Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari, Dana Point

[Mouse13]

Looking for more info on Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari out of Dana Point, http://www.dolphinsafari.com/. It costs more than the other whale watches and I'm wondering if it's worth the extra expense. We'll have a group of 19 going. Not sure how many folks are usually in a group or how many it takes to get a group discount with Capt. Dave or others. Would love to hear some of your experiences with Capt. Dave or other whale watches and also with group bookings. Thanks, DisBoarders!

 

[sonnyjane]

When is your trip? I don't know anything about the particular company you mentioned, but I used to work on a whale watching boat down here in San Diego and the success of the trip will depend on when you are going. I did go to your link and you're right, the prices are almost double what our trips were down here for an equal amount of time. Must be those "triple chocolate brownies" that they've thrown in.

 

[Mouse13]

When is your trip? I don't know anything about the particular company you mentioned, but I used to work on a whale watching boat down here in San Diego and the success of the trip will depend on when you are going. I did go to your link and you're right, the prices are almost double what our trips were down here for an equal amount of time. Must be those "triple chocolate brownies" that they've thrown in.

We'll be at DLR May 3-11 and are thinking about going on the whale watch on Sunday, May 5. We'll also be back at DLR from October 22-29 if this would be a better time. We'll be perfectly happy if we don't actually see any whales. Honestly, I'm probably more interested in seeing a huge pod of dolphins. Any info or ideas you have would be appreciated.

 

[sonnyjane]

We'll be at DLR May 3-11 and are thinking about going on the whale watch on Sunday, May 5. We'll also be back at DLR from October 22-29 if this would be a better time. We'll be perfectly happy if we don't actually see any whales. Honestly, I'm probably more interested in seeing a huge pod of dolphins. Any info or ideas you have would be appreciated.

Unfortunately Grey Whale season is late Dec. through early April (and that's pushing it) and Blue Whale season is June to early October, so either of your dates are kind of pushing it. There are always exceptions, however, and you could get lucky! I'd stick with the May dates, since when I was working on the whale boat last year, the Grey's migration seemed to be running "behind schedule" (because of global warming unfortunately), so you might still see them in early May. The good news is that dolphins are fairly common so even if you don't see whales, you should have success seeing those guys. You'll also likely see sea lions, seals, and tons of birds (sorry, I have a marine biology degree so I'm a big nerd in that department!).

 

[DolphinSafari]

Capt Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching vessel is unlike any other in the world. From bow to stern the high-tech sailing catamaran Manute'a has been specially outfitted by Captain Dave to provide the best whale and dolphin watching experience possible. From the exclusive underwater eye-to-eye viewing pod and on-board micro museum, to eye-spy netting on a bow that's low to the water and research quality hydrophone, this boat will get you up close and personal with the whales and dolphins seen all year long. The crew are extraordinarily knowledgeable and complimentary Triple Fudge Brownies (Mrs. Captain Dave's homemade recipe) are served to passengers as the boat makes its way back to shore. Returning customers swear the brownies alone are worth the price of the trip! Manute’a accommodates up to 49 passengers comfortably. Depending on date and time of trip group rates are available.

Capt Dave's has a five star rating on Trip Advisor and Yelp, and there are many great reviews there if you would like to get more personal experiences check them out.

Please give us a call at 949-488-2828 we would love to speak with you and answer any questions you have and get you out for the most unforgettable experience!

 

[sonnyjane]

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[Mouse13]

Wow, I just realized that I posted our dates as May 3-11 when I should have said June 3-11. Sounds like we might be able to see some Blue Whales!

 

[sonnyjane]

Wow, I just realized that I posted our dates as May 3-11 when I should have said June 3-11. Sounds like we might be able to see some Blue Whales!

Cool! Happy whale-watching!!!

 

[endy]

We did a tour last summer with danawharf.com
I loved it so much that we went again the following week and will go again in August.

 

[Mouse13]

We did a tour last summer with danawharf.com
I loved it so much that we went again the following week and will go again in August.

That's great to hear! I was looking at this once as well. I think I prefer it because of the trip times. When we'll be there, they go out at 5 pm. This would let us have a great day in the parks and then go hop on the boat.

 

[Huff]

Hows the watching last week of March? We'll be in Anaheim and San Diego March 27th-Apr 2nd.

 

[sonnyjane]

Hows the watching last week of March? We'll be in Anaheim and San Diego March 27th-Apr 2nd.

Huff, you should still have some luck. Years ago, the season ended in March, but because of global warming, the whales' feeding grounds near Alaska are staying warmer for longer, which means they haven't started migrating until later. Last year we extended our whale watching season through the first week of April, and this year the company I used to volunteer with (http://www.flagshipsd.com/harbor-tours/whale-watching) is extending through April 10.

 

[hsmamato2]

if we did a whale watch tour the 1st week in October- do you think we'd have a chance of seeing anything? it sound so cool....
how far is Dana Wharf from the Anaheim area?