Quick Details
The Pacific Airshow
Join us aboard our upscale power catamaran, Hoku Nai’a, for an extraordinary safari to view the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach.
The 2024 lineup of performances and demonstrations will include The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo, U.S. Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs”, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo, Ace Maker T-33’s, Stuntman Jacko Strong and more. The lineup is subject to change.
This world-class airshow was voted Top 3 Best Air Shows by USA Today in 2021 and 2024.
Our Huntington Beach Airshow tickets offer one of the best views of the airshow as we’re on the water, and you won’t have to worry about traffic and parking.
Dana Point Whale Watching Included with Our Huntington Beach Airshow Tickets
On the way to and from the Pacific Airshow, you’ll have the opportunity to view dolphins, whales, and other kinds of marine wildlife that reside around Dana Point. Due to time constraints, we cannot spend an extended amount of time watching animals.
Estimated Airshow Itinerary
This itinerary is an estimate. Travel time and overall cruise duration may vary depending on wildlife viewing and other factors out of our control such as airshow timing, wind and sea surface conditions.
• 8:00 am – Depart Dana Point Harbor
• 10:30 to 11:00 am – Arrive at Huntington Beach; Pacific Airshow begins
• 4:30 pm – Pacific Airshow ends; depart Huntington Beach
• 7:00 to 7:30 pm – Return time is airshow dependent. This is an estimated arrival time back to Dana Point Harbor
Pacific Airshow Special Guest Narrator
Considered the voice of youth in aviation, Matt Stumpf is one of the leading experts in aviation history and aerobatics. He is also a fan-favorite on our Airshow Safari!
Since 2016 “Shorty” has had the opportunity to be the voice of aviation throughout Southern California and the west coast at events such as the Riverside Airshow, March Field Air and Space Expo, The Planes of Fame Air Show, Apple Valley Airshow, and many more. Recently he was invited to narrate the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada, for the Jet and Unlimited classes, for NBC Sports.
Matt takes a unique approach to narrating the amazing aerobatics on display at the Pacific Airshow. You’ll learn insider stories about the pilots and planes and enjoy the history of the airshow told through Matt’s high energy, often comedic, commentary.
Book your Huntington Beach Airshow and whale watching tickets with Capt. Dave’s today!
Airshow Catering Menu
The Pacific Airshow Safari price includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack served during the ride home.
Warm Continental Breakfast:
Included in the price of your Pacific Airshow cruise is a continental breakfast with warm pancake-wrapped sausages on a stick, warm croissants with ham and Swiss cheese, assorted dairy-based yogurts, muffins and other baked goods, tropical fruit platter, coffee, and juice (orange and cranberry).
Hot Lunch:
While we’re in Huntingtin Beach viewing the Pacific Airshow you will be served a hot lunch of a freshly-grilled Angus beef burger or plant-based Beyond Burger with fixings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles) and condiments (mustard, relish, ketchup), potato chips, tropical fruit platter, and Caesar salad.
Delicious Snack:
For a snack we’ll be serving Fritos with chili
Throughout the Pacific Airshow cruise you’ll be able to purchase assorted dry snacks, and beverages including water, juice, coffee, soda, beer, wine, and seltzers.
And of course, Mrs. Capt. Dave’s famous triple fudge brownies are served as a special treat!
Enjoy a Comfortable & Relaxing Airshow Viewing on Hoku Nai’a
Hoku Nai’a is our upscale, double-deck power catamaran.
Her spacious observation deck is perfect for viewing the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach. For your comfort, there is ample cushioned bench seating and it’s covered for protection from the elements. There is also a bar with water, soda, beer, wine, and coffee available to purchase.
The main deck is fully enclosed for climate control while large windows on both sides provide plenty of viewing angles on our Pacific Airshow cruise. Bench seats with surfboard tables and a lounge area are perfect for those wanting to enjoy refreshments.
There are two restrooms on the main deck.
Beautifully appointed with upscale décor throughout the vessel that celebrates Dana Point’s famous surfing culture and recognition as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
Hoku Nai’a does not have underwater viewing pods.
What Guests Say About The Pacific Airshow Cruise
We had a great time on their Air Show Whale Watch Safari. They had an air show announcer along so it was like having a private air show just for is. And our captain, Neal, was an absolute professional and maneuvered our boat so we were under a lot of the best stuff. I’ve been to a ton of air shows and have never seen one from underneath the acts performing directly above me. A completely new view point. If you’re an aviation buff, I cannot recommend these guys highly enough. Easily the best way to see the Huntington Beach airshow. If I could give higher than five stars I would. They even gave me a birthday button!
– Michael Ganschow-Green - Google
I joined on board with Capt. Dave's for the Huntington Beach Air show adventure. It was fabulous! My first ever air show, and I loved approaching and watching it from the boat. Included was a beautiful fruit platter with berries and cantaloupes for morning treat, and burgers for lunch ( a vegetarian burger for me), chips and a drink. All kinds of beverages including beer and wine, and snacks, were on board for sale. The catering crew was amazing. As was Capt. Dave's crew of Capt. Neal, First Mate Stacey, and all around Happy deckhand, Todd. Lots of good information from them about marine life and geography. We even motored with a megapod of breaching, playful common dolphins, delighting all on board. Of course additional amazment came with the HB airshow. Our boat anchored with many others offshore giving us a perfect seat for viewing the flights during the three hours of adrenaline pulsing, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, aerial maneuvers. A big bonus, on board was Matthew, introducing each plane, agency, pilots, maneuvers, history, etc. I'm sure no private boat of beach seat had such a comprehensive narrative. It was a thrilling day!
– Dawn G - Tripadvisor
A spectacular trip to the Great Pacific Air Show. From start to finish, a great experience with the team. Neal made sure the boat stayed in good position so we could get great shots of the planes. Matt, airshow announcer extraordinaire kept us apprised of the planes coming, what to look for and supplied us with constant information. Not to mention his playlists were great!!! Josh made sure we we were all taken care of. I am all ready to sign up for next year!!! Well done folks!!!
– Jay Spring - Google
We booked a trip on Captain Dave’s to see the Pacific Airshow from the ocean rather than the beach. Having done this for a couple of years now, I have to say it’s the only way to see it. I’ll never watch the Pacific Airshow from the beach again! Captain Dave’s were fantastic hosts as always. We were on the maiden voyage of their newest boat, the Hoku Nai’a. It’s a much wider boat that rides much more calmly on the sea. This time they included food, which was to notch. Shout out to their caterers. Yum! In all a fantastic experience that I will recommend to anyone who asks. Bravo Captain Dave’s!
– MichaelTGG - Tripadvisor
I went on the Pacific Air Show cruise yesterday and had a wonderful time! The Lilly is a very comfortable boat and the crew was outstanding! All were exceptionally helpful and went above and beyond to provide a safe and enjoyable experience! Captain Neal was very engaging as he explained necessary boat protocol and safety with the appropriate amount of seriousness and humor! He also shared interesting facts about marine life and local points of interest! It was clear he is very knowledgeable! Joshua was always there with a smile if you needed assistance with anything and made sure to answer all questions. We had a special guest, Matt, a professional spokesperson/announcer for the air show. His knowledge, direction, and expertise was impressive and entertaining! All in all it was spectacular! I will be booking a dolphin/whale watching cruise with Capt. Dave’s in the near future!
– Peggy Cohen - Google
The whole trip was great. the crew very knowledgeable, the food was even better than some restaurants, the air show was awesome, getting to see the thunderbirds was the best part of the airshow. We also got to see some dolphins.
– lauraisanape - Tripadvisor
What an awesome day! The Pacific Air Show and seeing Blue Whales was the best! All of the crew and caterers did a wonderful job! We loved everything! Thank you!
– Julie Kasper - Google
Went for Pacific Airshow cruise 2023 at Huntington Beach. Staff was amazing. Commentator was as good as it gets. Saw a couple of blue whales on the way back. Highly recommend this.
– Dorian Hiebert - Google