Dana Point Festival of Whales

Though we see whales and dolphins all year round, the Dana Point Festival of Whales is an annual celebration of the majestic Gray Whale and the long journey these amazing animals take every winter.

The Festival of Whales began 40 years ago as an annual seaside event in the town of Dana Point. The community and visitors celebrate the migration of the California Gray Whale and other species with ocean-theme events and activities with an emphasis on education and environmental responsibility. A variety of activities are scheduled for both in and around the harbor area with the main event being, of course, whale watching. Though the gray whales migrate past Dana Point for several months, the Festival dates tend to be among the most popular for whale watching tours. Be sure to make your reservation several weeks in advance!

Whale Watching

Bring the kids, family and friends and get really up-close and personal with herds of dolphin up to 5,000 strong and migrating Gray Whales. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari will take you aboard a high-speed, high-tech catamaran sailboat for an educational and incredibly exciting and educational experience.

You’ll see and hear the animals too, with an underwater camera and research hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist including Captain Dave Anderson, whose award winning film on Wild Dolphins & Whales has drawn people worldwide to Dana Point, explain how these animals live. See and touch our incredible collection of whale and dolphin artifacts. Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous triple fudge brownies are served complimentary on every safari. Watch our trips LIVE on whalewatchingtv.com, too!

Whale Watching Trips | Daily

Dana Point’s first year-round dolphin and whale watching company to offer daily trips!

When: Every day! Departure times can vary. Please call, email, or reserve online.
Length: 2 1/2 hours
Cost: $55 per adult, $35 kids 3 – 12 years old, 2 and under no charge
Reservations: Call (949) 488-2828 or book online

Whale of a View | March 5, 6, 12, 13

When: 11 AM to 3 PM. Showings every hour.
Where: Our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Cost: Free
More Information: (949) 488-2828
Stop by our Dolphin Deck, (next to Baby Beach), for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California” and purchase a signed copy of Captain Dave’s DVD. Screenings every hour. Throughout the day relax and enjoy our boat’s live whale watching broadcast from WhaleWatchingTV.com right from our Deck overlooking the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and refreshments are available for purchase.

Lily The Whale – Behind The Scenes | March 6

When: 1 to 2 PM
Where: Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Cost: Free
More Information: (949) 488-2828
Join Captain Dave, an award winning film maker, author, conservationist, and marine naturalist for a special reading of his new family book, Tales From The Pod: Lily The Whale.

To be released on the anniversary of Lily’s rescue, May 10th, and featuring stunning real-life photographs. ‘Tales from The Pod’ is the first of a new series of true natural history tales with a twist. Captain Dave will also be speaking about Lily the Gray Whale’s disentanglement in Dana Point Harbor with exclusive video, photos, and a question and answer session.

Captain Dave organized Orange County’s only whale disentanglement group two years ago and was hands-on with Lily’s disentanglement that made national headlines.

Captain Dave’s Kids Carnival | March 12 & 13

When: 11 AM to 2 PM
Where: Our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Cost: Free
More Information: (949) 488-2828
Fun for the whole “pod”! Bring the kids for FREE fun games and awesome prizes at our Carnival held next to our Dolphin Deck (near Baby Beach and OC Sailing and Events Center).

Get an exclusive preview of Capt. Dave’s exciting new family book, Tales From The Pod: Lily The Whale. To be released on the anniversary of Lily’s rescue, May 10th, and featuring stunning real-life photographs. ‘Tales from The Pod’ is the first of a new series of true natural history tales with a twist. Captain Dave organized Orange County’s only whale disentanglement group two years ago and was hands-on with Lily the Gray Whale’s disentanglement in Dana Point Harbor that made national headlines.

View the full Festival of Whales program guide: