Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching

Once again, the price is the main perk of this trip. We've been out many times before with this group, and for the price it can't be beat (especially if you are in a group). So for that reason, I recommend this trip with this outfit. I was disappointed this time though... it took 1 1/2 hr and a tip from a local fishing boat to find a whale. I admit that's not really the fault of the company. But, what was disappointing is that the 1 1/2 hrs was spent zipping up and down the coast in FREEZING weather with no commentary whatsoever. The least they could have done is talked a little about the gray whales while searching for them, or had some whale artifacts to look at or something to make it more than a boat ride at 8am on a Saturday in the cold, damp weather. When we finally found the whale, it did not disappoint. He put on a great show. We really only got to spend about 10 minutes tracking it because it was time to head back - everyone kept mentioning how it felt like it was being crammed into the last few minutes so that they wouldn't have to hand out vouchers for free trips since we technically saw a whale. But again, for the price, this is totally the way to go.

I've been on this trip twice this season. I think it is a great deal if you go on the discounted Tuesdays. I have two young children for whom being on the boat is at least half the fun; they love the dolphins and sea lions, and are excited about the whales. Given that most other whale watching trips in the area are upwards of $30/person, it's much more feasible for us as a family to go out on this trip. If you are planning a trip just for adults or with much older children, I think Captain Dave's trip is better; I think his teams are better at finding the whales and education is a huge piece of their trip. But for families on a budget, or particularly for families with small children who are just happy to take a boat ride and see a few dolphins (although we did see a whale the second time we took the trip), this is definitely the way to go.

Catamaran Adventures tour was excellent! The crew were very informative. We stood at the bow of the boat marvellng at all the dolphins swimming and jumping just below our feet. Amazing!

We and the grandkids had a very good time. We seen a big group of Dolphins.

My eight year old and I took advantage of the kids fish free deal they had going on Sundays. It was a load of fun but a bit crowded. I guess a good deal is appreciated by more than just myself. The crew was very accomodating, upbeat and helpful. I couldn't have asked for more from them. We're going to be doing it again soon.

I would highly recommend this trip. We saw several whale and dolphin throughout most of the 2 hour trip. The amenities on the boat are plentiful, and the crew was very friendly and informative about the sights we were seeing.

fun

My husband and I and our son took our friend and her son out on the whale watching boat--and loved the experience. The boat was clean, the food was good, the extra $$ was worth it to have an uncrowded boat where we could really see the dolphins and whales "up close" without fighting for a space by the railings. The commentary was terrific--knowledgeable and filled with wonder and energy--as if he was seeing all of it for the first time with us. The whole tour was a great experience.

My Indian Guide Tribe put together a father son fishing trip to spend some time with our boys and had a fantastic time. The crew was very helpful with baiting hooks for the boys, fixing broken lines and helping the boys understand what fishing was all about. My son caught a variety of fish, learned how to actually bait the hook, how to get his line in the water without spooling the reel, how to reel in the fish and get it over the side of the boat and where the best places to fish on the boat are. Thanks for a fun trip.

This whale watching was the best experience in my life.! It was my birthday and I had an AWESOME day. It was a beautiful warm day, the skies were clear. I had been wanting to do something like this all my life ! Even with the boat in the dock in the harbor I loved watching all the pelicans and all the other birds. Once we got out into the waters.....WOW Dolphins were everywhere ! They swam right along with the boat just like they were playing and racing the boat. Farther out in the water we began to see the water sprays of the whales. We even saw a few with their babies ! This is something that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. The skipper of the boat was so informative about what we were looking at. And towards the end of our journey he heard of a humpback whale and the search was on !!! I was hoping to see one pop up out of the water, but I didn't this time,So I know I will schedule another trip just on the hopes that I do !! This trip was breath taking and so very glad I was able to experience it ! Kudo's to all that made it happen !!

We went on the noon departure on 1/29/10. It was like glass and we could see for miles. If there was a whale within 20 miles, we would have seen it. We did see seals, dolphins, sea lions, and some guy reel in a nice size halibit (not from our boat). The captain was kind enough to give us out tickets back. The boat was clean, the day was bright, and the scenery breathtaking. Looking forward to using the returned ticket.

All 3 members of crew were very outgoing & very knowledgable of area & sea life. Had a great time even though we didn't see any whales on this trip. We were able to see plenty of dolphins & sea lions. Had a great time.

staff seemed okay; would have appreciated more commentary on the environs. enjoyed being in the boat and seeing the views of the coast. only 2 grey whales seen, and it was difficult seeing much as too far away and not much of the whale body out of the water. knew this might happen; did see a large pod of dolphins that followed our boat for awhile which was very enjoyable. the trip was worth taking as it was 1/2 price. did get a return coupon for 50% off up to 4 people that doesn't expire. since we are from Illinois, don't know that we will use it.

Awsome trip! All future vacations in California will involve this whale watching adventure!

This is one of the best values I've ever had! The two hour boat trip is worth the price even without the Seal lions, whales and dolfphins... beautiful views of the coast. The crew is really what made the trip - they are so friendly, enthusiastic and knowlegeable. Tip... we took the last boat of the day and it was much less busy than the noon sailing.