- High speed
- 1 ½ Hours
- Private Charter
Love watching dolphins and whales, but want a more personalized experience or adventurous ride? Reserve a private charter and step aboard our fun zodiac Fast Cat, the best way to get up close to breathtaking sea…
Five Unique Boats To Choose From
All five of Capt. Dave’s boats are available for private charters. From the luxurious yacht, ORCA, to the small and speedy Fast Cat, the Manute’a (famous for its two underwater glass viewing pods), and more! Explore all our different boats and select your favorite for your private charter experience.
Private Charter Itinerary Suggestions:
If you have an itinerary that’s not listed below, just give us a call! Note: multiple boats may be required for parties over 49.
- Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights
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Christmas Fun and Festivities
Ring in the holidays with an evening of good old fashioned fun at the annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights. You’ll actually be a part of the boat parade, and will enjoy the beautiful sights of decorated boats and holiday music filling the air. It’s so much fun waving to the folks on shore!
Gather together with family, friends, or co-workers and create special holiday memories that will last throughout the year!
- From 1 to 104 passengers
- Boat options: ORCA, Manute’a, Lily
- December 7, 8, 14, 15, 2018
- Catering options available
- Pet friendly options available
- Dolphin & Whale Watching
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Signature Charters
All of our vessels are perfect for up-close and personal encounters, year-round, with the amazing dolphins and whales of Southern California. May through October giant blue whales are here feeding on tiny krill. December through May migrating gray whales are seen along the coast, sometimes just outside harbor entrance! Throughout the year fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas(killer whales) can be seen. All year round five species of wild dolphins, some in herds up to 10,000, captivate guests and crew alike! Capt. Dave’s is the highest rated whale watch in Dana Point.
Enhance your whale watching charter:
Add a little magic to your charter with a real mermaid sighting. Perfect for children, or adults who are young at heart!
- From 1 – 136 passengers
- Boat options: all vessels available for this trip
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Pet friendly options available
- Gold Coast Cruise + Whale Watch
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Explore the “California Riviera”
Experience a guided tour from your own private boat of the exquisite Southern California coast, filled with views of pristine beaches, hidden coves, and unique architecture. And, of course, dolphins, whales, and other marine life can be seen, too!
Options include extending the length of your Gold Coast Cruise to include a tour of Newport Harbor. Further customize your private charter by stopping for lunch in Newport, or, arrange to have a catered lunch on board the boat.
- From 1 to 136 passengers
- Boat options: all vessels available for this trip
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- High Speed Zodiac Adventure
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Aboard Fast Cat
If “fast” and “fun” are more than just words to you, but a way of life, then a private charter aboard our rigid hull inflatable catamaran FAST CAT is for you!
After a short jaunt through Dana Point Harbor and around the jetty, hold on to your hat, because you’re in for an exhilarating ride! Your Captain shows you as many different types of marine life as possible, from giant whales that dwarf the boat to unforgettable dolphins that may come within inches of your finger tips.
With Fast Cat’s low, almost-to-the-waterline view of the animals, you won’t just be watching whales, you’re immersed in their world.
- From 1 to 12 passengers
- Boat options: Fast Cat available for this trip
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Birthdays, Reunions, & Special Occasions
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Any Occasion is a Good Occasion for Whale Watching
A private charter aboard one of our most unique catamarans is a great way to celebrate any special occasion! From stunning coastline views to incredible up-close wildlife encounters, your special charter is sure to be unforgettable.
Enhance your special event:
Add a little magic to your charter with a real mermaid sighting. Perfect for children, or adults who are young at heart!
- From 1 to 136 passengers
- Boat options: all vessels available for this trip
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Pet friendly options available
- Romantic Cruise
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From First Date to 75th Wedding Anniversary
Looking for a perfect date night or unique way to propose? Want a memorable way to celebrate an anniversary? We will help you arrange an unforgettable ocean excursion with your loved one.
Daytime cruises can include the magnificent whales and dolphins off Dana Point. Or choose an evening cruise to watch the breathtaking sunset on the water. Our romantic excursions can include optional champagne and roses.
- From 2 to 49 passengers
- Boat options: ORCA, DolphinSafari, Manute’a, Lily
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Pet friendly options available
- Corporate Team Building
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For Businesses Large and Small
Your charter coordinator will help you customize the perfect corporate outing at sea. Whether it’s a gift to employees or a team building exercise, your “crew” are sure to have a “fintastic” time!
Corporate charter options include chartering one vessel or multiple.
Enhance your team building charter:
Build your team and save the environment with a beach clean-up. By picking up trash on land, you and your team will be preventing it from entering the ocean and harming marine life.- From 1 to 136 passengers
- Boat options: all vessels available for this trip
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Sunset Wine Cruise
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Escape to the Ocean and Unwind
Share in an unforgettable sunset wine cruise. A fabulous way to impress employees, colleagues, or a special client, as well as for casual gatherings of friends and family!
You and your guests can enjoy a glass of delicious wine and platters of cheese and fresh fruit as the boat exits the harbor and heads out into open waters. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the refreshing ocean air while we cruise along the scenic coast of Orange County, known as “the most romantic spot on the California coast”. Along the way we’ll be on the lookout for year-round whales, dolphins, and other sea life.
- From 1 to 124 passengers
- Boat options: ORCA, DolphinSafari, Manute’a, Lily
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Pet friendly options available
- Catalina Island Expedition
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The Perfect “Staycation” Cruise
Privately charter one of our motor vessels for a one-day getaway to the romantic and historic island of Santa Catalina, one of CNN’s 12 Best Islands in America.
Charter options include cruises to the resort town of Avalon where you can you can take a stroll along boardwalk, explore the shops and beaches, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. Or cruise to the Isthmus (Two Harbor) for snorkeling, hiking, and many more fun outdoor adventures.
Skip the crowded “express boats”! Our Catalina cruises are a great option for groups wanting a convenient and intimate drop-off at the island.
While traveling to and from Catalina there are opportunities to view magnificent whales and pods of wild dolphins.
Travel time to Catalina Island varies; it typically takes around 3 hours. Tip: Depart in the morning to ensure a smooth and quick ride to the island.
- From 1 to 49 passengers
- Boat options: ORCA or Lily
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
- Sail with the Whales
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Combines the Serenity of Sailing and the Wonders of Wildlife
Privately charter one or both of our sailboat catamarans for an unforgettable afternoon of sailing and whale watching. There is nothing quite like turning off the engines, hoisting the sails, and letting the ocean breeze take you on a tranquil cruise of the picturesque Southern California coastline. Note: Due to the unpredictable nature of wind speed and direction, it may be necessary to use the boat’s engines when viewing whales or dolphins.
- From 1 to 69 passengers
- Boat options: Manute’a or DolphinSafari
- Trip availability: year-round
- Catering options available
How are private charters different from boat rentals and regular trips?
A private boat charter is similar to a boat rental, except with a charter, you don’t have to worry about operating and cleaning the vessel. We do all the work while you sit back and relax!
And there is no minimum guest count with a private charter. Want the boat all to yourself? You got it!
Private charters also allow for customization not provided on our public whale watching trips. Our charter coordinator works with you one-on-one to arrange the perfect adventure for your group or family.
Private boat charters in Dana Point are a great choice for family reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions, casual gatherings, as well as corporate functions, team building, and professional media productions. We offer multiple vessels for an unforgettable excursion on the ocean.