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Pacific Airshow & Whale Watching

Capt Dave's Flyover Airshow boat tour

Diving, swooping, twisting, flipping, awe-dropping aerial tricks, and astounding leaps into the air…

All of these acrobatics are behaviors that some dolphins and some whales can exhibit in the wild while we are on the water sightseeing out on a tour. This October, something else spectacular is being added to the spotlight and it is coming to Southern California this Autumn! That’s right, the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach is back by popular demand and you too can join us for a day out at sea sightseeing the delightful wildlife while also being entertained by the purr of jets racing at speeds of up to 700 miles per hour and aircraft flying in tandem directly above your head. From below the sea to above the water line straight to the sky, the view of this mind-blowing Pacific Airshow coupled with potential sightings of whales and dolphins is a must!

Formation flying over capt daves tour

How to Watch

Just a few spots remain for public airshow cruises aboard Lily, our 65-foot luxurious and spacious power catamaran. The view from aboard Lily is one of the most exciting ways you can watch the Pacific Airshow. On the bow, cushioned seating and backrests offer unobstructed views of the sky. A covered upper sundeck, also with cushioned seating and backrests, as well as cocktail tables, offers amazing views with a little less sun exposure. This vessel boasts lots of room to roam around throughout the day too. When you are ready for a break from the elements, a comfortable cabin and galley with large windows throughout offers panoramic views of the ocean, coastline, and marine animals alike while you relax with snacks or a beverage.  Also located on the first floor is the guest bathroom, so your full day of fun in the sun is also a comfortable one, just don’t forget your sunscreen! Reserve your airshow tickets.

Prefer something more private to watch the Pacific Airshow? We also have private yacht charters aboard our motor vessel, ORCA. Perfect for a small family or group of friends of up to 6 people. Only people chosen by you will be on board, plus our Captain. ORCA has plenty of space on the boat for everyone to view performances by the Blue Angels and many more. A comfortable cabin and galley provides a space to duck away from the sun and wind. Don’t worry about staying hydrated, there is a restroom on board too. Reserve your airshow private charter now.

Whale watchers having fun on Motor Yacht ORCA
Motor Yacht ORCA

About the Airshow

The Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach, on October 1-3, 2021 will showcase some of the country’s highest-rated fast-flying aerial stunt pilots and skydivers. Aeronautics takes to the skies over our pristine open oceans with precision and grace and this year’s Pacific Airshow lineup already proves to be packed with full throttle entertainment. One of Orange County’s most thrilling family fun events will be filled with patriotism and eye-catching colorful sky performances by some of the United States’ most premier expert winged pilots.

The adventurous Pacific Airshow includes a 2021 lineup with showcase performances by (subject to changes) the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, U.S. Air Force ACC F-35A Demo Team, U.S. Marine Corps V-22 Osprey Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Legacy Flight Demo Team, Red Bull Air Force, and more! Celebrations for the show will be taking place each day over the weekend with less crowded rehearsals taking place on Friday. The main attraction is set to begin at 10:30am on both Saturday and Sunday. The Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach is located in the heart of Huntington Beach, CA in between Twin Dolphin St. & Beach Blvd. on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) but that is not the only place to see this event. Take a ride with us and let us show you coastal marine life along the way to and from the event. You never know what we will see out on the water en route.

Flyover in formation Dave's dolphin and whale watching

“I have been privileged to announce all over the West Coast, from little city airshows to massive military open houses. One of my highlights was working on the announcing for the digital media section at the national championship air races in Reno Nevada. I am excited to bring the joy of aviation to our passengers aboard this fantastic trip! I just hope everyone brings enough sunscreen.”   – Matthew Stumpf

Often considered the voice of youth in aviation, our onboard narrator of the Pacific Airshow, Matt Stumpf, is regarded as a young expert in aviation history and aerobatics. Since 2016 Matt has had the opportunity to be the voice of aviation throughout Southern California and the west coast at events such as the Riverside Airshow, March Field Air and Space Expo, The Planes of Fame Air Show, Apple Valley Airshow, and many more. When Matt isn’t narrating shows such as the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach, we are honored to have him on staff with us at Capt. Dave’s Whale Watching and Dolphin Safari as a treasured first mate, drone pilot, and professional onboard wildlife photographer.

But don’t worry if you cannot make it to this year’s Pacific Airshow! Dana Point, California is the whale watching capital of the world and we are incredibly lucky to live in such a spectacular place filled with an abundance of wildlife located here. Each season brings new life into town which is why year-round dolphin and whale watching is what we love most about this amazing place, we call “home.” We are often asked “when is the best time for whale watching?” and the answer is simple. Anytime you visit is the best time to come because resident whales and dolphins live here every day throughout the year.

Around this time of year, we begin to get excited about the leaves changing, and the cooler Autumn months being upon us… and the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach of course! We also live in anticipation of the eventful days with sightings of the beautiful Eschrichtius robustus or gray whale as they return to our waters. These breathtaking gray bottom feeders travel some of the greatest distances of any other whale species. The eye-catching colors of the Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, commonly called “lags” or pacific white-sided dolphins also return to us, and their gorgeous markings can easily be seen while they bow ride in front of our boats.

We also understand that this is still a time of uncertainty as our world continues to live through the precautions of Covid-19 rules and restrictions. As these guidelines continue to evolve and change, we are here to ensure that you and your family feel safe and comfortable whether you are taking a tour with us to see the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach or if you can join us any other time throughout the year. If you are looking for a safe and fun outdoor excursion with your friends and family, we can accommodate private groups too. All of our vessels are open for a private boat charter. Our goal is to make sure you and your guests feel safe and comfortable while making a long-lasting connection with wildlife during your tour.

We can’t wait to have you join us at the Pacific Airshow if you can attend, and equally look forward to seeing you out of the water soon!

Until then,

The team at Capt. Dave’s Whale Watching and Dolphin Safari

Gift an unforgettable dolphin and whale watching experience! With year-round whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and more, any time is a great time for your recipient to enjoy their gift.

“Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods…” – Dr. Thomas Gilovich