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Honor a loved one with a private 90-minute burial at sea aboard DolphinSafari.com, a catamaran that brings you close to the water, wildlife, and panoramic Pacific views. Learn permit requirements, what to bring, and how the crew handles music and biodegradable floral tributes.
Honor a loved one with a private 90-minute burial at sea aboard DolphinSafari.com, a catamaran that brings you close to the water, wildlife, and panoramic Pacific views. Learn permit requirements, what to bring, and how the crew handles music and biodegradable floral tributes.
Book with Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
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Operated by Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari · Dana Point, California
On a clear morning off the coast of Dana Point, California, the Pacific opens into a wide, rippling blue where a catamaran named DolphinSafari.com hosts intimate ash-scattering ceremonies. This 90-minute private charter offers families a quiet, maritime way to farewell a loved one, combining close-to-water seating, panoramic sightlines, and the frequent, unexpected company of wild dolphins.
Boarding from Dana Point Harbor (meeting point provided at booking), guests settle into cushioned benches inside an enclosed cockpit that includes a restroom and room for about 20 people—though the vessel’s listed capacity is 22. The boat’s low bow and Eye-Spy tram nets give mourners a close connection to the sea’s surface, and on calm days the skin of the Pacific reflects late-morning light like polished metal. Natural elements on display include kelp beds below, diving sea birds, and the pod dynamics of Pacific common dolphins that sometimes approach the boat.
This service is purpose-built and ceremonial: the crew walks clients through biodegradable-flower etiquette, the banding rules that keep plastics out of the water, and the legal requirement to obtain a Disposition of Cremated Remains permit from the Orange County Health Care Agency before scattering ash at sea. The listed rate is $858.60 plus gratuity for the 90-minute charter, and extensions are available by request. After booking, the operator follows up to coordinate music, flower options, and any gourmet add-ons such as champagne.
What sets this experience apart is its combination of nautical intimacy and marine wildlife sightings. Unlike larger ferries, the catamaran’s design minimizes distance from the water, making each moment feel immediate and tactile. The setting is both visually striking and practical for family gatherings: shaded seating, privacy, and a crew accustomed to handling ceremonial details with discretion and respect.
Plan for coastal weather: layered clothing, non-slip shoes, and seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sensitivity. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for calm boarding and briefing; gratuities are customary and added at checkout. Operator offers 3D tour to preview the vessel and can customize timing for memorial music, floral placement, or photographic moments while keeping the ceremony discreet and respectful.
For visitors to Dana Point seeking a dignified marine farewell, this private charter combines coastal scenery, professional handling, and the quiet drama of dolphins arriving at the edge of the boat. It’s a way to let a person’s last view be the Pacific, the salt air, and a small boat sliding gently over familiar waves.
Yes. A Disposition of Cremated Remains permit from the Orange County Health Care Agency must be obtained before the ash scattering can take place.
The vessel lists a capacity of 22, but for optimal comfort the operator recommends up to 20 guests.
The standard burial at sea is a 90-minute private charter and the listed rate is $858.60 plus gratuity; extensions are available on request.
Yes; a Bluetooth speaker is available but you must request it in advance so the crew can set it up.
You may bring flowers and wreaths only if they are fully biodegradable with no metal, wire, or plastic components.
Dolphin sightings are common but not guaranteed; the boat’s low bow and tram nets make sightings particularly close and memorable when they occur.
Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari operates from Dana Point, California, offering guided marine wildlife excursions aboard a fleet that includes zodiac-style boats, spacious catamarans, and private yachts. The company provides a mix of public safaris and private charters tailored for wildlife viewing, special events, and memorial services. Trips span short, high-energy zodiac adventures to full-day offshore safaris and themed cruises such as the Pacific Airshow and the Dana Point holiday boat parade. Experienced captains and naturalist guides offer narrated tours that focus on responsible wildlife viewing and passenger safety. Standout options include the Zodiac Private Charter for 1–10 passengers, the Dolphin & Whale SUPER Safari eight-hour offshore cruise, and private yacht charters on vessels such as ORCA, Hoku Nai’a, and Manute'a. Short zodiac trips emphasize active, fast-paced rides with opportunities for close marine encounters and treats like Mrs. Capt. Dave’s brownies. Specialized services include private ash scattering ceremonies conducted respectfully at sea, customizable private charters for celebrations, and seasonal event cruises such as airshow viewing and fireworks. All outings include safety briefings, life jackets, and experienced crew support. Departure point, vessel details, and customization options are provided at booking to help customers select the appropriate trip. Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari emphasizes authentic wildlife encounters, varied vessel choices, and flexible private charter options from Dana Point Harbor, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking marine wildlife viewing, special-event cruises, or memorial services at sea.
Book with Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari