Avalon, California

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in Dana Point, CA is one of Southern California’s most iconic ocean adventure providers and the oldest whale watching company in Orange County. Departing daily from Dana Point Harbor, Dana Wharf offers a wide variety of experiences including whale watching tours, dolphin watching, sportfishing trips, private charters, harbor cruises, specialty cruises, and group events. With over 50 years of history and thousands of five-star reviews, Dana Wharf is recognized as one of the top destinations for marine excursions in Orange County. Dana Point is known as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®, and Dana Wharf delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters year-round. Their popular two-hour whale and dolphin watching tours regularly feature sightings of blue whales, gray whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and occasionally orcas, along with large pods of dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. For guests seeking a longer experience, Dana Wharf also offers specialty whale watching trips, including extended tours and private whale watching charters with personalized narration from experienced naturalists. Vessels are designed for comfort and viewing, featuring open decks, indoor seating, and knowledgeable crews who provide educational commentary throughout the trip. Dana Wharf is also a premier destination for sportfishing in Southern California, offering trips for all experience levels. Options include half-day, twilight, three-quarter day, full-day, overnight, and multi-day fishing trips targeting popular species such as tuna, yellowtail, halibut, rockfish, bass, bonito, and more. Family-friendly fishing trips, kids fishing clinics, summer camps, and private sportfishing charters make Dana Wharf a versatile option for families, beginners, corporate groups, and serious anglers alike. All vessels are Coast Guard inspected, fully equipped with quality gear, and operated by experienced captains and crew who know the best local fishing grounds. In addition to fishing and whale watching, Dana Wharf offers harbor cruises, wine cruises, holiday events, private yacht charters, and special group experiences, making it one of the most comprehensive boating and tour operators in the region. Conveniently located at 34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, just minutes from Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Newport Beach, and within easy driving distance of Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Wharf is a top choice for anyone searching for whale watching in Dana Point, sportfishing charters in Orange County, or unforgettable coastal adventures in Southern California.

Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, located in Dana Point, California, offers a unique and immersive marine wildlife experience with over twenty years of expertise. Founded and operated by Captain Dave Anderson and his wife Gisele, the company is renowned for its innovative approach, including the world’s only underwater viewing pods that allow guests to observe dolphins and whales beneath the surface. Their fleet features a variety of vessels, from stable catamarans to high-speed rigid hull inflatables, all U.S. Coast Guard certified and designed for comfort and safety. Dana Point’s designation as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and its status as the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas further enhance the authenticity and quality of these excursions. The company offers a range of whale and dolphin watching tours tailored to diverse interests and age groups, including signature safaris, high-speed zodiac adventures, private charters, and specialized cruises like the Whale Geek Cetacean Exploration. Guests can expect close encounters with marine mammals such as blue whales, humpbacks, and pods of dolphins, often enhanced by educational commentary from knowledgeable crew members. The experience is family-friendly, with accommodations for children and special needs, and emphasizes marine conservation and awareness. Whether seeking a leisurely catamaran cruise or an adrenaline-filled zodiac ride, visitors enjoy a memorable and informative journey into the vibrant ocean life off the Southern California coast.

Captain Newport is a premier boat and yacht rental and charter company based in Newport Beach, California. With a reputation bolstered by over 450 five-star reviews, the company offers extensive experience in providing luxury maritime experiences along the coastal waters and to Catalina Island. Their fleet features a diverse range of vessels, including sleek VanDutch models, Sundancers, catamarans, and large Azimut yachts, accommodating groups of up to 120 guests. This variety, combined with professional service and well-maintained equipment, distinguishes them as a top choice for both casual outings and special occasions. The company provides a wide array of rental options, including 3, 4, 6, and 8-hour charters, as well as weekend getaways tailored to different group sizes and preferences. Their offerings cater to private parties, corporate events, and leisure travelers seeking unique coastal experiences. Guests can choose from intimate boats like the 18-foot Duffy for smaller groups or expansive party yachts in Long Beach and San Diego that host up to 120 people. Each charter promises a personalized and memorable journey, supported by experienced crews and premium vessels designed for comfort and style on the water.

Lost Winds Dive Shop, located in San Clemente and Dana Point, California, has been serving the diving community since 2016. With over 40 years of combined staff experience, the shop specializes in spearfishing, freediving, and scuba diving gear, offering a curated selection from leading brands such as RIFFE, CRESSI, SCUBAPRO, and XCEL WETSUITS. The company stands out for its commitment to quality, expert service, and real-time inventory management, ensuring customers receive authentic products promptly. Both retail locations feature full-service scuba centers, including air compressors for tank filling and repair services, making Lost Winds a comprehensive resource for divers of all skill levels. The shop provides a wide range of products and services tailored to divers and underwater enthusiasts, including spearguns, wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, regulators, and dive computers. Lost Winds also offers speargun rigging and repair, scuba tank air fills, and annual regulator servicing. For those looking to enhance their skills, the store supports PADI certification courses and freediving education through eLearning and in-person options. With a focus on customer education and professional advice, the experience at Lost Winds is designed to equip divers with the right gear and knowledge for safe and enjoyable underwater adventures.

Lost Winds Dive Shop, located in San Clemente and Dana Point, California, has been a trusted provider of high-quality diving equipment since its establishment in 2016. With over 40 years of combined experience among its staff, the shop specializes in spearfishing, freediving, and scuba diving gear, offering products from leading brands such as RIFFE, CRESSI, SCUBAPRO, and XCEL WETSUITS. The company distinguishes itself through its commitment to exceptional customer service, fast shipping, and expert technical support, including full-service speargun rigging and scuba gear repair centers at both retail locations. Its dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility further enhances its reputation within the diving community. The dive shop caters to a wide range of customers, from beginners seeking certification courses to experienced divers looking for specialized equipment and accessories. Offerings include spearguns, wetsuits, fins, masks, regulators, buoyancy control devices, dive computers, and safety gear, alongside rental services for scuba and freediving equipment at the San Clemente location. Lost Winds also provides eLearning and in-person PADI courses, ensuring divers receive professional training and knowledge to make informed gear choices. The shopping experience is supported by real-time inventory updates and same-day shipping, making it a reliable destination for those preparing for underwater adventures along the California coast and beyond.