Set sail from Dana Point with Dana Wharf for guaranteed sightings of whales and dolphins. Enjoy a unique combination of marine adventure and creative art lessons on this unforgettable ocean tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the trip involves mostly sitting or light walking on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Dana Point Harbor was once a prime whaling port in the early 1900s before becoming a leading whale watching destination.
Conservation
Dana Wharf actively supports marine conservation through educational outreach and partnerships aimed at protecting local marine life.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Set sail from Dana Point with Dana Wharf for guaranteed sightings of whales and dolphins. Enjoy a unique combination of marine adventure and creative art lessons on this unforgettable ocean tour.
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; wearing layers helps you stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring Binoculars
Binoculars enhance your ability to spot distant whales and dolphins more clearly on the horizon.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect both your skin and marine life by choosing eco-friendly sunscreen products.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water to avoid dehydration, especially on sunny days out at sea.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket
Protects from cool coastal breezes and occasional early-season chills.
spring
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water, improving visibility and eye comfort.
summer
Hat with Sun Protection
Shields your face and neck from prolonged sun exposure during the trip.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the tour while avoiding single-use plastics.