Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching is a family-owned business that has been dedicated to showcasing the incredible marine life of Southern California for over two decades. Passionately operated by Captain Dave Anderson, a Coast Guard licensed captain, and his wife Gisele, this safari offers unforgettable experiences for anyone looking to encounter dolphins, whales, and other marine wonders in their natural habitat.

Why We Do It: A Lifelong Passion for the Ocean

Captain Dave and Gisele’s journey into the world of dolphin and whale watching began from their shared love for the ocean. Meeting while sailing in the 1990s, they quickly realized their passion for the sea and its magnificent creatures. Captain Dave began taking small groups on tours, sharing the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants. Over time, this passion evolved into what is now Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari, where they continue to provide awe-inspiring encounters with marine life for locals and tourists alike.

Love at First Sail: The Story Behind Captain Dave’s Whale Watching

Captain Dave’s dream was to make a living by taking people out on his boat to experience the magic of whale and dolphin watching. What began as a small endeavor quickly grew as word spread about the incredible sightings and personal attention on each trip. Gisele joined Dave, bringing her expertise in business and hospitality, helping turn their passion into the beloved year-round adventure that Captain Dave’s Whale Watching is today.

Expanding the Fleet: Growing the Experience

Captain Dave’s fleet has grown over the years to accommodate more guests and provide unique ways of experiencing marine life. From the original “Lucid Dreamer” sailboat to the current vessels like “Manute’a,” “ORCA,” and “Hoku Nai’a,” each addition has brought new opportunities for guests to enjoy the ocean. Notably, “Manute’a” features innovative underwater viewing pods, giving passengers the chance to experience dolphins and whales up close without getting wet. The fleet continues to evolve, with newer vessels offering more comfortable and personalized experiences for guests.

Innovative Whale Watching Features: WhaleWatchingTV & Eye-to-Eye Pods

In 2009, Captain Dave introduced WhaleWatchingTV, a live broadcast of whale watching tours that allowed people around the world to experience marine life in real-time. His fleet also includes boats with underwater viewing pods that provide guests with an eye-to-eye experience with dolphins and whales, offering an unprecedented look into the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Conservation Efforts: Protecting Marine Life

Captain Dave’s dedication to marine conservation is at the heart of his tours. In addition to guiding whale watching safaris, he has been an advocate for marine life protection, founding the first beach cleanup initiative in Orange County in 2008. His efforts include raising awareness about the dangers of fishing gear entanglements and educating the public about protecting wildlife. Proceeds from each tour contribute to preserving the area for future generations of whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures.

Meet Our Fleet: Vessels for Every Adventure

Captain Dave’s fleet includes a range of vessels designed to cater to different types of whale watching experiences. From the “Fast Cat,” a high-speed RHIB for small groups, to the luxurious “Hoku Nai’a,” a 65-foot power catamaran offering upscale amenities and panoramic views, each vessel offers a unique way to experience the ocean. The “AllsWell” boat, a larger RHIB, accommodates up to 20 passengers for a more intimate zodiac safari experience, while “Manute’a” is the flagship vessel featuring underwater viewing pods and expansive space for up to 49 passengers.

Book a Life-Changing Tour: Join Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safaris

With over 20 years of experience in the whale watching business, Captain Dave and Gisele invite you to join them on a journey that could change your life. From seeing dolphins leap from the water to witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of a blue whale, every tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you encounter some of the world’s most majestic creatures, you’ll leave with memories that will last forever. Book your tour today and become a part of this extraordinary adventure.

Preserving the Ocean for Future Generations

At Captain Dave’s Dana Point Whale Watching, conservation is a top priority. The company is committed to keeping the oceans free from plastic pollution and supports the use of reef-safe sunscreen on all tours. Captain Dave’s environmental efforts and educational initiatives aim to protect the marine ecosystem for future generations, and guests can feel good knowing that their participation in the tours helps contribute to preserving the oceans they love to explore.