2-Hour Whale Watching Adventure Cruise
Trips depart daily!
Delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures off Dana Point. Known as a landmark for marine life sightings, Dana Wharf’s ocean adventure cruises offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife and gorgeous scenic views you’ll never forget.
Join us as we search for whales, dolphin, sea lion and other exciting marine life! All of our cruises are narrated by our expert captains who will educate you on the abundant ocean life on our coast. Trips are all 2 hours long, plenty of time to discover the world that lies beneath! Remember that sightings of marine life are guaranteed!
Cost: Adults – $45; Kids – $25
NEW! Deluxe Catamaran Adventure
Come aboard our specially built, luxurious catamaran for an incredible 2 to 2.5-hour Whale and Dolphin Adventure. A totally different, intimate and unforgettable experience!
2.5 Hour Catamaran Tours start back up in January.
Enjoy:
- A limited number of passengers – this trip is NEVER CROWDED!
- Amazing viewing platform- our passengers can view marine life and not get wet.
- A faster and quieter journey – advanced technology engines assure you a smooth ride!
- An up close and personal experience – get closer to marine life such as whales and dolphins and watch them as they swim beneath you.
- An educational experience – get your questions answered by our on-board professional naturalist or marine biologist.
- Bask in the sun on the sun bench in the back or ride the bow for an adventure!
- Our enclosed cabin boasts a full view of the ocean and flat screen monitors so you can see the Captain’s navigation screen and more.
The 63 ft OCean Adventure is an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art catamaran, also available for charters. It is certified to carry up to 59 passengers and is fully equipped with an easy-access deli-style galley and full-service bar.
Half Price Tuesday!
Every Tuesday, all our trips are half price! Take advantage of this special pricing and bring your friends and family!
IlluminOcean
40 Nights of Holiday Nights!
A holiday wonder to see, this vibrant display of nautical, holiday, and uniquely entertaining displays are sure to delight! Don’t miss this holiday light spectacular featuring animated lighting attractions and immersive, ocean-minded sculptures, FREE, nightly November 26, 2014 – January 2, 2015.
Winter Wine Cruise
November 1, 2014 to January 20, 2015 – Friday and Sunday Nights 5:30pm to 7pm – $49 per person, 21 & over
(Except Dec 5, 6, 12 & 13)
Enjoy some winter Reds paired with delectable cheeses & crackers, fresh fruit, and assorted nuts aboard this 90-minute winter wine cruise. Board the luxurious OCean Adventures Catamaran for a sampling of wines from The Organic Wine Cellar, featuring a signature wine by WYLAND. Reservations recommended.
SPORTFISHING
Have you ever wanted to go ocean fishing but thought it was only for the professional? Well, we have good news for you! Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers fishing trips all year long and anyone can go – young, old, experienced or those out for their first trip. Our landing caters to the novice as well as the seasoned angler. Our knowledgeable crew and expert skippers who are always eager to help educate and instruct, if needed. The types of fish available to catch vary depending on the season and water temperature. They include Halibut, Barracuda, Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Bonito, and even Tuna. You never know what you might reel in, and that is part of the magic of fishing.
Our vessels are clean and our friendly, professional and experienced crew are there to help you! Our vessels offer a full galley with hot and cold food. Beer, soda, chips and candy are available for purchase (sorry, no coolers can be brought aboard the boat). If you do not have fishing gear, we have rods and reels to rent from $14 – $18, and a day license for anyone over 16 years of age is required. Come join us for an adventure you will never forget. It might just become an obsession.
3/4 Day Fishing
These 9-hour local, coastal trips are currently fishing for bass, rockfish, and yellowtail.
Adults – $64; Seniors – $59; Children – $46
For more information on our 3/4 Day Trips, please read FAQ’s!
1/2 Day Fishing
This 5-hour trip is perfect for families and fish locally off the coast.
Adults – $46; Seniors – $41; Children – $29
For more information on our 1/2 Day Trips, please read FAQ’s!
Two Ways to Enter
1. Halibut Drift Days
These are special extended halibut drift trips that will specifically drift for halibut.
Fridays and / or Sundays 7:00am – 4:00pm – Limited load to 25 passengers.
$64 per person, $5 entry included in price.
Buy tickets online at Zerve here!
2. Enter on any open party ½ or ¾ day trip!
Cost is $5 and will be taken at time of check-in. Entry must be paid for before boat departs. An entry is only valid for the day it is purchased. To enter on a different day, an addition entry ticket must be purchased.
Buy tickets online at Zerve here!
YOUR $5 ENTRY GOES INTO THE HALIBUT DERBY JACKPOT!
6 Ways to Win
- At the end of the derby, the angler who catches the largest halibut (by weight) will receive 50% of the Halibut Derby Prize Money! (Prize money accumulated between November 1st, 2014 and April 30th, 2015)
- The remaining 50% of the Halibut Derby Jackpot will go to the winner of the Dana Wharf Halibut Derby Fish Off on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015. The Fish Off will be a free trip for the top 25 anglers who catch the top 25 halibut (by weight) during the Halibut Derby.
- Each month of the Derby, a $100 gift card to Dana Wharf, an Okuma rod/reel, a Hogan’s Tackle Gift Certificate/Grab Bag and a Jig Stop Gift Certificatewill be awarded to the angler who catches the largest halibut (by weight) that month.
- Every angler entered in the Derby that catches a Halibut 15lbs or larger will win a $65 gift box filled with prizes from BD OUTDOORS. (Gift box will be mailed to the angler.)
- Each Drift Day every angler will be entered in a raffle to win a 3/4 day fishing trip with Dana Wharf. ($64 Value)
- Each Drift Day the JACKPOT winner will receive a free hat and shirt from Dana Wharf or one of our sponsors.
Buy tickets online at Zerve here!
Please read the full rules and eligibility requirements. Please note rules are subject to change.
*Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult on either the Halibut Drift Days or when buying a Halibut ticket on a 1/2 day or 3/4 day.
Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip
Sundays at Noon
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 – 5:45, adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE. Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! More information and reservations call Dana Wharf at 949-496-5794.
Lobster Fishing Trips:
Try our special Captain Dave’s twilight lobster safari fishing trip and enjoy a relaxing evening on the Helena with our special guest captain Dave!
- Seasonal catches include Lobster
- Learn from our knowledgeable, family friendly crewand skippers who will expertly guide you throughout this fun filled excursion.
- Bask in the breathtaking views of Dana Point Harbor’s serene beaches and scenic shorelines from the deck of one our fleet’s top of the line boats!
- soda, water, assorted snacks, and unlimited cheeseburgers are included.
From novice to expert, everyone will enjoy discovering their love of sportfishing, conservation, and the great outdoorson this 5 hour evening excursion.
What Is Not Included?
- Fishing Equipment: Lobster hoops, measuring gauges, and bait are included
- Fishing License Regulations: Anglers 16 years of age or older are required to have a fishing license in their possession before boarding the boat. One day licenses are available in our shop and can be purchased prior to departure and a lobster report card $10. All children under 16 years of age are required to have a lobster report card. Non-anglers are not required to have a license.
- Food and Beverages: Unlimited cheeseburgers, soda, water and snacks are included in the ticket price. Beer will be available for purchase.
- Gratuities: Tips for the crew members are optional but greatly appreciated! They work very hard to make your trip as good as can be. Typical tips range from $5-10 per adult ticket.
Private Charters
All of Dana Wharf’s vessels are available for private charter. We have 14 vessels that include fishing boats, our new 63′ catamaran, six passenger fishing yachts, a scuba diving vessel and specialty sail boats are available for the following:
- Private fishing & whale watching trips
- Corporate events and team building
- Parties/Fundraisers
- Burials at Sea
- Scuba Diving
- Any reason you choose!
If you are interested in a private charter please call us at (949) 496-5794 x 11 or email us atcharters@danawharfsportfishing.com
Click here to download the Charter Information Flyer
Meet our Boat Captains! The best in the business!
Kelly Farlow
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching



















