Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Safe and roomy.

, (65-foot power catamaran) is our largest vessel with U.S. Coast Guard certification for up to 149 people.

, our Zodiac-style (rigid inflatable) catamaran, for up to 12 people. We want everyone to be comfortable with plenty of space, so we limit capacity on this vessel to 10.

Our six-passenger motor yacht

While our daily 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 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 now limit the steering to two minutes.)

ABOUT THE ZODIACS: The minimum age requirement on public is six years old. On , the minimum age is four years old.

On our 2.5-hour Signature Safari, yes! Babies in the womb love dolphins and whales.

However, out of an abundance of caution, pregnant women are not allowed on our public 2-hour Zodiac Safaris due to the potentially bouncy ride.

Pregnant woman are also allowed on all private charters, including the Zodiacs. Just keep in mind that if you need us to go slower on your Zodiac private charter, it may impact the speed at which we can reach the animals and distance we can travel.

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

Your entire whale watching experience is outdoors, from when you check in, until the time you disembark the boat at the end of your cruise.

Please visit our for the latest health and safety measures.

Dana Point is the one and only ^®. As a result, some whale watching companies who are not located in Dana Point will try to make you think they are. When choosing a dolphin and whale watching company, be sure to choose an experience with an official Dana Point whale watching company. And yes, Capt. Dave’s is located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor, and is an official Dana Point whale watching company!

Booking a tour with us is as easy as counting to four:

1. Click any orange “book now” bottom on the page describing the public whale watching cruise or private boat charter or you would like to join.
2. Select the date and time you would like to sail (we’ll be sure to have the whales and dolphins mark it on their calendars, too!).
3. Pay for your spot with a debit or credit card in our secure checkout so we can ensure there is plenty of fuel in the tank before we set off.
4. Turn up 30-45 minutes before your scheduled tour with your camera, plenty of snacks, a sense of adventure, and ready to explore Dana Point—the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World^®!

Some public trips do have a minimum; it varies. Please call us at 949-488-2828 if you have questions about a minimum for your trip.

All reservations are non-cancelable, non-refundable, and non-changeable unless you have purchased Trip Cancellation Protection. Trip Cancellation Protection is no-hassle insurance that allows you to convert your trip tickets into an e-gift card, reschedule your trip once, or be refunded.

• If you have purchased our Trip Cancellation Protection, please be sure to contact us no less than 24 hours in advance of your public cruise, or, no less than 48 hours before your private charter.
• If you did not purchase trip insurance, the reservation is non-cancelable, non-refundable, and non-changeable. However, we understand that unforeseen and extenuating circumstances can occur. If you need to cancel or modify your whale watching reservation please let us know in advance by calling 949-488-2828, texting us at 949-763-4488, or send an email. We evaluate each request on a case by case basis and try our best to reach an amicable conclusion.

Cruise itineraries and boats are subject to change without notice and are not a determinant for cancellation or refund.

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 knowledge about the prior trip. So… it’s up to you! Learn more about what to expect on a dolphin and watching tour here!

1. Fun fact: Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safaris locate dolphins or whales over 95% of the time throughout the year. Awesomeness.
2. Bonus fun fact: Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous fudge brownies are handed out regardless of sightings. Double awesomeness.
3. But, in the unlikely event your safari turns up zero—no whales or dolphins—regular fare guests can return for FREE on a Signature Safari or Zodiac Safari within one year from the date of the trip!

(* Starting July 6, 2016, receive a free ticket for a “no sightings” safari.)

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!

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 dolphins are. We are always in view of the gorgeous Orange County coastline. Feel free to take a selfie, or three!

If it’s safe, we go! It rarely rains in Southern California but if it does, your captain makes a decision as to the safety of the voyage before departure. Be prepared, at the dock, and ready to go! Need a rain poncho? Who doesn’t? You may purchase one at the Dolphin Deck or feel free to bring your own. Here is a list of other things to do in Dana Point, CA if you have time to explore more!

We’ve got options for that!

Want wet? Captain Dave’s “wettest” boats is also our fastest. The DolphinSafari.

The Manute’a has our Underwater Viewing Pods, 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.

The Hoku Nai’a is our largest power catamaran, has a bow that is higher off the water and the observation deck is on the second floor, 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! Hoku Nai’s has two covered decks—stay dry while viewing the wonderful wildlife!

Wildfires have never had a direct impact on our whale watching cruises from our coastal location in Dana Point.

California is a vast state which comprises 100 million acres. Even large fires burn just a small percentage of the state’s total land mass. Fires may occur across the state, and predominantly break out in remote, forested areas away from population centers. Travel disruptions are localized, thereby providing many unaffected places to visit such as Dana Point.

• California is a safe destination with an abundance of experiences to enjoy year-round.
• Warm, dry late-summer and autumn conditions make for a beautiful experience in California, but also higher risk for fires, a natural occurrence up and down the West Coast and many other parts of the world.
• Wildfires have happened naturally for centuries, and every green forest enjoyed today has burned at some point in history.
• Fires play a critical role in the lifecycle of a forest, naturally reseeding trees, diversifying the landscape and supporting new plant and wildlife that depend on burned areas to regenerate and thrive. Wildfires are to forests what rain is to the rainforest.

Before traveling research areas on your itinerary, consult local weather and air-quality forecasts, check local government websites and download the Cal Fire app to refer to while visiting.

We recommend checking in at least 45 minutes ahead of time. Check-in and chill on the Dolphin Deck. From snacks to sunscreen, we’ve got your back. (Or head, if you need a hat.)

Between June and September, on holidays, or the Festival of Whales, we suggest arriving 60 to 90 minutes in advance to ensure parking ease at Dana Point Harbor because whales tend to double-park.

There is free public parking in front of our building and next door near Baby Beach. Keep in mind this parking is first-come, first-served.

During busier seasons such as summer, on holidays (looking at you 4^th of July), and during the Festival of Whales (in March) parking is likely to be extra challenging.

Arriving early gives you more time to park and enjoy an unhurried check-in experience before your cruise.

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? On most trips, all good! Special exceptions apply to our Zodiac-style boats; please see below.

You’re welcome to bring beer and wine on our 2.5-hour Dolphin & Whale Watching Signature Safari, but for safety, please don’t forget the plastic cups! And as always, drink responsibly or walk the plank. Personal coolers are allowed, but due to limited deck space, should be no larger than a 12-can hard cooler OR a 24-can soft cooler.

No time? Visit our Dolphin Deck, where you can purchase hot and 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.

Luckily, you can grab many of these items and more at the Dolphin Deck! Plus, feel free to check in early and have a chat with our land crew. They can answer questions and help pick out a sandwich.

The Zodiacs

Our rigid hull inflatable (Zodiac-style) boats have special requirements for safety and comfort.

Due to limited space, coolers or other personal bags are allowed but must fit on your lap.

Because of their fast and bouncy ride, beverage containers that can be closed, such as reusable water bottles, and easy-to-eat dry snacks that won’t be swept away by the wind, such as granola bars, are suggested.

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 shoes 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 sea lions have refused to collect any more hats. (Their collection is amazing.)

Southern California is known for it’s beautiful, generally mild weather. But like life, it can still be unpredictable. Weather and ocean conditions can and do change from day to day and hour to hour.

All boats have a bathroom except our high-speed Zodiac-style boat, Fast Cat.

Manute’a, the primary catamaran used for our daily whale watching tours, 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.

Hoku Nai’a, our new double-deck power catamaran has two bathrooms on the main deck (first floor).

Our Zodiac-style vessel AllsWell, catamaran sailboat DolphinSafari, and motor yacht 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’s up.)

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?)

More tips:

• DOLPHIN DECK to the rescue: Bonine, Dramamine, and ginger tablets are available for purchase at check-in. Ginger Ale and Pressure Point Wristbands are all available at the Dolphin Deck, but check in early to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM: In this case, worm = not feeling so seasick. Morning cruises usually have the smoothest ocean conditions. When booking, the earlier the better!
• 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 might help calm your stomach. Google ginger for more fun facts.

Book Whale Watching

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

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

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.

We offer the choice to include gratuity while booking, or, feel free to tip in person at the conclusion of your cruise if you prefer.