Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for whale watching? In order to determine the best time to whale watch, we randomly polled whales and dolphins and received a unanimous response. There is no specific time! Dolphins, whales, and all types of marine wildlife float, freestyle, glide, pose, dive, dip and zip by throughout the year, all day long. Morning trips are calmer because there’s less wind, and disruptions in the water are easier to spot. But then again, later trips have the advantage of prior trip knowledge. So… it’s up to you!

How far in advance should I check in?

Think ‘picnic with friends’ if picnic was on the ocean and friends are hungry.

Water, soda, snacks, and sandwiches, maybe beer, wine, or dark roasted cold brew? All good!

You’re welcome to bring beer and wine on our 2.5-hour Signature Safari, but for safety, please don’t forget the plastic cups!  And as always, drink responsibly or walk the plank.

No time? Visit our DOLPHIN DECK where you can purchase cold beverages, delicious sandwiches, yummy snacks, and refreshing ice cream.

Stuff to bring: Sunglasses, cameras, (or extra space on the smartphone), film or memory cards, binoculars, sunblock, small children, caps, and visors. Jackets and windbreakers are always good, too. The DOLPHIN DECK has all these items and more! Check in early and chat with our land crew. They can answer questions and help pick out a sandwich.

Note: If you’re joining our 90-minte zodiac whale watching safari (“Fast Cat”), please be aware that the FAST CAT has special requirements about what you can bring. Visit our Fast Cat page for more information.

It’s usually 10-15 degrees cooler on the water, even when the sun shines, so it’s a good idea to layer clothes. The “t-shirt, sweatshirt, and windbreaker” ensemble might not bring out the paparazzi but is a winning combination at sea. Wear tennis or deck shoes if possible- – preferably with non-marking, non-black soles. And if it looks like rain, a rain poncho will help. A hat or visor is a good idea, too. Wear your hats securely, because the seals have refused to collect any more hats. (Their collection is amazing.)

Southern California weather is generally mild (see weather app), but like life, can be unpredictable. Ocean conditions and weather does change from day to day, hour to hour.

Reserve tickets

Yes!

Share your whale watching photos and videos with us on Facebook or Instagram. #CaptDaves.

Dolphins are up all night rehearsing those jumps so… please… indulge them.

Yes! All boats have a bathroom except FAST CAT. The MANUTE’A has two bathrooms. The bathrooms are slightly below deck so you need to be able to climb down a small boat ladder – just three steps – to get to them. LILY, our power catamaran has one bathroom on the lower deck. The vessels DOLPHIN SAFARI.COM and ORCA each have one bathroom. And although FAST CAT does not have a bathroom, there are facilities on land available before boarding. (Quick, how many times did we say bathroom? Time is up.)

Book Whale Watching

Our vessels usually go out about 3-5 miles, but we have gone up to 8 miles from shore on occasion, depending on where the whales and dolphin are.  We are always in view of the gorgeous Orange County coastline.  Take a selfie, or three!

If anyone in your group has had past problems with motion sickness, please consult a doctor. There are new and improved ways to avoid seasickness and they should be able to help you. If you plan on taking over-the-counter medication such as BONINE or DRAMAMINE, please be sure to take them at least one full hour before the trip’s departure. (Because the colors blue and green belong in the sea and not on you, right?)

DOLPHIN DECK to the rescue: Bonine, Dramamine, and ginger tablets are available. Ginger Ale and Pressure Point Wristbands are all available at the deck, but check in early to ensure maximum effectiveness.

MORE ADVICE: Eat lightly beforehand, avoid spicy foods and alcohol and get plenty of sleep the night before.

NATURAL REMEDIES include ginger, such as ginger cookies or ginger gum, and pressure point wristbands. Google ginger for more fun facts.

Reserve tickets

If it’s safe, we go!  And although it rarely rains in Southern California, your captain makes a decision as to the safety of the voyage before departure if it does.  Be prepared, at the dock, and ready to go!  Need a rain poncho? Who doesn’t? Purchase one at the DOLPHIN DECK or feel free to bring your own.

Fun fact: Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safaris locate dolphins or whales over 95% of the time throughout the year. Awesomeness.

Bonus fun fact: Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous fudge brownies are handed out regardless of sightings. Double awesomeness.

But, in the unlikely event your safari turns up zero – no whales or dolphins – you can return for FREE within one year from the date of the trip!

(* Free ticket for a “no sightings” safari is effective July 6, 2016.)

IMPORTANT: Your “no sightings” ticket is non-transferable and expires one year from the date of your “no sightings” safari. Please use your free ticket before the expiration date!

Reserve tickets

Yes!  Safe and roomy.

MANUTE’A, (50-ft catamaran) and LILY, (62-ft catamaran) are U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry up to 49 happy passengers and they are both roomy, even at full capacity. And although DOLPHINSAFARI.COM (our original 35-ft catamaran) is U.S. Coast Guard certified for 26, we limit the trips to 20 because we know you love extra elbow room. The boats have two hulls, are extra stable and don’t rock from side to side like a traditional mono-hull or a toddler on time out.

Did we mention our boats are roomy? There’s ample room with enough seating for everyone in the cockpit. We have accommodated paraplegics and quadriplegics, pregnant mothers and six-week old infants on board. (They’re really not old infants, but..) Our six-passenger motor yacht ORCA is also U.S. Coast Guard approved and safe! And FAST CAT is Orange County’s first Coast Guard inspected rigid hull inflated catamaran.

Yes! Babies in the womb love dolphins and whales.

Reserve tickets

Children of all ages are welcome aboard our boats. (FAST CAT is the exception, check out special info below.) All of our vessels are safe and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

ACTIVITIES:

While our daily safaris do not have an age limit, children under three occasionally grow bored or fall asleep.  We make the trip more fun and educational by using mini-scale models of the whales and dolphins and allow them to see and touch real whale baleen and vertebrae. Sometimes, we’re able to let them take a turn at steering the boat!  (This works out fine, as long as they keep the boat in Orange County. A two-year-old steered us to Cancun one time so we limit the steering to two minutes.)

And kids are our good luck charms. Dolphins adore their children, and actually, they adore babies of any species. They seem to be especially attracted to human children, just as we are attracted to baby dolphins! We often see dolphins cluster around the Underwater Viewing Pods if children are in the pods. Pretty cool, huh?

Life vests are available for children and you are always welcome to bring your own. Children are safe anywhere on the boat, as long as you are with them!

ABOUT FAST CAT: For comfort, the minimum age requirement on public trips is eight years old. On private charters, the minimum age is four years old.  FAST CAT, our Rigid Hull Inflatable Catamaran is also very safe and inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Our crew wants to accommodate every passenger! Please call us at 949-488-2828 to make arrangements for a guest with special needs.

Options, we’ve got options!

Want wet? Captain Dave’s “wettest” boat is also our fastest.  FAST CAT offers a bumpy and thrilling ride. Any closer to the water and the dolphins will name you and assume you’ve joined their pod.  Splish, splash, protect your electronics in zip lock bags or other gear!

DOLPHINSARARI.COM, a catamaran sailboat, is very close to the water. Leave your Nikes in the cabin, let your toes say “hello, sunshine!”, because there’s a good chance you’ll get moist if you go up on the bow. The bow features our EYE-SPY DOLPHIN TRAM NETS so you can get up close and personal with sea life. But you can also stay in the dry, covered cabin area. There is cushioned seating, too! Dry, cushioned seating… or take a “bow” – up to you !

MANUTE’A, our catamaran sailboat, is the primary vessel used for our daily whale watching safaris. She also has our EYE-SPY DOLPHIN TRAM NETS and the stay-dry covered-cabin with cushioned seating option.  Depending on ocean conditions, your legs and feet could get wet on the bow while the boat is out to sea and going fast! However, the boat slows down in the presence of dolphins and whales and you’re less likely to get splashed.

LILY, our power catamaran, has a bow higher off the water and is enclosed with Lexan® glass for wind protection, so it’s unlikely you’ll get wet. A little ocean spray maybe. (Not the berries.)  But feel free to wet your whistle in our upscale galley! LILY also has a covered sundeck  – stay dry while viewing the wonderful wildlife!

ORCA, our 6-passenger luxury motor yacht, is available for private charters. ORCA is close to the water but you’re not likely to get damp when on the bow. A fully enclosed cabin and bridge, a covered aft deck —  all offer incredible views without a splash in sight!

Reserve tickets

All reservations are non-cancelable and non-changeable. If there are unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel your whale watching reservation please let us know in advance by calling 949-488-2828.

Sure. But only if you would like to, and please know it’s never expected. If you have enjoyed your whale and dolphin safari, gratuities are always appreciated.