Dana Point Harbor Boating Guide: Marinas, Slips, Charters & Launch Services
Dana Point Harbor features 2,200+ permanent slips (21–85 ft), a modern 6-lane launch ramp, and 493 dry storage spaces across two marinas—plus guest slips, fuel, whale watching, fishing charters, sailing lessons, and two yacht clubs. As of Oct 2025, the $600M modernization is about 50% complete.
Complete Marina Services and Slip Rentals at Dana Point Harbor
The Marina at Dana Point operates two primary locations—East Marina (34555 Casitas Pl) and Dana West Marina (24500 Dana Point Harbor Dr). Reconstruction began Aug 4, 2022, delivering over 2,200 permanent slips (21–85 ft) with future capacity for vessels up to 200 ft. Targeted full completion: 2028. As of Oct 2025: 8 of 15 phases complete, 1,115 new slips operational.
Modern Slip Features
- Fiberglass docks (no creosote; reduced leaching; longer life)
- Fresh water & electric at each slip
- 24/7 professional security
- Repaired ~10,000 linear feet of seawalls
Boater Amenities
- Fuel dock (east turning basin)
- Pump-outs; showers; restrooms; laundry (single W/D)
- Ice & vending; groceries, bait & sundries at fuel dock
- Maintenance/repair services; staff support 24/7
Contact: (949) 496-6137 · TheMarinaAtDanaPoint.com
Guest Slip Reservations and Visitor Access
Transient berths accommodate vessels from 20–200 ft. Reserve online or by phone—summer/holiday demand is high. Guest slips will relocate to the outer basin (harbor entrance) to streamline visitor access.
Reservation Tips
- Book early for Memorial Day–Labor Day and holiday weekends
- Consider mid-week arrivals for better availability
- Call for extended stays or monthly transient rates
- Ask about short-term day berthing
Whether you're relocating to Dana Point or considering investment property near the harbor, waterfront access is a major amenity for residents and visitors alike.
Launch Ramp Access at Embarcadero Marina
Location: 34512 Embarcadero Pl · 24/7 access · Renovated 6-lane ramp serving thousands of day boaters yearly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Fee | $15 per vehicle with trailer |
| Parking | Flat $15 upon entry; day boater lot off Embarcadero Pl |
| Capacity | ≈464 boats/trailers (18–25+ ft) |
| Services | Washdown, restrooms, transient berths |
Access: Fast run to fishing grounds, prime whale areas, Catalina (~32 mi), and the OC coast.
Contact: (949) 496-6177 · embarcaderomarina.com
Dry Boat Storage Solutions
The Embarcadero offers 493 dry storage spaces across ~20.5 acres. Demand is high (waitlist may run up to 2 years).
Advantages
- Launch valet; reduced setup time
- Security; lower theft/vandalism risk
- No constant water exposure (less hull fouling)
- Lower long-term costs vs wet slips
Considerations
- Join waitlist early; confirm allowed boat sizes
- Factor launch/haul times into day plans
For those weighing the cost of living in Dana Point, boat storage and marina fees are important considerations for the boating lifestyle.
Private Fishing Charters & Sportfishing
Dana Point Sportfishing — Private Charters
Three boats (1–6 guests). All trips include boat, captain, premium tackle, fuel, live bait, ice, and instruction.
| Vessel | Passengers | Sample Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria · Parker 2320 (30' LOA) | Up to 4 | Half Day $1,050 · 3/4 $1,550 · Full $1,800 · Catalina $2,000 |
| Game Changer · Parker 2510 (33' LOA) | Up to 5 | Half Day $1,450 · 3/4 $1,800 · Full $2,600 · Catalina $2,800 |
| First Light · Striper 2901 (35' LOA) | Up to 6 | Half Day $1,650 · 3/4 $2,000 · Full $2,800 · Catalina $3,000 |
Targets: Halibut, WSB, Rockfish, Yellowtail, Tuna (incl. Giant Bluefin), Bass, Sheephead.
Contact: (949) 202-3474 · danapointsportfishing.com
OHANA Sportfishing — Luxury Charters
40' CABO Flybridge (1–6 guests), climate-controlled cabin, full galley, flybridge views.
| Trip | Rate |
|---|---|
| Half Day (5 hrs) | $2,350 |
| 3/4 Day (7 hrs) | $3,150 |
| Full Day Offshore/Catalina (10 hrs) | $3,950 |
| Full Day San Clemente (12 hrs) | $4,650 |
Notes: Newport pickup +$400; Offshore/Island 10% fuel surcharge; 18–25% gratuity customary.
Contact: (949) 291-0093 · ohanasportfishingdanapoint.com
Fishing and boating are key elements of the Dana Point lifestyle, attracting both residents and visitors year-round.
Whale Watching Excursions from Dana Point Harbor
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Founded 1971; premier year-round operator with two-hour trips and a long track record of sightings.
| Ticket (2-hr) | Price* |
|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | $68.90 |
| Seniors (55+) | $58.30 |
| Children (3–12) | $51.94 |
| Infants (0–2) | $8.48 |
*Half-Price Tuesdays; seasonal promos during Festival of Whales.
Contact: (888) 224-0603 · danawharf.com · 34675 Golden Lantern
Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari
Unique Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods; daily departures 8am–5pm; small-group options.
| Ticket | Price* |
|---|---|
| Adults (13+) | $85 |
| Children (1–12) | $56 |
*Occasional discounts via partners; brownies included on trips.
Contact: (949) 488-2828 · dolphinsafari.com · 34675 Golden Lantern
Sailing Instruction and Education Programs
Aventura Sailing Association
Premier ASA school (since 1976); 16,000+ students trained; Director: USCG Master Capt. Ric Dahlin.
| Course | Fee |
|---|---|
| ASA 101 — Basic Keelboat | $695 |
| ASA 103 — Basic Coastal Cruising | $795 |
| ASA 104 — Bareboat Cruising | $1,420 |
| ASA 105–108 — Advanced Tracks | Varies |
| ASA 200–208 — Instructor Tracks | Varies |
Fleet: 27–30 ft trainers (wheel helm, RF jib, inboard diesel, fixed keel); options up to larger yachts. Group, private, and live-aboard/offshore formats available.
Contact: (949) 496-4848 · aventurasailing.com · 24707 Dana Dr
Prestigious Yacht Clubs and Sailing Communities
Dana Point Yacht Club (DPYC)
Founded 1952; equity club (≤500 regular members; ~35% power / 65% sail); multiple SCYA “Yacht Club of the Year” honors.
- Clubhouse dining; bar; happy hour; banquet spaces
- Marina with modern slips; 4,000-lb hoist; limited guest slips (reserve)
- Racing, cruising, fishing, diving, paddle events; robust Junior Sailing program
Contact: (949) 496-2900 · memberservices@dpyc.org · dpyc.org · 24399 Dana Dr
Dana West Yacht Club (DWYC)
Founded 1979; SCYA Senior Club; ~460 members (~45% power / 45% sail / 10% social).
- Initiation ~$650; dues ~$816/yr (payment plans available)
- Dining room & bar; guest dock; reciprocal privileges
- Regattas, cruising, fishing tourneys, Leukemia Cup (June)
- Junior Sailing incl. summer Sabot school (open to public)
Contact: (949) 661-1185 · admin@dwyc.org · dwyc.org · 24601 Dana Dr
For those considering retirement in Dana Point or downsizing to the area, yacht club memberships provide social connections and recreational opportunities central to the coastal lifestyle.
Ocean Institute: Marine Education & Maritime History
Hands-on marine science center with tall ships, aquaria, touch tanks, and programs for all ages.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sat–Sun 10:00am–3:00pm |
| General Admission | Adults $16 · Children $12 · Members Free |
| Location | 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr |
Programs: Whale & marine life tours (aboard R/V Sea Explorer), guided kayak tours, tide pool hikes, tall ship sails, workshops, summer camps; on-site cafés (7:00am–3:00pm).
Contact: (949) 496-2274 · oceaninstitute.org
The Ocean Institute is a beloved attraction for families moving to Dana Point and a key educational resource in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to dock a boat at Dana Point Harbor?
- Slip fees vary by length and location (21–85 ft standard; future superyacht capacity). For current rates and availability, contact The Marina at Dana Point at (949) 496-6137. Guest slip rates depend on size and stay length; peak seasons sell out early. Harbor-view properties command significant premiums due to the ongoing revitalization.
- What fishing charters are available?
- Private charters include Dana Point Sportfishing (boats 30–35 ft; half-days from ~$1,050) and OHANA Sportfishing (40' CABO; half-days from ~$2,350; offshore from ~$3,950). All include captain, tackle, fuel, bait, and instruction. Targets vary by season (Halibut, Yellowtail, Tuna, etc.).
- Can I take sailing lessons at Dana Point Harbor?
- Yes—Aventura Sailing Association offers ASA-certified courses (ASA 101 ~$695, 103 ~$795, 104 ~$1,420), with group, private, and live-aboard options. Contact (949) 496-4848.
- How does Dana Point compare to nearby coastal cities?
- Dana Point offers a more relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere with excellent boating facilities. See our detailed comparison in Dana Point vs. Laguna Beach to understand the differences in lifestyle, pricing, and amenities.
Note: Pricing, hours, and availability change seasonally; verify details with providers before booking. For those considering buying Dana Point real estate from out of state, the harbor amenities are a major draw. Explore the best neighborhoods near the harbor for waterfront living.
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