Capacity: Varies by boat. All vessels will have a reduced capacity for a spacious experience.
Additional information:
We recommend dressing very warm. Santa hats and ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged!
Safe and never crowded.
Boat is cleaned with CDC-approved products in-between cruises.
SPECIAL OPTION Boat Parade Private Charter: Participate in Dana Point’s Boat Parade of Lights, while enjoying the holiday lights and décor from the comfort of a private boat on our rigid hull inflatable (Zodiac-style) vessel (1 to 20 people). Just your guests, plus our crew, will be on board! Book now:
AdultAge 13 & Up
$45
ChildAge 12 & Younger
$39
Join us for holiday cheer at Dana Point Harbor’s 48th Annual Boat Parade of Lights!
Gather your friends and family to create special holiday memories that will last throughout the year.
Aboard our catamarans, you’ll be a part of the Dana Point boat parade and enjoy the beautiful sights of decorated boats and holiday music filling the air. It’s so much fun waving to the folks on shore!
So bring the kids, a date, or your Mom, don your Santa hat, and join us for an unforgettable evening of good old-fashioned fun.
And yes, Mrs. Capt. Dave’s yummy Triple Fudge Brownies will be served!
Get ready for a magical night full of holiday music, lights, and fun during the Dana Point Boat Parade on December 8, 9, and 10, 2023.
Recommended Attire for the Dana Point Boat Parade
You’re on the water at night so it can get chilly. Please be sure to dress very warm. Feel free to bring extra jackets and blankets. You’re welcome to bring hot drinks or purchase them at check-in.
Santa hats and ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged!
Upgrade Your Boat Parade Cruise to an Exclusive Private Charter
You and up to five of your guests will participate in Dana Point’s Boat Parade of Lights, while enjoying the brilliant holiday lights and decor up-close.
Take in the sights and sounds of joyful holiday music and colorful Christmas lights from the bow and aft deck. Or warm up inside the fully enclosed bridge and comfortably appointed cabin. Had one too many hot toddies or cocoa? No worries! ORCA has two restrooms.
Duration:
2 hours
ORCA boat parade price:
$620 + $75 gratuity
Availability:
Friday, December 9
Saturday, December 10 (Sold Out)
Sunday, December 11
Up to 20 guests of your choice will participate in Dana Point’s annual Boat Parade of Lights on our catamaran DolphinSafari, while enjoying the brilliant holiday lights and decor up-close.
Take in the sights and sounds of joyful holiday music and colorful Christmas lights from the wide bow. Or relax on cushioned seating in the covered cockpit. DolphinSafari has one restroom.
So Fun To See The Boat Parade
We really enjoyed the boat parade on Saturday night to see the holiday lights. All of the staff - on land and on the boat- were very friendly and helpful. There was plenty of room and we appreciated the music and cookies. We gave the staff a well deserved tip but didn’t see anyone else doing so. A fun experience - highly recommend it!
– Wagr - TripAdvisor
So fun! The boat we got to ride on, Lily, was big and decorated so cute for Christmas. It was great being in the boat light parade and seeing all the other boats decorated for Christmas. It wasn’t too chilly and the water was smooth. Fun people on board, laughing and singing Christmas carols. I’m telling everyone, esp on social media, to do the boat parade with Capt. Dave’s. So glad I found it and brought my cousin with me. We had a great time! And the cookies and brownies were yummy!
– Jen Davis - Google
Having taken excellent whale watching safaris in the past with Dolphin Safaris, I was very pleased to join Captain Dave and his family for the Dana Point Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. We joined the parade and had a great view of all the other boats in the parade. The atmosphere on the boat was very cheerful with lots of enthusiasm and shouting Merry Christmas to the crowds watching the parade. To add to the fun there was hot chocolate and cookies and Santa hats for everyone. Christmas spirit was alive and well on the boat! It could not have been a more pleasant evening.
– Phyllis H. - TripAdvisor
We loved being a part of the Dana Point Boat Parade with Captain Dave! It was a fun and festive atmosphere. We even enjoyed some Christmas music and cookies during our trip. The themed light displays on each boat in the parade were impressive. Great for kids & adults, we would definitely do this again.
If you’re looking for whale watching near Dana Point, we guarantee you’ve never experienced anything like this. Our exclusive underwater glass viewing pods put you face to face with some of the largest creatures on earth! Book your seat today!
Just like our Signature Safari, but faster and closer! Get within arm’s reach of wildlife on our speedy and fun dolphin & whale watching zodiac-style boats (rigid hull inflatables). VERY low to the water & GoPro friendly. Book your intimate experience now!
Booking a private boat charter gives you all the beauty Dana Point has to offer, and with exclusivity of a private event. All boat rentals come with Captain & crew. Explore suggested private charter itineraries or make your own!