USA · DOLPHIN WATCHING
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 dolphin watching trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach, with practical tips on dolphins, timing, parking, seating, price, and value.
“Your was wonderful. Not only did we see a large pod of dolphins, the captain created a wake that the dolphins could play in making the experience more memorable!”
Review of Island Time’s 3-hour Shell Island catamaran cruise, with wild dolphins, snorkeling, paddle boards, a waterslide, and practical tips.
“The experience was a whole vibe! The crew was phenomenal! (Capt Heath, Sarah and Emma thank you so much!) People of all ages were singing, dancing, and vibing! It was a blast! We did see dolphins playing and it was my first time snorkeling! I definitely highly recommend and will do it again next time I visit!”
Review of Maui’s Lahaina eco-raft tour, with eye-level whale watching, hydrophone songs, marine guides, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Amazing, up close views of the whales. Guides shared a lot of interesting information. The boat was comfortable enough, plan to get wet. We went to a few different locations where there was a lot of whale activities and saw mothers, calves and male escorts. We took pictures of breaching, tale fins flipping, pectoral fins, etc. once in a lifetime must see adventure!”
Paddle calm Daytona waterways beneath seven bridges while searching for dolphins and manatees on this relaxed, beginner-friendly SUP tour.
“AWESOME TIME. Saw manatees, Atlantic bottle nose dolphins, sea turtle, tons of birds, sting rays, and puffer fish. Jumping fish too. I almost got nailed by one. Be careful! Did the tour with a friend and it was her first time on a SUP. There was no wind and full sun, so perfect day to learn. Brock was very personable and knowledgeable and so fun. We would highly recommend the 8.30am tour because it gets super hot. Be aware that although the site lists hotel pick up, that is incorrect. We landed up renting a car to get to the tour. We are at a conference in Orlando but made…”
Review of Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours, with boat details, wildlife, guides, price value, timing tips, and practical booking advice.
“It can be warm so dress light, take water and bug spray for the occasional fry that bite. Overall it was an exciting and informative experience. The Captain was wonderful, fun and open to all questions. We were fortunate to see the dolphins and what a joy that was for my grandchildren. I would recommend it too all, you will not regret it”
See Clearwater dolphins in the wild, learn local facts, and swim or hunt shells at Compass Island on this affordable 90-minute boat tour.
“We saw 2 dolphins from very far away! Also, arrived on time but had to stand in sun for 45 minutes. The island stop was a sand bar!”
Paddle Fort Myers waterways in search of dolphins and manatees, learn local history, and hunt for shells on this relaxed two-hour tour.
“This was a great experience! The SUP's we used were really nice and Eric was a fun and knowledgeable guide. He did a great job managing the different skill and experience levels of the group. We saw 3 different Manatees and 2 dolphins saw right by us.”
Cruise Panama City Beach at sunset, spot dolphins, enjoy music and drinks, then dance at the dock on this relaxed two-hour catamaran sail.
“This is an incredible experience! Crew was excellent and friendly! Dolphins and sunset was amazing. Highly recommend!”
Review of Baywatch Dolphin Tours in Galveston, with dolphin sightings, harbor views, practical tips, price details, and advice for families.
“Fabulous! Not only a dolphin cruise but also a history lesson about the harbor. Captain is very friendly, personable and extremely knowledgeable about the area. He even apologized that we didn’t see more dolphins than we did!”
Review of Oahu’s dolphin and snorkel cruise, with Waikiki pickup, turtles, water slide, hula, lunch, costs, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“This was a really fun experience. Our photographer Tyler was took amazing pictures. They sell you the package on the bus, and it is worth it for the in water shots and the stuff on the boat. They will also offer to sell you a $20 sunscreen, not sure if that is worth it or not, I didn't buy it. We were lucky we got to see both dolphins and sea turtles on the day of our trip. Dani was the captain of our boat and she really was "the best captain in the world". That slide is super fun and super fast. 10/10 experience.”
Review the South Padre Island Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour, with dolphin sightings, Gulf views, sunset photos, guide commentary, and practical tips.
“We had the best time on our first dolphin watch we came back and did a sunset cruise with this group! The eco presentation was great, we saw a lot of dolphins and the boat stopped plenty of times for beautiful sunset photo ops!”
Cruise Monterey Bay for three hours of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds, with an English-speaking guide and views of California’s coast.
“We had a great experience from beginning to end. luckily we had a chance to see quite a few whales.”
Review of San Diego’s 2 to 3 hour whale and dolphin cruise, with practical tips on wildlife, views, price, parking, and what to expect.
“Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip. The boat and the crew/naturalist made this fun as well as educational. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue water, sunshine and a nice boat ride … what’s not to love? This was the best of our many experiences while vacationing in San Diego! Do not pass up this company and their whale watching trip. Highly recommended tour.”
Cruise Boca Ciega Bay for dolphins, then snorkel and shell at Shell Key on a small-group St. Pete Beach boat tour.
“Had a wonderful time! Our guide was great and informative and he really seems to enjoy what he does. We got to see dolphins and manatees.”
Cruise Broad Creek from Hilton Head Island for 90 minutes of dolphins, birds, local stories, and family-friendly fun for $39.99.
“Great experience, very kid friendly but enjoyable for any age! Tour length was perfect for a 2 year old.”
Every kind of American day out, and the best of each.
