$ 78.44
$ 54.91
$ 8.00
The Dana Point Festival of Whales celebrates one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the West Coast: the annual migration of gray whales past Southern California. As the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®, Dana Point offers unmatched opportunities to experience the Festival of Whales not just from shore, but from the open ocean itself.
During the Whale Festival, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari invites guests to take part in the celebration with daily whale watching excursions departing directly from Dana Point Harbor. These safaris place you in the heart of the migration, offering real-time and up-close encounters with wild dolphins, migrating gray whales, playful humpback whales, huge fin whales, silly sea lions, and so much more! Mere minutes from the harbor, the waters off Dana Point are teeming with all kinds of marine wildlife for you to enjoy.
Bring your kids, family, and friends for a chance to connect with dolphins and whales underwater in our exclusive eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods on our catamaran sailboat Manute’a. Or, get within arm’s reach of the animals on our fast and adventurous zodiac whale watching safari.
Our Eco-Hero Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari adds an educational and conservation-focused layer to the Dana Point Festival of Whales, making it an ideal Whale Festival experience for families. This extended safari combines whale watching with hands-on learning led by special guest educators and local environmental partners who join the trip to share insight about marine life, conservation, and ocean stewardship.
During the Festival of Whales, Eco-Hero safaris focus on the migration of gray whales and the broader ecosystem that supports them. These guest experts help bring the Whale Festival to life through age-appropriate discussions and real-world examples of how whales, dolphins, and seabirds interact with their environment.
As part of the Eco-Hero Safari, kids ride free with each paid adult ticket, making it one of the most family-friendly ways to experience the Dana Point Festival of Whales from the water. Children and adults alike leave with a deeper understanding of why this Whale Festival matters and how everyday actions can help protect marine wildlife.
The Dana Point Festival of Whales began 55 years ago as an annual community event in the coastal town of Dana Point, located in picturesque Orange County, California. During the two-weekend whale watching festival held each March, residents and visitors celebrate migrating gray whales and other marine wildlife with ocean-themed activities and presentations emphasizing education and environmental responsibility.
A wide variety of family-friendly activities will take place and the premier event is, of course, whale watching! With an abundance of year-round whales, dolphins, and other sea life, Dana Point is the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
Dana Point, California, is also an official Whale Heritage Area. A Whale Heritage Area is an outstanding location where cetaceans (whales, dolphins, or porpoises) are embraced through the cultural, economic, social, and political lives of associated communities, and where people and cetaceans coexist in an authentic and respectful way.
While the Dana Point Festival of Whales offers land-based activities, parades, and harbor events, nothing compares to witnessing the Whale Festival from the ocean itself. A whale watching safari transforms the Festival of Whales into a personal, immersive experience that connects you directly with the wildlife being celebrated.
Whether you choose a Signature Safari, a Zodiac adventure, or the Eco-Hero Safari, Capt. Dave’s offers a front-row seat to the Dana Point Festival of Whales and the incredible marine life that makes this Whale Festival so special.
We have several Dana Point Festival of Whales cruise options. Whether you prefer to spend the whale festival on a group tour with other like-minded ‘dolphriends’ or on a private charter that’s customized to your preferences. You’ll have a ‘whale-y’ amazing experience!
Our Signature Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari is the perfect way to experience the Dana Point Festival of Whales in comfort and style. Aboard the world’s most unique catamaran, Manute’a, guests enjoy expansive viewing areas, expert narration from onboard naturalists, and the chance to observe marine life from both above and below the waterline.
Festival of Whales season often brings sightings of gray whales, along with humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and multiple dolphin species. Every trip is different, but each safari highlights why the Dana Point Festival of Whales has become one of California’s most celebrated whale festivals.
For guests looking for a more adventurous way to experience the Whale Festival, our Zodiac Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari delivers an unforgettable ride. These fast, low-profile rigid inflatable boats provide an intimate, eye-level perspective that puts you closer to the action.
Zodiac Safaris are especially popular during the Dana Point Festival of Whales for guests who want thrilling encounters with dolphins racing alongside the boat and whales surfacing nearby. This safari is ideal for experienced travelers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a dynamic Festival of Whales adventure.
