| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
|
Lucky
|
| Tue, Apr 8, 08 12:00 PM |
parkjohn |
Male |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Couple on a Date |
| We couldn't believe the amazing two for one deal offered by Dana Wharf . A two hour cruise out of Dana Point on a lovely April afternoon would have satisfied. It being so late in the whale watching season, we were optimistic, but not resolute. Soon out of port, the ship was surrounded by pods of playful dolphins, riding the wake, jumping and frolicking all around. The captain had to circle and speed so we could leave the dolphins to their feeding, but they kept following! When the cruise seemed to be winding to an end without sight of whale, one very determined passenger at the bow of the ship spotted a breach in the water surface on the distant horizon. The captain immediately stopped the engine and all aboard waited eagerly staring transfixed at the "footprint" left on the water. Soon emerged a nursing mother gray whale and her calf. She was returning back north with her newborn by her side, surfacing often with a spray. While the ship was drifting with no propulsion the whales swam ridiculously close by and seemed almost interested in the vessel full of curious stares floating in their pathway. It was a wonderful and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience, even the crew was genuinely excited. |
|
|
We had an excellent time!
|
| Tue, Apr 8, 08 12:00 PM |
KatrinaWells |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| This was our first whale watching trip and we had an excellent time! We saw TON of dolphins that put on a great show. Then we got to see two whales (an adult female and her calf) that also put on a great show for us. They kept diving and resurfacing right next to us. It was awesome! We also were able to see two sea lions that were so cute. This was better than I imagined it would be. Thank you so much for a great time!! |
|
|
Dolphins were great
|
| Mon, Apr 7, 08 12:00 PM |
MariKevW |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| While we did not see any gray whales, it was still worth the afternoon and money watching the captain and dolphins play. Due to the expertise of the crew, they were able to create circular patterns that provider us bystanders the viewing of dolphins doing acrobats in the wake of the boat. Truly awesome! |
|
|
Recommended
|
| Sun, Apr 6, 08 4:00 PM |
Sophia99 |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Other |
| Although my niece & I did not see any whales or dolphins (which is unusual), we did see sea lions, have a great boat ride, & witness stunning views of our local coastline. And in the end, because our excursion did not see whales or dolphins, we did receive free whale-watching tickets that don't expire & can be used anytime. |
|
|
Fun!
|
| Sun, Apr 6, 08 2:00 PM |
audiogirl |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| We saw a "dolphin super-pod"!!! No whales, though.
Plenty of room on the boat, friendly staff. Nice passengers.
Beautiful just to be on the water.
A few notes, which weren't negatives for me, but could be for others:
The "whale-sighting guarantee or free trip next time" includes dolphin sightings, and if we hadn't seen so many dolphins, I might have been dissappointed. Fortunately I read the fine print so I was aware that the guarantee included dolphins.
The restrooms weren't stocked well, but fortunately I'm the kind of person who comes over-prepared for such things.
The bar on the boat is cash only, so bring dollars. There is an ATM in the shop where you get your tickets. If you get seasick, they have motion sickness pills there too.
I'll definitely go again for blue whale season. |
|
|
Great spectacle
|
| Sun, Apr 6, 08 12:00 PM |
combinator |
Male |
30-39 |
Combination |
Family With Children |
| We found a large pod of dolphins - they were everywhere. Highly recommended! |
|
Would definitely recommend this, however...
|
| Sun, Apr 6, 08 12:00 PM |
katiewhite |
Female |
20-29 |
Local |
Family Without Children |
| I would definitely recommend this tour. The customer service was great, and the cruise itself was also great. We saw tons of dolphins which was amazing, and they were all over the place, however, we did not see any whales. I knew going into the cruise that there was no guarantee, but my only suggestion would be that if we don't get to see whales, they should offer a coupon for another tour (not free, just discounted). |
|
|
Fun but no whales....again!
|
| Sat, Apr 5, 08 10:00 AM |
jcstonger |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| This is now our 3rd time whale watching here out of Dana Point, and the 3rd time seeing no whales. For the first 45 minutes we saw nothing, but then came across a very large pod of playful dolphins. This is in no way the fault of the guides, but still dissapointing. The kids ages 3 and 6 loved it regardles. We will probably give it one more shot next year, and then we will be done with it! |
|
|
Just Do It!!
|
| Wed, Apr 2, 08 12:00 PM |
allyn5157 |
Male |
60-69 |
Local |
Couple on a Date |
| If you're a tourist in Southern California and have stood in line for all of your other activities, you'll love this Whale-Watching tour! Dana Point is beautiful and the wharf area is manageable and pleasant - no lines (and if there are lines, they'll be short ones). The tour operators are knowledgeable and very friendly. The tour boat is large and comfortable and, on the day we participated, it just skimmed smoothly on the water. My wife and I had a great time and plan on doing it again. Oh, did I mention we didn't see any whales? It didn't matter to us, it was still a fun day and we understand that whales have a mind of their own and don't always read the script! Just make up your mind that you'll have a great time and you will. |
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|
Whale Watching
|
| Tue, Apr 1, 08 12:00 PM |
sharri3322 |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| We had such a good time on the Whale Watching Tour. We did not see any whales but we saw beautiful dolphins. |
