Quick Details
1 to 149 Passengers
- Includes a private 2-hour excursion with an expert captain and expert guide
- Suggested departure times; 10AM, 12PM, & 2:30PM
1-4 Passengers
$ 583
1-25 Passengers
$ 1,547.60
26-45 Passengers
$ 1,929.20
All trips have gratuity added to price
Charter the Whole Boat for Private Whale and Dolphin Watching
A private charter is the whole boat for your group, leaving Dana Point Harbor with your own captain and marine life expert narrating for two hours. You pick the departure time and you are not sharing the trip with anyone else.
Seasonally we see over 1,500 gray whales, and blue whales arrive in summer. Fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions and even sharks turn up year round.
Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see a whale OR dolphin, we give you a voucher for a free trip that never expires.
Dana Point is home to the trademark Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®, and Dana Wharf was the first whale watching company in Orange County, running from this harbor since 1971. Six vessels take private charters, from four guests up to 149. Compare them below, then call (949) 496-5794 ext. 2 or text (949) 619-6962 and we will match you to the right boat.
Suggested departure times are 10AM, 12PM and 2:30PM. Boats fill up fast, so book ahead.
Looking for a scheduled trip instead of the whole boat? See all Dana Point whale watching options.
Our Private Whale Watching Fleet
Every private whale and dolphin watching charter below leaves from Dana Point Harbor with your own captain and marine life narrator on board. Compare the boats here, then call or text and we will match you to the right one for your group.
Which boat suits your group
Our signature whale watching catamarans
Signature whale watching catamaran
Ocean Adventures Catamaran
Ocean Adventures is a 63-foot catamaran built exclusively for Dana Wharf, and the only vessel of its kind re-certified by the U.S. Coast Guard from 49 passengers to 59. It has a roomy viewing deck, an inside cabin with viewing from every area of the vessel, and a large sun area on the back deck. You’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the dolphins that swim right beneath you.
- Capacity Up to 59 guests
- Vessel 63-foot catamaran
- Duration 2 hours
- Ages All ages
- Departs Dana Point Harbor
Perfect for: Larger groups, celebrations, corporate outings and school field trips
From $2,625 Monday to Friday, $3,375 Saturday and SundayGratuity is not included.
Signature whale watching catamaran
Lot’ A Fun Catamaran
Lot’ A Fun is a 50-foot catamaran built by Cooper Marine and added to the fleet in 2018, designed with comfort and sightseeing in mind. A single-level deck gives unobstructed 360-degree views, and the bow seating puts guests right at the front of the action. It has spacious covered and open-air seating, a snack bar and beverage holders throughout.
- Capacity Up to 45 guests
- Vessel 50-foot catamaran
- Duration 2 hours
- Ages All ages
- Access Wheelchair accessible
Lot’ A Fun is wrapped in custom artwork by marine artist Wyland, featuring a gray whale and her calf. It is a tribute to the species that inspired Dana Wharf’s whale watching trips when Captain Don Hansen started the business.
Perfect for: Families, celebrations, corporate outings, school field trips and special events
From $1,685 Monday to Friday, $2,045 Saturday and SundayGratuity is not included.
Also available for private whale and dolphin watching
Dana Pride
The Dana Pride is the largest whale watching boat in Southern California, built exclusively for Dana Wharf in 2002. It has two-story seating, a large salon, a full-service air-conditioned bar and snack bar, a flat-screen TV and an outdoor buffet station.
- Capacity Up to 149 guests
- Vessel 95 feet
- Duration 2 hours
- Access Wheelchair accessible
Perfect for: Groups, celebrations, corporate outings, school field trips and special events
Private whale watching charter from $3,000 for 2 hoursGratuity is not included.
New San Mateo
The New San Mateo is a 50-foot vessel and one of the fastest boats in the fleet. On a two-hour charter that means more of the coastline covered and more time in offshore water.
- Capacity Up to 18 guests
- Vessel 50 feet
- Duration 2 hours
- Ages All ages
Perfect for: Small groups who want range and speed
Private whale watching charter $2,200 plus $200 gratuityGratuity is not included.
Second Chance
The Second Chance is a Parker 2520XL taking up to four guests, with a private head, fresh water wash down and state-of-the-art electronics on a stable platform.
- Capacity Up to 4 guests
- Vessel Parker 2520XL
- Ages All ages
- Departs Dana Point Harbor
Perfect for: Couples and small families, up to four guests
Whale watching rates on requestCall or text for a quote on a private whale watching charter.
The Current
The Current is a high-end 53-foot Hatteras motor yacht, chosen for a luxury boating experience. Imagine sitting up front, only inches away from a dolphin pod, on a smooth ride along our own Pacific Riviera. Your charter includes a professional licensed captain, two full hours on the open water, and soft drinks and water. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks.
- Capacity Up to 6 guests
- Vessel 53-foot Hatteras yacht
- Duration 2 hours
- Ages All ages
Perfect for: Small groups, couples, families and out-of-town guests
2-hour private whale and dolphin watching $849 plus $150 crew gratuityGratuity is not included.
Dana Pride, New San Mateo, Second Chance and The Current also run fishing trips. On this page they are shown as private whale and dolphin watching charters only. Rates above are starting points, vary by vessel, party size and day of the week, and do not include gratuity. Two hours is the standard private whale watching charter and longer charters can be arranged. Call (949) 496-5794 ext. 2 or text (949) 619-6962 for a quote on any vessel.
Call to book (949) 496-5794 ext. 2Text us (949) 619-6962
Private whale watching charter questions
How long is a private whale watching charter?
Two hours is the standard private whale watching charter, and it is what the rates on this page are based on. Suggested departure times are 10AM, 12PM and 2:30PM. Longer charters can be arranged, so call and tell us what you have in mind.
How many people can come on a private charter?
Anywhere from 4 guests up to 149. Second Chance takes 4, The Current 6, New San Mateo 18, Lot’ A Fun 45, Ocean Adventures 59 and Dana Pride 149.
Do you run small group private whale watching?
Yes. Second Chance takes up to 4 guests and The Current up to 6, so a couple or a single family can charter the whole boat.
What happens if we do not see a whale?
Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see a whale OR dolphin we give you a voucher for a free trip that never expires.
What might we see?
Seasonally we see over 1,500 gray whales, and blue whales arrive in summer. Fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions and even sharks turn up year round.
Is gratuity included in the price?
No. The rates listed are before gratuity, and gratuity is added to your total when you book.
Are any of the boats wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Lot’ A Fun and Dana Pride are both wheelchair accessible.
Is there food and drink on board?
Dana Pride carries a full service air-conditioned bar and snack bar. Ocean Adventures and Lot’ A Fun both have a snack bar. On The Current, soft drinks and water are included and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks.
How far in advance should we book?
Boats fill up fast, so we highly recommend booking ahead. Call (949) 496-5794 ext. 2 or text (949) 619-6962.
Where do private charters leave from?
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, in Dana Point Harbor.