Join Dana Wharf in Dana Point for a daily whale and dolphin watching adventure offering guaranteed sightings and an exclusive art lesson. Discover ocean wildlife in style and comfort!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding the vessel.
Wildlife
History
Dana Point has been a historic coastal harbor since the early 20th century, hosting fishing fleets and marine expeditions.
Conservation
Dana Wharf actively supports marine conservation through educational programs and promoting responsible whale watching practices.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Join Dana Wharf in Dana Point for a daily whale and dolphin watching adventure offering guaranteed sightings and an exclusive art lesson. Discover ocean wildlife in style and comfort!
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.
Dress in layers
Coastal weather can change quickly, so wearing layers keeps you comfortable at sea.
Bring seasickness remedies
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before the tour to ensure a great experience.
Arrive early
Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure lets you choose better seats on the boat.
Use sunscreen
Even on overcast days, UV exposure is high out on the water, so apply sunscreen generously.
Layered Clothing
Allows for adjusting to changing coastal temperatures and sea breezes.
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from glare reflecting off the water.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances distant marine mammal viewing for detailed observation.
Waterproof Camera or Phone Case
Safeguards your electronics from ocean spray and moisture.