Adventure Brief
Treat Dad to a special evening on the water with a two-hour dinner cruise in Dana Point featuring live music, BBQ, and craft beer tasting.
2 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Treat Dad to a special evening on the water with a two-hour dinner cruise in Dana Point featuring live music, BBQ, and craft beer tasting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves relaxed seating with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Dana Point has a rich maritime history as a former whaling harbor and continues to be a vital hub for sportfishing and marine research.
Conservation
Dana Wharf and Dana Point emphasize sustainable tourism by promoting local marine conservation efforts and responsible wildlife viewing practices.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Treat Dad to a special evening on the water with a two-hour dinner cruise in Dana Point featuring live music, BBQ, and craft beer tasting.
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.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
Getting to the dock at least 30 minutes early ensures you can pick a preferred spot aboard the Dana Pride for the best views.
Dress in Layers
Coastal weather can be breezy in the evening, so bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
Bring Your ID for Beer Tasting
Guests enjoying the Los Molinos beer tasting must be 21+ and have a valid ID.
Motion Sickness Precautions
If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
Light Jacket
Keep warm from the coastal breeze during cooler evenings.
spring
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes during the afternoon and sunset on deck.
summer
Motion Sickness Bands or Medication
Helps prevent nausea if you are sensitive to boat movement.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning coastline views and memorable moments.