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The World’s 15 Best Dolphin Watching Tours

544 tours  ·  from $9 a head

Bottlenose off a Florida pass, spinners asleep on a Red Sea reef, pilot whales holding station between Tenerife and La Gomera. These 15 are the trips worth planning a morning around, priced and timed, with every other boat we have been out on underneath.

Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming - Meeting the Travelin Lady at Los Cristianos
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Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Set out from Los Cristianos aboard the Travelin Lady, a purpose-built eco-yacht with protected propellers, low emissions, and a steady ride. Ines and the multilingual crew explain local whales and dolphins without chasing them. Expect about 90 minutes at sea, the Cave of Love, and a short swim and snorkel stop if conditions allow.

“It was a great trip. And yes, we saw whales and dolphins. Thanks to the yacht team!”

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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - Boarding at Puerto Los Cristianos
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

2.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

From Puerto Los Cristianos, you board the Bahriyeli for a two-hour whale and dolphin safari. Government-certified guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The crew cuts the engine when animals are nearby and lets them choose the distance. Expect pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles, with no swimming stop.

“Nice activity, we were able to see dolphins from a close distance and whales from a bigger distance. Guides were amazing, speaking multiple languages and providing interesting facts. The location pin should be revised - the pick up place is next to the Beach. A bit expensive for what it offers.”

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Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching - Starting at Gate 4 Café in Albufeira Marina
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Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

3.2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 10,710 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $40

From Gate 4 Café at Albufeira Marina, you’ll ride a speedboat past Algarve beaches and cliffs to Benagil Cave, the Albandeira arch, and Praia da Marinha. A marine biologist explains the coast and dolphins, while the crew searches for wild pods. A swim stop may be offered if sea conditions allow. Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian.

“Paalo was very good. Gave a lot of info about Sagres and Lagos . He was very friendly and chatty. The weather being fantastic helped us to enjoy the tour better Could be better Driving was a bit dodgy in sections Could have a bit more time in Lagis”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - What happens during the three-hour cruise
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

4.Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Cruise from Funchal Marina aboard Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while certified English and Portuguese guides explain the wildlife. Enjoy two decks, large viewing nets, toilets, shaded seating, and coastal views toward Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“I was with a group of 8 women and we really enjoyed the trip. The boat was very clean the staff was very good and knowledgeable. We saw sperm whales and other ones and the captain did a great shop explaining and showing us. The sea was a little bit rough but the had water on board. The staff was so helpful. Very good.”

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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - From Albufeira Marina to the open sea
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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

5.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40

Set out from Albufeira with a skipper and live guide for a fast coastal ride to Benagil, São Rafael, and Marinha. Guides such as Ana and Ruben explain the coast while you search for dolphins, enter Benagil Cave for a few minutes, and stop for a swim when sea conditions allow. Shared and private options are available.

“It was amazing experience to see this natural caves but because of the wawes we couldn’t go very near to the caves overall experience was good”

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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - The New Magic is built for a relaxed outing
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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

6.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,786 reviews · 1h 40m · from $22

Set out from Benalmádena aboard the New Magic, a roomy catamaran with shaded seating, a bar, music, restrooms, and underwater viewing windows. Your captain and crew search for dolphins along the Costa del Sol, then may pause for an open-sea swim in summer. Bring sunscreen, a light layer, and realistic expectations: dolphins are common, but never guaranteed.

“The staff were so nice! The boat was lovely and most importantly we got to see the most gorgeous group of dolphins in they're natural habitat. Would definitely reccomend”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

7.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour Seaborn catamaran cruise with an English or Portuguese-speaking crew. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The spacious boat has shaded seating, sun decks, front nets, and a bar. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“A truly great time had. A comfortable amount of people onboard the Catamaran. Seats under the canopy, seats in the sun, two large areas to sit or lay on the netting area, large areas to sit with your legs hanging over the edge to really enjoy the ocean. We felt lucky to have seen a few whales, which made our trip so worth while. We stopped & were all permitted to climb down the ladder, jump/dive into the sea at a specific location - below cliffs on the opposite side of Funchal. Drinks & snacks were available. Crew were all very friendly, knowledgeable & helpful. A wonder family friendly experience.”

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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave - Searching for dolphins in open water
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Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

8.Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $34

From Albufeira Marina, cruise toward Carvoeiro with a multilingual crew, searching for wild dolphins before visiting Benagil Cave and nearby formations. You may meet guides such as Victor, Raul, Hugo, Dominic, or others from the XRide team. The 2.5-hour trip can include a swim stop, weather permitting.

“Very good experience, all the staff are very kind to us, and gave us excellent care and support. Thank you very much.”

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Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach - Boarding the tugboat-style Little Toot
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Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach

9.Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,594 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37Top rated

Board the tugboat-style Little Toot at Clearwater Harbor for a narrated 75-minute trip into the Gulf of Mexico. The captain creates a wake that often draws dolphins close to the stern, where they may surf and leap. Choose sun or shade, walk around the boat, and enjoy music, wildlife commentary, and a return to the same dock.

“It’s my 4th time ont he little toot, always a winner. This time I took my husband who had never been. We loved it as always”

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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks - Watching whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary
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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

10.Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,096 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $52

From Puerto Colón’s Dock 8, White Tenerife takes you into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary aboard a fuel-efficient catamaran. Choose three or five hours, with pilot whales, dolphins, underwater audio, sandwiches, drinks, and a swim stop. The longer trip adds Los Gigantes and Masca Beach. English and Spanish commentary is provided.

“was amazing, we see dolphins & whales, the staff was so friendly and answered all our questions, as we was the only English on the boat they was always helping us out, they was always offering us drinks and snacks that was free, I would recommend this to anyone who would like a boat trip, we have been on a few boat trip few th e year this is in our top 10.👍🏻”

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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira - Starting at Albufeira Marina
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Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

11.Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,814 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

From Albufeira Marina, join an English-speaking crew on a semi-rigid boat limited to 18 people. Search for wild dolphins, explore Benagil Caves and Algarve beaches, and possibly stop for a swim. Guides such as Dani, Diogo, Johnny, and Daniel are known for humor and helpful commentary, but dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“Able to see all the caves …. Great maneuvering, scenery, and sense of humor. We didn’t see dolphins, but they definitely tried.”

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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling - Two hours searching for dolphins and whales
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Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

12.Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,761 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $44

Set sail from Puerto Base near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for a 3.5-hour catamaran trip in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales. After the wildlife search, stop near the coast for swimming and snorkeling, with masks, water, and soft drinks provided. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Brilliant day start to finish , seeing the dolphins in natural surroundings swimming jumping was magical”

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Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch - Orange Bay gives you one hour of beach time
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Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

13.3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,609 reviews · 8 hours · from $47

Join Go Shalabi for an eight-hour yacht trip from Hurghada to Orange Bay, Giftun, and Magawish. You get two snorkeling stops, dolphin watching, breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, and unlimited drinks. Guides such as Ahmed, Ashraf, Talal, and Sabry help swimmers of different abilities. Bring warm clothes in winter, as wind can make the boat feel cold.

“I loved the snorkelling and how interactive the hosts were! Each island we visited everyone was friendly and helped with any issues”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - The search for dolphins and pilot whales
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

14.Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour cruise through the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, pass beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, enjoy one cold drink, then swim in Juan López, Masca, or Barranco Seco. Spanish is the listed language, though guide Alejandro has also received praise for his English.

“The best boat trip we’ve done and we’ve done a few! Definitely worth the trip up to Los Gigantes - amazing crew, saw so many dolphins and beautiful cove swim - would highly recommend”

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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

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

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

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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New in Dolphin Watching Tours

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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

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Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

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