Price from:
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Dolphin & Whale Signature Safari
*“…this tour offers the best whale watching in the world…!” – CBS Los Angeles*
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Prices
**Save 26% in 2026 Instantly!**
**Adults (Ages 13 & Up):** $78.44 /*was $100*
**Children (Ages 1 to 12):** $54.91 /*was $70*
**Infants (Up to 12 Months):** $8
Book Now, Pay Later with Afterpay.
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Duration
2 Hours & 30 Minutes
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Location
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, California, 92629
We are located in **Dana Point, California**, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and the first Whale Heritage Area in the Americas.
Dana Point is conveniently situated midway between Los Angeles and San Diego and is only 33 miles from Disneyland.
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About
Experience an up-close and personal connection with huge herds of wild dolphins, breathtaking whales, sea lions, and much more, aboard the most unique and memorable whale watching excursion in the world! And Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous Triple Fudge Brownies are served complimentary on every trip!
Pro tip: Although animals are seen all day long, they can be easier to locate in the morning when conditions are calmer and disruptions in the water are easier to spot. Bonus: morning trips can offer easier parking, too.
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Primary Catamaran: Manute'a
**Manute’a**, (pronounced mah-noo-tay-ah), is the primary vessel used for our daily Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. Aboard this high-tech, high-speed catamaran sailboat, you'll enjoy an immersive whale watching adventure while learning about Dana Point's **year-round** whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, pelagic birds, and more.
Manute'a Special Features
- Exclusive **Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.**
*Two "Pods" give you the extraordinary experience of feeling what it's like to swim with dolphins and whales, underwater, without getting wet!*
- 3 Eye-Spy Dolphin & Whale Tram Nets put wildlife inches below your feet.
- Space - it's not just the final frontier! Manute’a carries up to 49 happy passengers with plenty of elbow room and comfortable seating for all.
- Live narration.
*Knowledgeable marine naturalists explain how these animals live for an ocean adventure that is both fun and educational for ALL ages.*
- A micro museum of dolphin and whale artifacts.
- Select trips feature an FAA licensed drone pilot with custom drone videos of your trip available for purchase!
- Two restrooms are available onboard.
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Interested in a faster or more adventurous whale watching experience?
Check out our [super speedy zodiac safaris!](https://www.dolphinsafari.com/public-tours/zodiac-whale-watching/) Available daily.
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Additional Vessels
When purchasing tickets for this cruise, your booking will be for our 2.5-hour Dolphin & Whale Signature Safari. Although our primary vessel for the Signature Safari is Manute’a, there may be times when other vessels are used. These unique vessels offer a special dolphin and whale watching experience that is equal to Manute’a.
Supplemental Catamaran: DolphinSafari
*This vessel is only available on select dates.*
DolphinSafari is the original pride of our fleet and remains a crew and passenger favorite. She was the first vessel in Southern California to offer year-round dolphin watching. And it was aboard this catamaran sailboat that Captain Dave filmed his award-winning documentary, “Wild Dolphins & Whales of Southern California“.
DolphinSafari Special Features
DolphinSafari provides an intimate dolphin and whale watching experience and comfortably carries about 20 passengers.
Cushioned seating and panoramic views are available in the enclosed cockpit but returning guests know the best place to be is on the bow!
Her specially designed bow with Eye-Spy Dolphin Nets is so close to the water that you feel as though you can touch the animals! You’re also close enough to hear the dolphins vocalize as they swim right under your feet. It’s almost like being in a kayak! There is a restroom available on the boat.
*DolphinSafari is not equipped with Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.*
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Supplemental Catamaran: Hoku Nai'a
*This vessel is only available on select dates.*
Hoku Nai’a is our new double-deck, upscale, power catamaran. This fast and stable catamaran has two restrooms on board.
Hoku Nai’a Special Features
• Spacious observation deck is perfect for whale watching by giving you an elevated look at the animals.
• For your comfort, there is ample cushioned bench seating and it’s covered for protection from the elements.
• The main deck is fully enclosed for climate control while large windows on both sides provide plenty of viewing angles.
• Bench seats with tables and a lounge area are perfect for those wanting to enjoy refreshments.
• Beautifully appointed with upscale décor throughout the vessel that celebrates Dana Point’s famous surfing culture and recognition as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
*Hoku Nai’a is not equipped with Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.*
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
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No Dolphin or Whale Sightings Guarantee
Although we locate whales or dolphins on over 95% of our trips, there are rare occasions when we don't see any marine mammals. And in that unlikely event of zero whales or dolphins, you can return for FREE within one year from the date of the trip.
Booking Notes
# Welcome aboard!
Get ready for an unforgettable, eco-friendly experience connecting you eye to eye with dolphins and whales in the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
>## Please Read First: Arrival & Timing:
>Please allow ample time to arrive and check in. We cannot delay departure or rebook late arrivals.
>
>### When Should I Arrive?
>• Weekends & Holidays: Arrive 30–45 minutes early
>• Weekdays: Arrive at least 30 minutes early
>
> Parking is free in public harbor lots but fills on a first-come basis, especially on weekends, holidays, and during special events, so **arriving early is important**.
### Using Uber or Lyft
Please allow extra time for pickup delays and provide the exact address to your driver.
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## Where Do I Check In?
**Important:** We are located in **Dana Point Harbor (Orange County), midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.**
Please confirm you are heading to **Dana Point Harbor**, not San Diego, Newport Beach, or any other harbor.
*For navigation, please **use the Directions button** above. Performing a new Google Maps search may lead you to a different harbor.*
Head directly to our Dolphin Deck in Dana Point Harbor using the Directions button or the address above.
When you arrive, look for this waterfront building with **blue umbrellas and a crow’s nest on top**, located near Baby Beach. Come upstairs to check in. Restrooms are available nearby before boarding.
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### How Should I Prepare for My Trip?
**Pro tip:** If nature is calling, answer before boarding. While our boats have restrooms, the facilities on shore are generally more spacious and convenient.
**Dress in Layers**
- It can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler on the water, even on sunny days.
**Food & Drinks Available**
- At check-in, you can purchase sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, hot coffee, apparel, seasickness remedies, and other essentials.
**Helpful Items to Bring**
- Sunglasses
- Hat or visor
- Sunscreen
- A sense of adventure and willingness to make great memories!
Forgot something? No worries, our Dolphin Deck has many essentials available at check-in.
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### What If We Don’t See Whales or Dolphins?
Although we locate whales or dolphins on over 95% of our trips, sightings can never be guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural ocean environment.
In the rare event that no whales and no dolphins are sighted, regular fare guests are offered a complimentary return trip on another Signature Safari within one year of the original trip date.
Because the safari takes place as scheduled, refunds are not issued for no-sightings trips.
No-sightings vouchers are non-transferable and may only be used by the guests who were aboard the original safari.
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