6 Daytona Beach Dolphin Watching Tours Worth Flying For

1.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Our pick

Meet Three Brothers Boards in Daytona Beach for a gentle paddle through canals, around an island, and under seven bridges. Guides such as Brock, Dallas, Walker, and Spencer teach beginners, watch for dolphins and manatees, and offer kayaks if standing feels difficult. The tour lasts about two hours, but allow three.

“An amazing spur of the moment activity. We were first timers and the tour guy, Ryan, was excellent with teaching us and showing us a great time; especially in windy conditions. A must do! They’ve totally encouraged a new activity into lives. Thank you.”

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2.New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 457 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet your guide at DiVito Park for a two-hour paddle through New Smyrna’s waterways. Guides such as Michael, Spencer, and Fletcher explain local wildlife and history while helping beginners handle the kayaks. Wildlife sightings vary, but dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, fish, and mangroves are all possible.

“Had a great time. Went in January. Saw a mother and baby dolphin, spinning sharks and lots of birds. I used a 1 person kayak. They suggest if you can SUP then you can see into the water better but I enjoy kayaking. I would recommend.”

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3.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 258 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Set out from 212 S Beach St with a guide such as Walker, Spencer, Dan, Cam, or Mike for a two-hour paddle along Daytona’s Halifax River. Kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided, but some departures have used paddle boards, so confirm your equipment before booking. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“the views were beautiful, our tour guide cam was awesome! very peaceful and relaxing trip i would come here every time i come to florida! definitely recommend doing this!!”

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4.Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $64

Sail the calm Halifax River aboard Howling Owl, a small catamaran limited to six people. Captain Randy and his crew keep the ride relaxed, with shaded and sunny seating, water, soft drinks, a bathroom, and chances to spot dolphins, manatees, and pelicans. The trip lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and returns to 721 Ballough Road.

“Super relaxing experience. We traveled with a child and two teenagers, everyone enjoyed it! We saw several dolphins including a baby! Definitely recommend!”

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5.Sunset Sail and Dolphin/Manatee watch in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Captain Randy and first mate Eddy take you aboard the Howling Owl, Daytona Beach’s public sailing catamaran, for a 90-minute sunset trip on the Halifax River. Expect shaded seating, open-air decks, a restroom, soft drinks, ice, and room for up to six people. Bring beer, wine, or a picnic, but skip hard liquor and red wine.

“Great sunset cruise.Randy looked after us.History of Daytona.Boat was clean,Would recommend.Had the perfect night,”

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6.Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40Best value

Spend about two hours on the Indian River Lagoon aboard a 40-passenger pontoon boat with a captain and certified Florida naturalist. Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and seasonal manatees while learning about the estuary and local conservation work. The cruise leaves from New Smyrna Beach and returns to the same dock.

“I had a great experience the captain and the narrator we're very friendly. I saw lots of different birds and we followed a pair of dolphins center rising out of the water for quite a while. Such a beautiful place with the islands sand bars beautiful homes and beautiful boats to view..”

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