THE USA

The 15 Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips in the USA That Are Worth the Early Start

22 tours  ·  from $41 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 dolphin and snorkeling trips in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Boarding at 5201 N Lagoon Drive
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. The crew, including captains such as Clay and Heath and crew members such as Emma and Sarah, keeps the three-hour trip relaxed and social.

“shell Island was beautiful seeing dolphins on the way was fun. We also snorkeled and collected shells.”

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Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch - Turtle snorkeling, with realistic expectations
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Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

2.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Ride from Waikiki to Waianae Harbor for a three-hour ocean outing with Dolphins and You. Captain Dani and crew search for spinner dolphins, then set up turtle snorkeling, lunch, hula, kayaks, paddle boards, and a 20-foot slide. Wildlife is not guaranteed, but the crew reports dolphin sightings on most trips.

“So fun and great to do with the family. We brought our 10 and 11 year old, saw many dolphins, and had a lot of fun in the sun!”

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Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key - Shell Key’s white-sand beach stop
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Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

3.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out from Tierra Verde Marina on a 25-foot pontoon with up to six people. Captain Noel, Megan, or Dave may guide you across Boca Ciega Bay to look for dolphins and manatees, then stop at Shell Key for beach snorkeling, swimming, and shell collecting. Water, gear, ice, and free parking are included.

“Go for 4 hours instead of 2. It was the highlight of our trip to Florida. Noel was the best and made sure we had a great experience..thank you Noel”

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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Leaving Kailua-Kona for Kealakekua Bay
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

4.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Join Kona Snorkel Tours for a 2-hour-45-minute Zodiac ride from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument, visit sea caves and lava tubes, and hear island history from guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle. Masks, snorkels, water, and pineapple are included.

“We are so glad we picked the first trip of the day! Thanks Captain Shaka and Erica for a great morning.”

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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - Warm showers, changing rooms, and a sensible boat setup
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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

5.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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Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour - Eco Adventure - What the open-water ride feels like
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Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

6.Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,163 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Spend about three hours aboard a Fury catamaran, searching for wild bottlenose dolphins before snorkeling among patch coral, sponges, and fish in Key West’s Gulf backcountry. The crew provides gear and instruction, with soft drinks, beer, and wine after snorkeling. You must know how to swim, but first-time snorkelers are welcome.

“Seeing the Dolphins were great we got to see plenty of them. The staff on Fury were also very nice and helpful. Did not like the area for the snorkeling. It was a mangrove with very little fish and I was a little disappointed. This excursion is great to see dolphins but not good for snorkeling.”

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Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter - Snorkel stop two: turtles, fish, and possible reef sharks
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Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

7.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

From Lahaina, cruise to Lanai with a small group and snorkel two carefully chosen sites. Guides such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, and Chad lead the day, with gear, flotation aids, snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen included. Dolphin sightings are common, and December through April adds whale-watching potential.

“Captain Jill and Kacey did a great job taking care of our group! We appreciated the attention and the small boat size as it felt like a truly private experience. In addition to getting to see a world-famous reef with tons of fish, we also saw a huge pod of dolphins (with babies) twice! The other snorkel spot had 2 reef sharks and at least 7-8 green sea turtles. We will be returning for whale season!”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Breakfast while Kona’s coast slips past
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

8.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a breakfast, dolphin watch, and about two hours at the Red Hill snorkel area. You get sanitized gear, reef-safe sunscreen, lunch, water toys, a 20-foot slide, and a 15-foot jump platform. Captain Erica and crew members such as Adam, Brianna, and Taylor are known for attentive service.

“What a great crew. Snorkeling was good. Lots of of amenities. Saw a pod of dolphins that was amazing and they were all around the boat. Overall, great trip.”

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Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu - Getting to Waianae Harbor from Waikiki or Ko Olina
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Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

9.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise West Oahu aboard a 32-foot boat limited to 16 people, with marine biologists and lifeguard-certified crew. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, sea turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel with included gear. Hotel pickup is available from Waikiki and Ko Olina on the early morning departure. Guides may include Lisa, Morgan, Jenna, Mandy, or Captain Flow.

“We enjoyed this very much. Lunch was great and we saw whales and dolphins. Also swan with turtles at the end of the tour. We loved this!”

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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour - Meeting the boat in downtown Key West
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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

10.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Set out from Captain’s Corner Dive Center with Fury Water Adventures on a three-hour catamaran trip. You’ll search for bottlenose dolphins, snorkel near the Key West Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy water, sodas, beer, wine, or seasonal champagne. Guides such as Liv, Lisa, Nicole, and Ally have been praised for calm instruction and friendly care.

“The guides were fantastic, very welcoming, knowledgeable and supportive, especially Liv who ensured we made the most of the experience despite our nerves!”

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Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae - What the three-hour boat trip feels like
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Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

11.Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Travel from Waikiki or Ko Olina to Waianae for a three-hour wildlife cruise on a 32-foot boat. Your marine guide searches for wild dolphins and seasonal humpback whales, then leads snorkeling near turtles, fish, and reefs. Dolphin swimming depends on animal behavior, species, weather, and water conditions.

“The trip was excellent. The captain and the mate were professional had a great day out on the ocean. We saw a calf whale and then the mother came by right next to the boat if I ever return, I will certainly take that adventure again.”

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Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling - Meeting at SQUID in the Historic Seaport
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Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

12.Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Meet your captain at SQUID, then cruise from Key West’s Historic Seaport in a small group of no more than 16. Look for wild bottlenose dolphins before stopping at the day’s clearest calm-water snorkeling site. Guides such as Heather, Bryan, Wade, and Captain Patrick are praised for patient instruction and marine-life facts.

“Bryan (with a y) and Captain Wade were knowledgeable and entertaining! They kept us laughing and learning the whole trip! Definitely recommend Honest Eco and would book them again and again!”

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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise - Searching for dolphins in open water
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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

13.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Spend three hours aboard the Sunset One searching for wild dolphins, snorkeling near Cottrell Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, and watching the sun set over turquoise water. English-speaking guides, safety gear, snorkel equipment, and draft beer are included. Dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed.

“Very friendly & family owned charter, the experience was phenomenal!!”

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Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West - Key West Bight Marina is an easy starting point
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Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

14.Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 465 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend about four hours aboard the small Catamaran Echo from Key West Bight Marina. Watch wild dolphins, snorkel above a reef, wreck, or sponge garden, then sail back with fruit, snacks, beer, and wine. The boat carries no more than 14 people, with crew such as Sandy, Deb, Aiden, and Captain Stu helping with safety and sea life.

“Great experience! The snorkeling was great and we were lucky enough to see about six dolphins on our way back in. Carly and Sandy were amazing and made the trip so fun!”

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Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose - Dolphin watching comes after the water time
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Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

15.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about three hours aboard the Footloose from Panama City Beach, snorkeling at Shell Island, walking its white-sand beach, and searching for dolphins in the Gulf. Your ticket includes equipment, a guide, and one complimentary beverage. Captains such as Gordon, Marcy, Ryan, and Jamie are known for friendly help, though dolphin sightings and water clarity can vary.

“All of the workers with this experience were great! I had my mom with me & she has some trouble walking far distances & you have to walk along a pretty long pier to get on the boat. The staff noticed my mom was having trouble & got her wheelchair for the walk.”

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New in Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips in the USA

★ 4.04 Hour Egmont Key Island Tour With Dolphins & SnorkelingFrom $895 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises139Swim with Dolphins31Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours114Sunset Dolphin Cruises55Private Dolphin Watching Charters43Kayak Dolphin Tours25
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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

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