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  • 'Whaley' Fun for All Ages!

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

March 1 - 3, 2024
Family-friendly fun, food, festivities, and whale watching!

Quick Details

The Dana Point Festival of Whales takes place annually in March. In 2024, the 53rd annual Dana Point Festival of Whales will be held March 1 through 3.

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales logo

From :
$ 95 $ 72.20

Dolphin & Whale Watching During the Dana Point Festival of Whales

Experience up-close 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 the 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.

Featured Dana Point Festival of Whales Event

Other Popular Festival of Whales Cruises

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 ‘whaley’ amazing experience!

About the Dana Point Festival of Whales

The Dana Point Festival of Whales began over 50 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 Site. A Whale Heritage Site 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.

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales logo

In addition to whale watching, Capt. Dave’s is hosting a Free Virtual Whale Watching Safari.

Join Gisele (Mrs. Capt. Dave) for a fun and educational virtual dolphin and whale watching safari during the Dana Point Festival of Whales!

You’ll meet the magnificent whales and dolphins found off the coast of Dana Point, California, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® on a pre-recorded safari with live narration from experienced marine wildlife naturalists.

There is no cost to join us. To participate you’ll need a high-speed internet connection and Zoom.

A limited number of participants is allowed. Please sign up only if you’re sure you can attend.

Virtual Safari Date: Saturday, March 5, 2022

Time: 8:00 AM PST

Duration: 45 minutes

In addition to whale watching, Capt. Dave’s is hosting Eco-Heroes: Dream to Make a Difference Virtual Interview Series.

Join Gisele (Mrs. Capt. Dave), for a series of fascinating discussions on our YouTube channel with renowned guests who have made changes in the lives of whales by their service and sacrifice. It’s free!

How to watch: subscribe to our YouTube channel (and be sure to hit the little bell icon) to be notified when the interviews premiere.

Meet the Eco-Heroes