10 Dolphin & Whale Watching in Orange County That You Shouldn't Miss

May 29, 2021 Malia Yoakum

Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbor, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Restaurants in Orange County

1. Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Excellent
88%
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9%
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5.0 based on 1,127 reviews

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

Whale watch with Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point on our high-tech sailing catamaran year round, with two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. For 20 years Captain Dave's has provided daily trips to see dolphins, up to 10,000 strong, leap and play right off our bow, plus Gray Whales (December through April), Blue Whales (May through November), and year round Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and so much more. Go underwater with whales and dolphins without getting wet during your whale watch in our Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods aboard Manute'a. Listen to dolphins during your whale watching safari with our underwater Hydrophone. Celebrity and certified naturalists make this exciting Dana Point whale watching excursion educational and entertaining too. Mrs. Capt. Dave's famous triple-fudge brownies make this a one-of-a-kind dolphin and whale watching adventure unforgettable. We are a real Eco-tourism company providing only sustainable wildlife viewing. Ask about Fast Cat, our upscale Rigid Hull Inflatable Catamaran and the newest boat in our whale watching fleet.

2. Top Tier Luxury Excursions

Excellent
96%
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4%
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Top Tier Luxury Excursions

Dubbed "the most romantic coastline in California" by one of Dana Point's founders, this area is now known as the "Orange Coast Riviera". This is THE PLACE to see everything above & below the water. Top Tier Luxury Excursions is THE EXPERIENCE that delivers a memorable & intimate outing. Sunset cruises or dolphin & marine life cruises, all with a personal touch.

3. Harbor Boat Rentals & Charters

Excellent
97%
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Terrible
3%
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

Harbor Boat Rentals & Charters

We rent 21' power boats and offer private charters on our CABO Yachts 35' Flybridge sportfisher. Our deluxe 21 ft. Maritime Skiff center console boats accomodate up to 4 people comfortably. They offer a soft dry ride and are powered with quiet and efficient Yamaha 4 stroke outboard motors. Outfitted with the serious fisherman in mind, they are also great for coastal cruising and whale watching. The boats are clean, safe, professionally maintained and well equipped. Our CABO Yachts 35 Flybridge Sportfisher is tournament rigged and ready to fish up to 6 people in style. It is a stable platform that offers a dry soft ride and a 110 square foot cockpit that offers plenty of room to fish. Equipped with Pompanette outriggers, Garmin electronics, a custom Bluewater bait system, Aftco aluminum gaffs & bait nets, Precision Marine rod holders, and loaded with top of the line Shimano gear. We take pride in our boat and captains & keep our ship tight.

4. Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching

Excellent
98%
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2%
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5.0 based on 637 reviews

Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching

The original Small Boat, Big Adventure Whale Watching tour in Newport Beach. Newport Coastal Adventure's fleet now offers two US Coast Guard inspected and certified Zodiac boats, 30 and 36 feet in length, to go farther and faster than any competitor. With the unique design of a Zodiac boat, we allow our passengers to experience the ocean and animals at their fingertips. Just lean over the side of the cushioned tube to be inches away from playful dolphins and whales! Being on a Zodiac boat in the ocean is an unforgettable experience, one that's earned us over 1,500 Five Star reviews across the internet.

5. AllWater Charters & Boat Rentals

Excellent
95%
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5%
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

AllWater Charters & Boat Rentals

Tell us what you want to do on the water, and we’ll make it happen. We’ll set you up on the best boat rentals, charters, captains and guides in the area to create the experience you want and with value in mind. Whether you are looking for a boat for watersports or cruising oa fishing boat to explore local fishing grounds, AllWater creates safe and unique on-the-water memories.

6. East Meets West Whale Watching

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100%
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5.0 based on 305 reviews

East Meets West Whale Watching

Welcome to East Meets West Whale Watching with Capt. Nick. Get ready for an intimate experience with some of nature’s most fantastic wildlife. Aboard Newport Beach's most advanced whale and dolphin watching vessel, we limit our trips to 6 passenger(s) per boat which allows us to provide the Personal Attention and Comfort you deserve; private charters also available. Our new boats are extremely quiet, enabling us to stealthily approach and bring you a front-row seat to these spectacular mammals without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Cruises depart daily at 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm. Each tour is 2-2.5 hours. Departing from beautiful Balboa Island in Newport Beach, you will explore the wildlife-rich waters of Orange County, a superhighway for whales and dolphins year-round. See whales and dolphins in their natural migratory path. Creating lifetime memories, one trip at a time!

7. Dana Point Charters

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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Dana Point Charters

Dana Point Charters offers a REAL sailing experience. Jump aboard Out of the Blue and enjoy your day on the ocean just outside Dana Point. Whether you’re interested in finding whales and dolphins or wish to take the helm of this 33-foot sailboat, the adventure is up to you. Due to the south facing beaches of Dana Point, the seas normally calm, so these adventures are great for anyone. All of our sailing adventures are led by Captain Jeff, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. This one-of-a-kind experience is something you will treasure the rest of your life. Bring the family and enjoy your day and don’t miss the breath taking sunsets we enjoy in Dana Point.

8. Left Coast Sportfishing

Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Left Coast Sportfishing

Private Charters and Guide Services for ocean fishing, whale watching, and general relaxation. Owner and captain Chris Bogseth has over 25 years of experience fishing out of Dana Point Harbor and a Marine Fisheries Biology degree giving him a diverse knowledge base to draw from to put clients on fish. We charter out our 30' LOA Parker with a 300hp engine on back giving us reliability and speed.

9. Sea Bliss Charters

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100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Sea Bliss Charters

“Blissful” best describes a Newport beach experience aboard our 52 foot multi-level luxury yacht that can hold 12 passengers, ideal for anniversaries, sunset wine cruises, family gatherings, corporate events, holiday parties, memorials, day trips to Catalina island and more…

10. OFF THE GRID

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5.0 based on 8 reviews

OFF THE GRID

I'm a licensed maritime captain with 30-plus years of experience on the water. My motto is to have no regrets and create unforgettable memories every chance you get. I love sharing unique experiences with those who have similar passions. I specialize in tailor made adventures to suit my clientele's wishes and experience level. I am often flexible on time and will customize activities for my guests!

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