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Where to See Dolphins and Manatees: the 15 Best Tours

55 tours  ·  from $35 a head

Florida’s warm lagoons hold both, and a cold snap pushes the manatees into the springs where they are easiest to find. The 15 below cover the paddle trips and the pontoon boats, priced and clear on season.

Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach - Looking for dolphins and manatees in the canals
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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

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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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers - Fort Myers Beach and the shell stop
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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

2.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddleboard through Fort Myers and Bonita Springs waterways with a guide such as Eric or Chase. Look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, starfish, conch, and other wildlife, then stop at a white-sand beach for shells and coastal views. Boards and safety gear are provided, and beginners ages six and up can join.

“Our tour guide Eric was great and full of knowledge. We were lucky to be able to watch the dolphins play for a while.”

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Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine - Choosing between a kayak and paddleboard
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Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine

3.Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Choose a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxed two-hour wildlife trip from St. Augustine. Guides such as Ryan, Spence, Nolan, and Joseph help beginners get moving and point out dolphins, turtles, birds, and changing marine life conditions. The route includes Anastasia State Park and views of the lighthouse.

“Had a great time kayaking & paddle boarding with family. Ryan was an awesome guide. Beautiful views. 5⭐️😎🛶”

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Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking - Paddling the open lagoon and mangrove tunnels
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Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

4.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with Cocoa Kayaking. A guide such as James, Ian, or Susie leads you through mangrove tunnels and open lagoons while explaining wildlife and ecology. Groups are limited to 10, photos are included, and manatees, dolphins, birds, stingrays, and tarpon may appear.

“Our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable, great personality, and answered all our questions. Saw manatees and dolphins, loved it!”

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Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach - Looking for dolphins and manatees
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Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

5.Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 836 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle calm Cocoa Beach waterways for about two hours with Fin Expeditions. Your English-speaking guide teaches basic kayak skills, leads you through narrow mangrove tunnels, and looks for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, and comb jellies. Choose a single or tandem kayak. Guides including Holly, Erin, Jordyn, Gabby, and Ian are praised for clear instruction and friendly storytelling.

“A great way to explore nature, be educated on your surroundings, meet other travelers and get exercise. Our guide was knowledgeable, cordial and had a great sense of humor”

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New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour - The first strokes are easy for beginners
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New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

6.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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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach - The wildlife question: dolphins and manatees are not guaranteed
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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach

7.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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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville) - Manatees are the main attraction
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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

8.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Kayak through Haulover Canal with a small-group guide who knows the local wildlife. You may see manatees, dolphins feeding on baitfish, alligators, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and many birds. Brian, Zach, Tyler, Terrance, and other guides have been praised for their wildlife knowledge and patient help.

“It was a great adventure - lots of fun - we found manatee bones/stingray/horseshoe crab - the water was so clear & beautiful”

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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter - What the two-hour itinerary feels like
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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

9.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch at Haulover Canal for a guided two-hour paddle through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Chaz, Zoe, Drew, and Carey help you find manatees, dolphins, birds, jellyfish, and the occasional gator. Kayak, paddle, and PFD are included, but bring water shoes, sunscreen, water, and dry clothes.

“I love it!!! It was so amazing experience, we got to see manatees and dolphins. I highly recommend it”

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Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour! - Starting at Haulover Canal near Mims
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Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

10.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Best value

Set out from Haulover Canal near Cocoa Beach by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with a guide leading you through mangroves and wildlife habitat. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Captain Mike are praised for clear instruction and local wildlife knowledge. The 90-minute trip may include manatees, dolphins, alligators, birds, comb jellies, and sunset views.

“Tour guides were fantastic! Saw manatees, dolphins, raccoons and many species of birds. Great experience all around!”

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Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach - What happens during the two-hour route
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Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

11.Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about two hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s mangrove waterways with a guide such as Caleb, Christina, Jordyn, or Gabby. You’ll learn basic paddling, search for dolphins and manatees, pass through narrow mangrove tunnels, and watch the sunset when weather allows. Tandem kayaks, safety gear, parking, and photos are included.

“Mary was amazing. We were the only ones for the sunset tour and it made the experience even better for us. We saw a dolphin or two right away but only for a moment. Saw sea snails, crabs, mullets jumping, an unfortunate mouse floating, and more dolphins on our way in. Being on the water at sunset was beautiful. Definitely worth the money and time.”

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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach - Kayak or stand-up paddleboard?
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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

12.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle a one or two-person kayak or stand-up board through the Banana River Manatee Refuge and Thousand Islands near Cocoa Beach. Guides such as Riley, Jack, Roman, and Christian explain the wildlife and local habitat. Expect a relaxed two-hour outing, with possible dolphins, manatees, spoonbills, storks, and a rope-swing stop.

“Manatees, dolphins, sting rays, puffer fish, a black tip shark, jumping fish and beautiful birds on the conservation Island. Unforgettable!”

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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples with Florida History - Into the mangroves around Naples
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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples with Florida History

13.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples with Florida History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend two hours paddling Naples waterways by kayak or stand-up paddleboard with a guide such as Jacob, Doug, Cameron, or Mike. You’ll get a short lesson, explore mangroves, learn about Florida history and wildlife, and watch for dolphins, manatees, birds, fish, and turtles. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“Jacob was a very good guide and informative! We saw dolphins, pelicans, an huge nest and a shipwreck!”

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Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach - What the catamaran ride feels like
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Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

14.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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Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour - Birds along the mangroves and shore
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Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour

15.Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Cruise from Chokoloskee into the 10,000 Islands with a guide such as Don, Dan, Glenn, or Matt. In a six-person boat, you may see dolphins, birds, manatees, sea turtles, and shore life, with time for wildlife watching, local ecology, and a stop on a mangrove island or beach.

“Our guide was Captain Dan who was a superb and knowledgeable tour guide. He knew every species of every tree, bird and animal to the infinitesimal detail. There wasn’t a question that he didn’t answer and knew the exact answer. His expertise was beyond impressive. We saw so many dolphins and saw zillions of horseshoe crabs that he pulled the boat into the shore and turned two upside down and showed us the difference between the males and females (males have 2 pinchers and females have 4). We learned about trees that hated the salt water and learned how to adapt by desalinating the salt through their branches and trees.…”

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New in Dolphin and Manatee Tours

★ 4.5Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak AdventureFrom $6571 reviews
★ 4.5Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!From $12950 reviews
★ 4.5Manatee, Dolphin, and 10,000 Islands Eco Beach Tour by BoatFrom $12989 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Sarasota with Olde Florida History!From $6510 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Sail and Dolphin/Manatee watch in Daytona BeachFrom $7916 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Refuge Sunset Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!From $6120 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Refuge Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!From $5011 reviews
★ 4.5One Tandem Kayak Rental for 2 hours with Manatee & Dolphin sightings!13 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin and Manatee Clear Kayak or Paddleboard TourFrom $7523 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset kayaking tour at Manatee Cove with Manatee & Dolphin sightingsFrom $5523 reviews
★ 5.0One Single Kayak Rental for 2 hours with Manatee & Dolphin sightings!From $352 reviews
★ 5.01-Hour Tandem Kayak Rental with Manatee & Dolphin sightings3 reviews
★ 5.0Manatee and Dolphin Kayak TourFrom $5091 reviews
★ 5.0Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee TourFrom $7995 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin SightingsFrom $5035 reviews

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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips