8 Dolphin Trips with a Buffet Worldwide Worth Flying For

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,712 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Set out from Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran for about three hours of whale and dolphin watching. A crew of up to 24 helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, serves tapas, snacks, beer, soft drinks, and champagne, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling. South Tenerife hotel transfers are available by request.

“An unforgettable experience! The crew was welcoming and knowledgeable, the tour was well-organised, and seeing whales so close was absolutely magical. A must-do for anyone who loves the ocean.”

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2.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search Oahu’s west coast for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish, then guide you through about an hour of snorkeling. Finish with a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, warm showers, and the option to buy onboard photos.

“Overall an amazing experience! The staff was the absolute best. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to everyone. Excellent service, will definitely be back again and recommend this experience to friends!”

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3.Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $26Best value

Set out from Public Beach Number 9 in Hurghada for a 6 to 7 hour Red Sea cruise with FTS Travels. You will search for wild dolphins, snorkel at two reef sites with provided gear, enjoy a buffet lunch and soft drinks, and try the banana boat and sofa boat. Sightings are not guaranteed, and some boats may feel busy.

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4.Cancún: Dolphin Encounter on Isla Mujeres with Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 56 reviews · 8 hours · from $95

Sail from Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres for a dolphin encounter on a standing underwater platform. A marine mammal instructor explains dolphin behavior, diet, and care programs before you enjoy a buffet, soft drinks, pools, showers, and lounge chairs. The program suits non-swimmers, but cameras are not allowed and photos cost extra.

“the dolphin encounter was great.the whole family enjoyed the day.buffet was just enough.the guide taught all kinds of great information about the dolphins.the pictures are expensive.”

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5.Oahu: Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise w/ Luau Style Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10 reviews · from $171

Cruise Oahu’s Waianae coast aboard a 62-foot catamaran with a shaded cabin, large changing bathrooms, and premium snorkel gear. Watch for dolphins, seasonal whales, turtles, and flying fish, then enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, tropical drinks, and narration in English or Japanese. Waikiki pickup and private cruises are available.

“It really was perfect! The snorkeling was a blast! Would love an all-day excursion!!”

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6.Dolphin Swim Adventure with buffet and soft drinks

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 7 reviews · from $109

Spend about an hour at Dolphin Discovery Cancun learning dolphin behavior, then enjoy kisses, hugs, fin salutes, songs, and group time in the water. A trainer such as Marco may lead the session. Lunch and soft drinks are included, though food and drink offerings can vary. Bring swimwear, a towel, cash, and a change of clothes.

“Interacting with the dolphins was a very special experience. I would do it again. The trainer Marco with Apollo and Mincho was super friendly. However, the promised buffet was not available. There was one meal, which wasn't very good. Nevertheless, it was still very nice.”

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7.Dolphin Swim and Garrafon Reef Park Tour with Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · from $159

Spend about nine hours traveling from Cancun’s Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres for a 50-minute dolphin swim, then enjoy Garrafon Reef Park. Your day includes the ferry, buffet lunch, open bar, one zip line ride, snorkeling, kayaking, lockers, showers, and pool access. Bring cash for the dockage fee and leave your camera behind.

“The staff from start to finish was extremely nice and the experience one to remember. They made sure to cater to everyone no matter where they were from.”

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8.Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin Encounter with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 50 min · from $87

At Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, you receive a short briefing before 40 minutes of supervised dolphin activities, including a fin shake, cheek kiss, hug, dance, and song. A buffet meal and two non-alcoholic drinks follow. Bring a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash. Transport and photos cost extra.

“The Dolphin Encounter was so much fun. Training animals for various tasks always intrigues me and to experience Dolphins in the water next to them was simply amazing. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, Unless you are scared of water, definitely book the premium experience, the extra money goes to support the dolphins in the off season, as they need care 24/7.”

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