DOLPHIN TRAVEL GUIDE
The trips that actually find the pods.
The 15 dolphin tours travellers rate highest across the US coasts, from the resident bottlenose of the Florida Gulf at Clearwater and Destin to the tidal creeks of Hilton Head and the Hawaiian spinners off Oahu. Where the pods live, all year round.
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach: 1h15 tugboat-wake cruise with narration, wild dolphin sightings, shade or sun seats.
Most Popular“Had a blast! We got to see dolphins within the first 10mins on water. Clean boat, great crew. Very up and close experience.”
3-hour Shell Island catamaran with dolphin spotting, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a waterslide. Relaxing, roomy fun from Panama City Beach.
““We had an amazing time on the snorkel cruise! The crew was friendly, fun, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable.”
Eye-level whale and dolphin watching from a small zodiac raft off Lahaina. Marine naturalists, hydrophone whale songs, and wet-weather fun.
“The experience was amazing, and the staff was fantastic. The location was a little hard to find due to not knowing what the company was called. I encourage anyone going to arrive super early to account for parking as it is limited. I highly recommend this activity! I plan to go again in the future.”
SUP tour in Daytona Bay for manatees and dolphins, under seven bridges with calm-bay coaching. 2–3 hours, $65.
“Awesome experience, the guide, Dallas, was knowledgeable and made it fun. We saw dolphins and would definitely recommend this tour.”
1.5-hour Jekyll Island dolphin cruise from 366 Riverview Dr with shady comfort, expert captains, and wildlife spotting in Georgia’s Golden Isles.
“It was so fun...saw many dolphins and learned a lot about Jekyll island fun for all ages..weather was perfect”
Chase Clearwater bottlenose dolphins from a 40-foot boat, then swim and shell hunt at Compass Island in 1.5 hours.
“Very friendly staff Very knowledgeable Very clean and awesome boat road Saw dolphins stingrays The island stop was very cool”
Two hours paddleboarding in Fort Myers to spot manatees and dolphins, with gear, local history, and a shell-stop beach.
“Only not a full star rating because we didn't see any manatee and dolphins but Eric and the Boards made it amazing! The Three Brothers boards were gorgeous things and Eric's instructions made it so easy. Always felt safe and relaxed. Clean beach and water, great education about the area. Good to sit or stand…”
Sail into Panama City Beach sunsets on a 2-hour catamaran, spotting dolphin pods in Grand Lagoon with Island Time onboard drinks.
“We had an amazing experience! The sunset was captivating and we saw dolphins and deer! We enjoyed the cold beer and the rum punch was delicious!”
45-minute dolphin cruise from Pier 21 Galveston with 360° heated seating and Captain Adam’s harbor stories. Small group, great views.
“Great fun! On a cooler day be sure to bring a jacket. So awesome to see the dolphins! Great cruise through the Galveston harbor.”
Waikiki pickup for an Oahu morning cruise with spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, snorkeling, a 20-foot slide, lunch, and more.
“My daughter and I loved this excursion. The crew was so friendly and accommodating, especially the captain who let the kids sit with her and karaoke. Also, don’t skimp on the photo package! We are so glad we purchased the pictures.”
South Padre Island sunset dolphin watch: narrated Gulf cruise with dolphin sightings and SpaceX/Coast Guard views for $19.48.
“The tour was amazing and we enjoyed it a lot. My adult kids said they didn’t expect it to be that fun and entertaining and that says a lot as they can quickly get bored otherwise. What stood out for me is how the guides are very kind, patient and clearly love what they do.…”
3-hour Monterey Bay whale watch from Old Fisherman’s Wharf with close sightings of gray, humpback and dolphins for $62.
“We had a great tour. We saw several whales and breaches! It was even better than we hoped. Staff were friendly and helpful with lots of information about the animals we saw. Highly recommended!”
Small-group St. Pete Beach dolphin cruise with Shell Key snorkeling: Boca Ciega Bay wildlife, included snorkel gear, and beach shelling time.
“Being on the small boat and a small group was much more personal and received a lot of local information from the captain Dave. Seeing the lodge, dolphin boats, confirmed we made the right decision..”
2-hour Orange Beach Gulf dolphin cruise. Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, watch wake surfing, and enjoy family-friendly time on the water.
“Everyone was so nice! It was a great experience, they had knowledge about dolphins and the waters. Thank you!”
A 1.5-hour eco dolphin cruise from Sea Ranch Marina on South Padre Island, with live commentary, a wildlife-safe net, and sea life moments.
“Very friendly, informative and wheelchair accessible . Got to touch live sea creatures and we were guaranteed to see the beautiful, peaceful, graceful yet playful dolphins”
Every coast where the dolphins are, country by country.
