For the Ultimate Dolphin & Whale Watching Experience, Choose From Our Private Dana Point Harbor Boat Rentals with Captain Provided!
All six of Captain Dave’s unique boats are available for private boat charters at Dana Point. From the upscale motor yacht, ORCA, to the intimate and speedy Fast Cat, the sailing catamaran Manute’a (famous for its two eye-to-eye underwater glass viewing pods), to our newest and largest catamaran, Hoku Nai’a, and more! Explore all of our different boats below and select your favorite for your private boat charter experience. All of our Dana Point Harbor boat rentals are operated by our experienced and friendly captains and crew.
Our private boat charters can accommodate one to 49 passengers.
What makes a private boat charter so special?
Experience marine life your way! You can decide if you prefer to focus on viewing whales or on dolphins, for example. Need the boat to slow down or speed up, just ask your captain!
The only guests on board your Dana Point Harbor boat rental are ones chosen by you. Whether that’s your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, long-lost acquaintance, second cousin twice removed, or a random group of friends you met on social media, YOU decide! Of course, our captain and crew will also be on board to show you Dana Point’s year-round wildlife and safely operate the vessel.
Your private boat charter is customizable with options such as refreshments, an experienced drone operator, special itineraries, and more.
Reserve one of our most popular private charters now!
Book online a Zodiac (rigid hull inflatable boat) private charter with Captain for up to 24 guests. A super-safe, fast, & fun Dana Point whale watching experience. Get within arm’s reach of wildlife
Reserve online your upscale boating experience by booking ORCA for your private yacht charter. Gorgeous, comfortable, and the ideal way to spend time with friends, family, or colleagues. Up to 6 guests + our Captain.
Book online our catamaran sailboat, DolphinSafari, for intimate special occasions and up-close dolphin & whale watching. Eye-spy tram nets puts wildlife at your fingertips. Special limited time rates! Up to 20 guests suggested.
Our popular catamaran sailboat Manute’a features 2 Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. From whale watching to sailing and every special occasion in between, Manute’a is a great choice! Accommodates up to 49 guests.
With upscale accommodations and a fast cruising speed, Hoku Nai’a is perfect for private parties and corporate events, casual daytime cruises, Orange County whale watching, private boat rentals to Catalina, and more. Accommodates up to 149 guests.
We’ll help you arrange the perfect charter to disperse ashes at sea off the beautiful coast of Orange County in peace and comfort, for a meaningful and dignified final farewell.
Delicious lunches, tasty snacks, and refreshing beverages including water (regular and sparkling), soft drinks, beer, and wine or Champagne can be added to most private charters. There are some exceptions for Fast Cat. Please ask your charter coordinator for more information or contact us.
Enhance Your Dana Point Boat Rental with Drone Video!
Our licensed and experienced drone operator will film your private charter and give you the unedited digital footage. Relive your amazing experience and share it with family and friends! This makes a great keepsake.
The drone package is available on most of our vessels for an additional fee. Please ask your charter coordinator for more information or contact us.
Private Charter Itinerary Suggestions:
If you have an itinerary that’s not listed below, just give us a call! Note: Multiple Dana Point boat rentals may be required for parties with more than 49 guests.
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 the 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.
From 1 to 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: all vessels available for this trip
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Pet-friendly options available
Any Occasion is a Good Occasion for Whale Watching
A private boat charter aboard one of our most unique catamarans is a great way to celebrate any special occasion! From stunning coastline views and Dana Point sunset cruises to incredible up-close wildlife encounters, your special charter is sure to be unforgettable.
From 1 to 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: all vessels available for this trip
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Pet-friendly options available
Aboard Fast Cat or AllsWell
If “fast” and “fun” are more than just words to you, but a way of life, then a private charter aboard our rigid inflatable boats, Fast Cat or AllsWell, 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 Dana Point Harbor rental boat to unforgettable dolphins that may come within inches of your fingertips.
With our RIB’s low, almost-to-the-waterline view of the animals, you won’t just be watching whales, you’ll be immersed in their world.
From 1 to 20 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: Fast Cat or AllsWell are available for this trip
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
From First Date to 75th Wedding Anniversary
Looking for a perfect date night or a 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.
On our daytime cruises, you’ll be able to witness a number of magnificent whales and dolphins off Dana Point. Our Dana Point sunset cruises are the perfect option for breathtaking views. We also offer romantic excursions that can be personalized to include champagne and roses.
From 2 to 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: ORCA, DolphinSafari, Manute’a, Hoku Nai’a
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Pet-friendly options available
For Businesses Large and Small
Your private boat charter coordinator will help you customize the perfect corporate outing at sea (like a Dana Point sunset cruise). Whether it’s a gift to employees or a team building exercise, your “crew” are sure to have a “fintastic” time!
Corporate Dana Point boat rental 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 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: all vessels available for this trip
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Escape to the Ocean and Unwind
Share in an unforgettable private wine boat charter with a Dana Point sunset 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 the open waters. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the refreshing ocean air during our Dana Point sunset 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 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: ORCA, DolphinSafari, Manute’a, Hoku Nai’a
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Pet-friendly options available
Explore the “California Riviera”
Experience a private guided tour 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 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: all vessels available for this trip
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
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.
Private charter options include cruises to the resort town of Avalon where you can take a stroll along the 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.
From 1 to 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: ORCA or Hoku Nai’a
Trip availability: year-round
Catering options available
Benefits of a Dana Point Private Boat Charter to Santa Catalina
Comfort and privacy: Skip the crowded “express boats!” Our Catalina cruises are a great option for groups wanting a convenient and intimate drop-off at the island.
Unparalleled wildlife experience: While traveling to and from Catalina there are opportunities to view magnificent whales and pods of wild dolphins.
Scenic and leisurely ride: 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.
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.
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 149 passengers
Dana Point Harbor boat rental options: ORCA, Manute’a, Hoku Nai’a
Catering options available
Pet-friendly options available
#1 Outdoor Activity in Dana Point on TripAdvisor.
We won’t just meet your expectations, we will exceed them!
We are taking extra special precautions to keep you and our team safe.
Our crew is healthy and has been healthy for at least the last 14 days. We ask the same of you.
Your vessel will be thoroughly wiped down prior to your trip with CDC-approved products.
We do not require masks on our cruises. On request our crew will wear a face covering.
How Do Private Charters Differ from Boat Rentals and Regular Trips?
A private boat charter is similar to a Dana Point Harbor boat rental, except you don’t have to worry about operating and cleaning the vessel. We do all the work while you sit back and relax!
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, Dana Point sunset cruises, or other special occasions and casual gatherings, as well as corporate functions, team building, and professional media productions. With your choice of multiple vessels, you’re sure to have an unforgettable ocean excursion.
Book Your Private Charter for the Cruise of a Lifetime
Few cruise companies can offer guaranteed, year-round dolphin and whale viewing from the above deck and below the water. Give us a call to discuss your charter tour ideas and reserve your Dana Point Harbor boat rental for a wildlife cruise to remember!