Just about an hour north of San Diego in Dana Point is one of the world’s best year-round whale watching tours. Not only can you see fin and humpback whales, but you can also find the rarest whale – the great blue whale.
You can also see many dolphins on your tour. When you set out with Captain Dave, you’ll get to enjoy a great feature on the dolphin and whale charter boats – an underwater ocean aquarium of sorts. Head to the bottom of the boat where you can look through the glass to see under the sea through this underwater pod.
More about the Underwater Pod:
Captain Dave says this is the first underwater pod in the world for a commercial charter boat and was a dream of his for over 10 years before it was created. And you will definitely see lots as you feel as though you are swimming under the water with the dolphins. Over 400,000 common dolphins live in these waters off the coast, and it is not uncommon to spot over 5,000 in one outing out to sea.
Trips out with Captain Dave are quite intimate, as his boat takes out no more than 49 passengers a trip. You’ll see gray whales between December and early May as they migrate between Alaska and the lagoons of Baja. Between the months of May and December is when you will see blue whales, fin whales, and minke whales. And occasionally, you may also spot killer whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales.
Each excursion is for 2 ½ to 3 hours out on the boat after you arrive in your San Diego car rental. The price to take this whale and dolphin watching tour is $55 for adults and $35 for kids ages 3-12. Those 2 and under are free of charge. Boats go out daily; and for more information on times, be sure to check online at their website.
Also be sure to watch videos of previous tours and the underwater viewing area. There is a wonderful video posted about a group’s encounter with a blue whale! A video is also posted that shows ABC News coverage on Dave’s whale watching tours.
Dave keeps a log on his website of all the different types and quantities of dolphins and whales spotted. So if there is a specific type you’d like to see, make sure to check this to see the months in which these creatures are spotted!
If you have any more questions on this California whale watching tour or anything else around San Diego you want to check out in your cheap San Diego car rental, don’t hesitate to ask!
