THE USA

Where to Go: the 15 Best Dolphin Watching Cruises in the USA

51 tours  ·  from $28 a head

The good dolphin watching cruises in the USA fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

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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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon and the waters near St. Andrews State Park. You’ll look for dolphins, watch the sails go up, enjoy music, and buy drinks or snacks from the onboard galley. Captain Clay and crew members including Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma are among the friendly faces connected with this popular cruise.

“It was great, good service and great views. The team was very polite. Being out on the water for 2 hours was definitely worth the experience.”

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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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Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise - What the water battle adds to earlier trips
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Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

4.Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,512 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Orange Beach for a 1.5 to 2-hour cruise along the Gulf and nearby waterways. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins surfing the wake, spot crabs and hermit crabs, and enjoy coastline views. Earlier departures may include playful water battles with other boats. Makayla is among the friendly crew members praised by name.

“Great experience! The captain and deck hand were really informative and helpful. We were able to see several dolphins in the distance and even saw a couple riding in the wake behind the boat!”

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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise - The marsh, birds, and island views
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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

5.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise along Broad Creek with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. Captains such as Kate and Pete, with guides including Wendy and Kim, point out dolphins, birds, marsh life, and island scenery. The tour is family-friendly and includes guaranteed dolphin sightings.

“Wendy was great! Very informative. The boat ride was smooth and lots of great views of islands and wildlife”

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Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise - Watching dolphins from Tybee’s waterways
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Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

6.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,386 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $73

Travel from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island by trolley or bus, enjoy a dolphin cruise past Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, stop for lunch at The Crab Shack, and get free time near the beach and lighthouse. Guides such as Stephanie, Dennis, Chris, Max, and Radar add local history and practical help.

“The tour itself was exceptional. Our guide was very knowledgeable and communicated well with the passengers. Dolphin sightings were plentiful. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because of the crab shack. I'm not a broiled seafood eater, so that left a lot to be desired. My wife wasn't happy with the shrimp and I settled for a sausage dog and a mini bowl of potatoes. That part was very disappointing but not a direct impact on the tour guide or tour itself. The Crab Shack was not very good in my opinion.”

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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

7.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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Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people - Mangroves, sandbars, and the search for wildlife
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Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people

8.Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 980 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cruise from Goodland, near Marco Island, into the Ten Thousand Islands with a guide such as Glenn, Jeff, or Michelle. Look for dolphins, manatees, birds, and mangroves, then stop at a boat-access-only barrier island for swimming and shelling. The 2.5-hour trip carries no more than 12 people and runs morning or afternoon.

“The dolphins swimming along side the boat was awesome. The captain was very friendly and knowledgeable and the time on the beach was all awesome !”

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Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting - Aquarium Wharf and the Maritime Center
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Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

9.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 857 reviews · 1 to 11 hours (approx.)

Use Charleston’s water taxi to move between Patriots Point, Aquarium Wharf, Waterfront Park, and Charleston Harbor Resort. Your ticket includes the scenic dolphin cruise, though sightings are not guaranteed and attraction admission is separate. Captains such as Bryan and Dallas may add local color, but narration can vary by crew.

“Easy, inexpensive and convenient way to see some of the sights in the Charleston area. We decided not to get off at every stop. Still well worth it.”

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Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA - The live sea-life session
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Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA

10.Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 815 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours aboard The Fun Boats with Captain Rusty and crew members including Chris, Jonathan, and Devon. Watch for dolphins, meet live crabs, shrimp, fish, and other small sea creatures, then join an optional water battle between boats. The 65-foot vessel has an air-conditioned cabin, outdoor decks, restrooms, and room for up to 80 passengers.

“Saw lots of dolphins and they went up and down swimming at the front of the boat, got lots of good footage”

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Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour - What the crew adds to the experience
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Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour

11.Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 804 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Spend 90 minutes to 2 hours aboard the shaded 42-foot Jolly Dolphin, cruising Pensacola Bay with a captain and crew. Guides such as Mary, Matt, Carson, and Roger share facts about dolphins and local wildlife while you watch for pods, pelicans, sea turtles, and Blue Angels practice flights. The boat has cushioned seats, bottled water, and a restroom.

“Exceptional, informative, and Curt was a delight! In spite of the weather, our captain proved his experience dolphin guide. Took us to an amazing spot where dozens of dolphins were feeding. I’ve been on other dolphin cruises and none measure up to this one.”

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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise - The cruise from 25 Causeway Boulevard
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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

12.Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 767 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Best value

Spend two hours cruising from Clearwater Beach with a USCG captain and English-speaking guide such as Matt, Eliza, Mark, or Zach. Look for dolphins, stop at One-Tree Island for about 20 to 30 minutes, and bring your own drinks and snacks. The boat has shade, coolers with ice, a restroom, and free ice cream for children.

“Great value, excellent guides (Eliza!!) and saw a lot of dolphins. The island is very small and time there is limited, but overall great experience.”

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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

13.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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Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May - Dolphins Are the Main Event
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

14.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 693 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Meet at Miss Chris Marina for a three-hour Cape May Whale Watcher cruise led by a captain and certified naturalist. You will search for dolphins, whales, porpoises, seabirds, and other marine life while learning about the coast and its maritime past. The large boat has restrooms, indoor seating, and a snack bar.

“My family and I had a great time! Cape May Whale watchers provided a great experience with friendly, professional, kind and informative staff! The gift shop is super cute! No whales but we had plenty of dolphins! Love the sea birds and we even spotted 2 American bald eagles in the marina on the trees nearby! Definitely going back to see the whales! 🐳💙🐬🩵”

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Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL - What the HydroJet ride is really like
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Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL

15.Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 675 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Board the HydroJet at HarborWalk Village for a one-hour ride past Crab Island, East Pass, the beach, and the Gulf of Mexico. The captain searches for dolphins and other wildlife, pauses for photos, and may jump waves. Captain CJ, Lacy, and Cherry have been praised for lively commentary and friendly service. Bring sunglasses, arrive 30 minutes early, and expect to get wet.

“This was a fun cruise on the beach, seeing the dolphins up close. Captain was very engaging and made the experience enjoyable.”

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New in Dolphin Watching Cruises in the USA

★ 4.9Anna Maria Island: Dolphin CruiseFrom $628 reviews
★ 4.9Anna Maria Island: Sunset Dolphin CruiseFrom $648 reviews
★ 5.090 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin CruiseFrom $55230 reviews
★ 5.0Private Siesta Funship Adventure/Dolphin Cruise Sandbar Stops47 reviews
★ 4.7Savannah: Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco CruiseFrom $47181 reviews
★ 4.0City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching AdventureFrom $56143 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset CruiseFrom $71249 reviews
★ 4.3San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching CruiseFrom $77186 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise306 reviews
★ 4.0Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching CruiseFrom $28212 reviews
★ 4.7Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with GuideFrom $40146 reviews
★ 4.7Fort Walton Beach: Morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel StopFrom $41134 reviews
★ 4.0Fort Walton: Dolphin Discovery and Snorkeling CruiseFrom $6723 reviews
★ 5.0Private Charleston Sunset & Dolphin Cruise33 reviews
★ 4.4Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching CruiseFrom $55230 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

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