Celebrate the season on the water with holiday music and decorated harbor views
1 hr
Cruise, hot chocolate, cookies
Join a local holiday tradition with an evening boat ride around Dana Point Harbor. This seasonal cruise is separate from the boat parade.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Cruises usually run in light rain and moderate weather. Severe or unsafe weather may cause cancellation up to 1 hour before departure; you may reschedule subject to availability or receive credit for a future event. If minimum ticket sales are not met, the trip may be canceled with a full refund and/or rescheduling.
Product ID: C8FA33
Yes. Additional snacks and beverages on the holiday cruise cost extra and are not included in the listed price. Bring cash for onboard purchases and any gratuities; these are cash only.
Check in at the office 30–45 minutes before departure and pick up your boarding passes. Your whole party must be present to check in.
Use the parking structure at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Look for signs for Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing / Catalina Express.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Wharf delivers consistently excellent whale watching experiences with a crew that clearly knows their stuff. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable captains and friendly staff who engage with passengers throughout trips, providing educational commentary about marine life. The operation runs professionally and punctually, and they offer various experiences beyond standard tours, including special events with live music, wine, and charter fishing trips. Here's the thing about whale sightings: they're not guaranteed, and many recent visitors didn't spot any whales. But that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm. Guests were thrilled by multiple pods of dolphins putting on spectacular shows, jumping, racing alongside the boat, and surfing in the wake. The crew's expertise shines in finding marine life and creating memorable experiences regardless of what appears. With spacious boats that don't feel crowded and staff that go out of their way to be helpful, this is clearly a well-run operation that keeps people coming back for repeat visits.
Great boat, great staff, drinks and snacks on board and amazing dolphin sightings. You have a captain and a naturalist on board, which is just awesome.
Adam Hahn
August 30, 2026
Great boat, great staff, drinks and snacks on board and amazing dolphin sightings. You have a captain and a naturalist on board, which is just awesome.
Adam Hahn
August 30, 2026
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