Tell a whale of a tale that needs no embellishment with today's side deal: for $14, you get one ticket aboard the two-hour whale- and dolphin-watching sunset cruise from Dana Wharf Whale Watching (up to a $29 value). Sunset tours currently depart the docks in Dana Point daily at 5 p.m.; in October boats will depart at 4 p.m., and in November at 3:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive 20 minutes early. Junior mariners under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Every May, blue whales emerge from their hibernation nests to showboat for breath-taken blowhole fans. For more information, including actual facts, consult the certified expert aboard your cruise. Coasting through the warm, krill-rich waters just off shore, seafaring sightseers often encounter pods of dolphins along with the largest mammals on earth—blue whales. Each cruise during blue-whale season even comes with an aquatic life guarantee: in the rare event that the whales and dolphins are occupied with underwater income-tax filing, the captain will issue ride-again vouchers (with no expiration date) to each passenger that can be redeemed any time during the season.

Encountering the world's largest mammal strikes awe and humility in the hearts of land lovers and nautical nomads alike. Last season, between May and October, Dana Wharf's blue-whale tours encountered 291 gentle giants and more dolphins than the captain could count on his seashell abacus. Experience this rare glimpse into the mysterious ocean with guest appearances by whimsically soaring wildlife and tragically endangered harbor buoys. Call at least 48 hours in advance to book your spot.

Though the company runs half-priced cruises on Tuesdays, today's Groupon can be used any day of the week.

Reviews

Yelpers give Dana Wharf 3.5 stars.

• This was the first time we had been to the Pacific Ocean and felt this was the best way to start off our California leg of our vacation.
  – James B.
• The crew was very helpful, they had a FULL bar, the cocktails and beers were reasonably priced…Whale watching definitely brings you back to your childhood memories when you took a field trip with your 4th grade class. – Antoine P.