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.
“This was absolutely so much fun, such an amazing group of staff. Soooo cool- saved it for our last little extravaganza & it was absolutely worth it.”
Eye-level whale and dolphin watching from a small zodiac raft off Lahaina. Marine naturalists, hydrophone whale songs, and wet-weather fun.
“Guides were excellent. Very knowledgeable about the whales, super friendly, and very focused on making sure we got good sightings.”
SUP tour in Daytona Bay for manatees and dolphins, under seven bridges with calm-bay coaching. 2–3 hours, $65.
“Seeing a dolphin. But the add said 2-3 hours. We were out maybe an hour. This was very disappointing .”
1.5-hour Jekyll Island dolphin cruise from 366 Riverview Dr with shady comfort, expert captains, and wildlife spotting in Georgia’s Golden Isles.
“Very personable crew who gave us a fantastic dolphins watching experience. And it helped the dolphins cooperated.”
Chase Clearwater bottlenose dolphins from a 40-foot boat, then swim and shell hunt at Compass Island in 1.5 hours.
“First time attending any boat ride in Clearwater Beach and it was so relaxing and calming experience especially with all the issues going on in the world. Definitely was needed and worth it ☺️,👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼”
Two hours paddleboarding in Fort Myers to spot manatees and dolphins, with gear, local history, and a shell-stop beach.
“It was a cool experience but wish we would have seen something. I know there are hit or miss but it was more of a “paddle boating” experience than it was a Manitee tour. Our guide Erik was very knowledgeable of what he was explaining to us about the animals and surrounding wildlife we just…”
Sail into Panama City Beach sunsets on a 2-hour catamaran, spotting dolphin pods in Grand Lagoon with Island Time onboard drinks.
“Very nice experience! The entire crew was great, they obviously enjoy their jobs. We really enjoyed sailing with no engine, it is exhilarating. Absolutely recommend this tour!”
45-minute dolphin cruise from Pier 21 Galveston with 360° heated seating and Captain Adam’s harbor stories. Small group, great views.
“The tour knows exactly where to see dolphins. We saw lots! Wish they gave us a little more info on Galveston, but that’s ok.”
Waikiki pickup for an Oahu morning cruise with spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, snorkeling, a 20-foot slide, lunch, and more.
“It was really cute, first hour you search for wildlife, then second you swim and snorkel, they had the slide and also paddle boards etc it was very relaxed and a lot of fun, then finally they did dances and came back to shore. Very intimate as there is small ish group size, everyone was…”
South Padre Island sunset dolphin watch: narrated Gulf cruise with dolphin sightings and SpaceX/Coast Guard views for $19.48.
“The experience was fun , the captain and crew were very friendly . Towards the end of the trip we got to handle some sea creatures and then release them back to the wild.”
3-hour Monterey Bay whale watch from Old Fisherman’s Wharf with close sightings of gray, humpback and dolphins for $62.
“Amazing boat trip today to see whales and sea lions and lots of birds out of Monterey Harbour on the Star of Monterey with Kevin”
Small-group St. Pete Beach dolphin cruise with Shell Key snorkeling: Boca Ciega Bay wildlife, included snorkel gear, and beach shelling time.
“I’m not normally someone who leaves reviews, however as I booked this based on others reviews, I wanted to leave one. The experience was incredible from start to finish, it felt very personal as a family of 5, we were the only ones on our boat. Megan was very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the…”
2-hour Orange Beach Gulf dolphin cruise. Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, watch wake surfing, and enjoy family-friendly time on the water.
“Overall, the cruise was subpar. We seen a few dolphins, but my family of five was stuck in the cabin the whole time. Everyone else flooded to the top of the ship so my kids had to watch from inside of the hot cabin and through windows. No PA system. So no music unless 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.
“Knowledgeable crew. Friendly crew. Found dolphins and told us how to keep their attention. Fabulous tour.”
Every coast where the dolphins are, country by country.
