning wildlife encounters, and incredible photo opportunities on this unique marine adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves standing and walking on a boat with some gentle movement due to waves.
Wildlife
History
Dana Point has been an important whaling and fishing hub since the early 20th century, now transformed into a premier whale watching destination.
Conservation
Dana Wharf supports marine conservation by educating guests about ocean ecosystems and partnering with local organizations protecting marine mammals.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Set sail from Dana Point with Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing on a private catamaran tour. Enjoy coffee, stunning wildlife encounters, and incredible photo opportunities on this unique marine adventure.
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.
Bring a waterproof camera case
Protect your gear from sea spray to ensure clear and safe photography throughout the trip.
Dress in layers
Ocean weather can be unpredictable, so wear layers to stay comfortable during cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
Arrive early for the best seats
Getting to the boat early helps secure the best vantage points for spotting whales and dolphins.
Use biodegradable sunscreen
Protect your skin and the marine environment by choosing reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen.
Binoculars
Enhances distant views of whales and dolphins for a better wildlife watching experience.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during unexpected ocean spray or light rain showers in cooler months.
fall
Travel mug
Ideal for keeping your coffee warm while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides sun protection during midday hours on the open water.
summer