Meet Dave & Gisele Anderson | Owners of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave & Gisele Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave & Gisele, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Capt. Dave and I have always been bigger risk takers, probably due in large part to our faith. When we believe we are called to do a certain thing, even when it seems unconventional, or even unwise, we still push ahead. A great example is when, shortly after we were married, Dave had been working full time cleaning drains as a “rooter guy”, but loved being on the water taking people out to see dolphins and whales, but it wasn’t enough to pay the bills. We both agreed that we would just ‘go for it’ and Dave would set aside any plumbing jobs for a month and just completely focus on building his whale watching business, even if it meant we would go in the hole. We never looked back and the business became a full time endeavor. We wouldn’t have experienced the growth we have had if we played it safe…we’ve always had to embrace risk, walk out the dream and then watch it become a reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
We were the first business in Southern California to take people out to see the Dolphins & Whales year round in a boat designed specifically for the experience, one that would get people as close as possible and help them establish a connection. It was scary to start with, but we knew people would love it! Our trademarks are to have boats that have some special equipment or features (underwater viewing pods! , nets up front that you can lay out on, micro museums, underwater cameras or hydrophones) and to always have Captains and Crew that are passionate about helping people make a connection with the animals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Dana Point and Laguna Beach! I’d recommend the Laguna Cliffs Marriott or Blue Lantern Inn if they want Dana Point, but for the best beachfront, the Surf & Sand in Laguna is unbeatable!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dennis Simmons, who was a VP and Manager at our bank many, many years ago. He believed in Dave in the early days and got us through what seemed like an impossible situation. Without his help, we wouldn’t have made it. Paul Lawrence, with the County of Orange who stuck his neck out and enabled us to stay in the Dana Point Harbor Our primary lender , Scott Powell who has helped finance four of our boats and continues to believe in and support us. All our customers and guests who are like an extended family and come back year after year.

Website: www.dolphinsafari.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captdaveswhalewatching/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DolphinSafari?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaptDavesWhaleWatching/?pnref=about.overview

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/capt-daves-dana-point-dolphin-and-whale-watching-safari-dana-point

Youtube: UCa53fMnMax27fsyKBP_ygSA