The Cool Destinations Top 10 Dana Point list brings together the best tours, activities, and things to do in the area. Each one has been traveler-tested by people like you and handpicked to deliver the most fun for the best prices in Dana Point.
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Dana Point Tours
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Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this tour is likely to sell out through Cool Destinations®.
1Top 10 Tour Ranked using exclusive Cool Destinations data that may include activity quality, traveler reviews, overall popularity, and availability.
Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this tour is likely to sell out through Cool Destinations®.
4.8 (702)
Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point
Delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures off Dana Point in Orange County. Known as a landmark for marine life...
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.8 (702)
from
$65
$65

Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this tour is likely to sell out through Cool Destinations®.
2Top 10 Tour Ranked using exclusive Cool Destinations data that may include activity quality, traveler reviews, overall popularity, and availability.
Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this tour is likely to sell out through Cool Destinations®.
Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Dana Point's highest-rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods. For over 25 years we have...
2 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
4.9 (893)
from
$106
$106
Recent tour reviews
Travelin-Ninja, Sep 2026
An unforgettable Whale of a Trip!
From the moment I booked this trip for our family (my grandson is 10), this was a terrific experience. The customer friendly service, confirmation and professionalism with Capt Dave's Whale Watching was stellar. I did purchase the cancellation insurance and I was thankful, as one of the older adults could not go due to a health concern. They honored the cancellation immediately and had a record of my insurance. They confirmed several times and gave complete information as to what to expect, how to dress and where they were located.When we arrived, they were professional, but also extremely helpful. They have a gift area and the staff was most helpful in finding sizes, etc. It was a perfect day to go and we saw a Whale and enormous pods of dolphins as well as sea lions. Hannah, the first mate, gave us so much information on the natural wildlife and guided us to see all there was to see. She was very upbeat, enthusiastic and absolutely darling. (She also passed out those delicious brownies as we left the boat). She and Captain Matt were outstanding. The music was a happy addition. It was comfortable (we sat under the roof which was ideal with huge windows). My family enjoyed going out to the front of the boat and also into the pods for underwater viewing. This was 2 and 1/2 hours of glorious fun! The day was perfect, the boat was comfortable and the crew was THE BEST and we felt safe the entire time (they follow Coast Guard rules meticulously). We took SO MANY PHOTOS! But the excitement of being in the midst of hundreds of dolphins jumping and playing is impossible to describe.Some things to know.
1. Be sure to have each person in your party sign a waiver on line before you arrive (they will help you after you arrive if you have any problems with this). Parents sign for their children.
2. Arrive an hour early! Traffic can be slow
3. When you arrive, park in their parking lot and put their orange cone behind your vehicle.
4. Go up the stairs to check in
5. There is a restroom a short walk from Capt Dave's so allow extra time for this
6. Take sunglasses, binoculars, sunblock and a sweatshirt or jacket just in case it rains or the temperature drops.
7. Wear safe shoes
8. Take your sense of humor and your best manners :).
9. HAVE FUN!!!
liend734, Sep 2026
Nice experience kayaking at Dana Point Harbor.
Loved getting out in the water kayaking. Got to see sea lion swimming next to us. My guide, Sam, was friendly and knowledgeable about the area.
Ross_C, Aug 2026
Very fun kayaking and hiking experience in Dana Point.
Sam was a great guide. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great tour planned for us.It was our first time kayaking and he showed us how to do it. He showed us all around Dana point harbor and pointed out sea lions, told us about the history of the place, stuff about the boats in the harbor.He then took us on a really beautiful hike under the cliffs. He presented this as option A, with an easier hike for option b. Option a is beautiful, and well worth the time. However you will be walking along the coast with lots of big loose rocks. Very possible to slip or roll an ankle, but if you’re younger or an okay hiker you’ll be fine. we did it in cheap water shoes with no issue.He also took some great pics of us during the tour and shared them after.
tykane01, Aug 2026
Great time, I would come back.
Great day and great experience. We did not see any whales, but that happens sometimes. We saw plenty of other wildlife and the boat ride itself was amazing. I will be back. Thanks Captain Marie and first mate Chloe.
401diannn, Aug 2026
Love the zodiac experience!
I had a great time on my zodiac experience--completely different than the sedate experiences I have had before. If you have kids that think the big boat is too slow, take the zodiac. Between the fast boat, the amount of dolphins we saw, and how close you can see the dolphins, I'd do this once a month. Captain E and Mike also seemed to genuinely care that we had a good experience.

New York City
Whale Watching Excursion in Dana PointT-LO11_11, Aug 2026
Fun excursion
This was our family's first-ever whale watching experience and we really enjoyed it! The staff were friendly and made sure we were both educated and attentive to spotting aquatic life while on the boat. We saw one whale and it was great to "park" for awhile for multiple views. We then saw tons of dolphins jumping up and down and swimming, which was a lot of fun. We were well taken care of!

New York City
Whale Watching Excursion in Dana PointhannahbD7795EK, Aug 2026
Awesome time!
We had the BEST experience whale watching in Dana Point! I went solo with my 3 and 5 year old, and Laura and Ashley went above and beyond to make the entire experience so easy and enjoyable. They helped me keep the kids safe, took pictures of us, and were constantly checking in to make sure we were okay. They were genuinely SO kind, patient, and accommodating. As a mom doing this alone with two little kids, their kindness meant more than they probably realize. 🤍 We had such a special day and I’m so grateful for them. Highly recommend!
Linda_P, Jul 2026
Wine Cruise - As Pleasant as Described
The Dana Point Wine Cruise was a lovely experience. Tasty wine, delicious cheese trays, good music, friendly staff and beautiful scenery. Will do this again!
Navigator620893, May 2026
Five stars — and we're already planning our next one
If you're visiting Dana Point — or even if you live there — book a walking tour with Lezlie. Full stop.
We came in as a couple looking for something a little different, and left with stunning photos, a much richer appreciation for the area, and a list of local gems we never would have found on our own. Lezlie's knowledge of Dana Point is impressive — she wove in the history of the legendary surf scene and even the surprising connection to the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, which was a genuine delight we didn't see coming.
Her eye for photography is exceptional. She found spots that showcased the most spectacular California scenery and framed shots of my wife and me that we'll genuinely treasure. What made it work wasn't just her technical skill — it's that she's warm and funny, so what could have felt staged or posed instead felt completely natural and spontaneous. We were laughing our way through most of it.
Beyond the photos, she was a fountain of local knowledge: restaurant recommendations, the best coffee spots, hiking trails, kayaking — the kind of insider tips you'd only get from someone who truly loves where they live.
Two hours flew by faster than we could believe, and by the end we could see there was still so much more of Dana Point to explore. We're already planning our next trip — and another tour with Lezlie is already on the itinerary.
Absolutely worth every penny. Don't hesitate.
I937AVleannel, Apr 2026
Best Tour
Just experienced an unforgettable walking tour through beautiful Dana Point! 🌊☀️Lezlie made the entire experience so engaging—sharing local history, hidden spots, and fun facts you’d never discover on your own. Every stop had something unique, from stunning coastal views to charming streets and scenic overlooks.One of the best parts? The guide took amazing photos along the way! 📸 It was so nice to be fully present and still come away with professional-quality pictures to remember the day.If you’re visiting Dana Point and want a relaxed, informative, and picture-perfect experience, I highly recommend booking a walking tour like this. Totally worth it!

New York City
Guided Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour in Dana PointJOHN_G, Apr 2026
Awesome Dana Point Tour!
Julian super knowledgeable about Dana point ecology and history; He is also easygoing and flexible about the tour. He can adjust based on folks mobility, fitness and curiosity!

New York City
Guided Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour in Dana PointSusan_Y, Mar 2026
A great nature experience
A good amount of walking and stairs
Tennis shoes suggested
Wonderful outdoor activity and great introduction to the Dana Point area
Debbie_L, Mar 2026
Great cooking class!
The class really exceeded our high expectations. The experience was so fun and the food we made was so tasty with written step by step instructions at the end to remind how to do everything including making the delicious welcome cocktail. Our hosts were incredible. So personable and lovely. It was like joining friends for an afternoon of cooking and learning.
Mike_V, Feb 2026
French cooking with beautiful people and delicious food
An elegant and approachable French cooking experience near Dana Point graciously hosted by Ann and Rick.We enjoyed a truly delightful evening as both couples prepared and savored a beautifully crafted meal together. Their home alone is worth the adventure — thoughtfully designed, beautifully appointed, and centered around a well-stocked kitchen that inspires creativity.From the warm welcome at the door to the heartfelt farewell, we felt less like guests and more like family. The instruction was clear, engaging, and informative, making every step enjoyable. Ann’s guidance on creating choux à la crème (cream puff pastry) was wonderfully simple and confidence-building.The best part? The intoxicating aroma that filled the room as everything baked. Well — perhaps the second best. Sharing the finished meal family-style around the table was truly the highlight of the evening.An experience we would gladly repeat

New York City
Pirate Sea Cave Tide Pool Walk at Dana PointMark_T, Dec 2025
Beach adventures!
Our guide was fantastic! He was very committed to us having a wonderful time. He encouraged questions regarding all the sea creatures and plants that were visible during low tide. My daughter experienced being touched by a small octopus under the guide’s guidance. The guide was fascinated with our finds and enthusiastically explained what it was. He then gave an incredible performance in the cave. This adventure provides our family with joy when we recall the experience.
Dana Point Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
- All Dana Point Tours
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Dolphin & Whale Watching
- Cultural & Theme Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Historical & Heritage Tours
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Food, Wine & Nightlife
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- Self-guided Tours & Rentals
- Walking & Biking Tours
- Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
- Walking Tours
- Water Sports
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Dana Point Event Calendar
- Labor Day in Dana Point
- Halloween in Dana Point
- Thanksgiving in Dana Point
- Veteran's Day in Dana Point
- New Year’s Day long weekend in Dana Point
- New Year’s Eve in Dana Point
- Hanukkah in Dana Point
- MLK Day in Dana Point
- President's Day in Dana Point
- Valentine's Day in Dana Point
- St. Patrick's Day in Dana Point
- Good Friday in Dana Point
- Easter in Dana Point
- Memorial Day Weekend in Dana Point
- Cinco De Mayo in Dana Point
- Juneteenth in Dana Point
- 4th of July in Dana Point







