THE USA

15 Kayak Dolphin Tours in the USA Worth Flying For

47 tours  ·  from $35 a head

The good kayak dolphin tours 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.

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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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

2.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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Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours - Starting at First Landing State Park
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Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

3.Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 462 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Launch from First Landing State Park with guides such as Matt, Tommy, Sawyer, or Jay for a gentle two-hour paddle along the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll learn basic kayak skills, look for wild dolphins and seabirds, and view Cape Henry’s lighthouses and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in evening light. Expect sand, splashes, and changing weather.

“Sawyer, our tour guide was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. We couldn’t find where the tour was, but he called right away and told us exactly where to find him. We saw a ton of dolphins! Would definitely book again!”

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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

4.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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Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour - Following dolphin habitat toward Cape Henry
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Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

5.Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 351 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Meet Chesapean Outdoors at North End Beach for a two-hour guided kayak trip along Virginia Beach. You’ll use a stable sit-on-top kayak, learn basic safety, and paddle through dolphin habitat toward Cape Henry Lighthouse. Guides such as Matt, Jack, Declan, and Tommy are known for helping mixed-ability groups and sharing facts about dolphins, birds, and local history.

“The tour guides were wonderful and we saw many dolphin pods during our tour! The bay was serene and the whole experience was informative and breathtaking.”

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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

6.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)

7.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

8.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!

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

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

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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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

10.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 Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP - The real wildlife promise: exciting, but uncertain
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Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP

11.Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend about two hours paddling Marco Island with a guide such as Cam, Michael, Doug, or Jacob. You’ll receive a short lesson, then search for dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, conchs, and other wildlife. SUP is the default in some bookings, so request a kayak specifically if that is your preference.

“Cam was a great tour guide! We saw dolphins and sand dollars! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun game excursion!”

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St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour - Kayak or stand-up paddleboard?
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St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour

12.St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 108 reviews · from $65

Meet your English-speaking guide at Lighthouse Park for a two-hour kayak or stand-up paddleboard trip through St. Augustine’s salt waterways. After a short land and water lesson, guides such as Ryan, Noah, Spence, and Joseph help beginners find dolphins, manatees, turtles, crabs, and birds near Anastasia State Park’s tall dunes.

“So much fun! Spence was a GREAT guide! Highly recommend this activity!”

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Sunset Kayaking with Dolphins - The two-hour route from 12378 Manatee Avenue West
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Sunset Kayaking with Dolphins

13.Sunset Kayaking with Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Meet Florida Blue Adventures in Bradenton for a two-hour sunset paddle near Anna Maria Island. You’ll use a tandem kayak with guides such as Tommy, Kinsey, Jonah, or Evan, watching for dolphins, manatees, birds, mangroves, and a glowing sunset. Solo paddlers are accommodated with a single kayak.

“Tommy is super friendly, informative, and does a good job explaining what we are doing, worth it! Beautiful sunset”

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Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area - The first paddle: getting comfortable on the water
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Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area

14.Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet at Haulover Canal at 11 a.m. for a two-hour guided paddle with kayaks, paddles, and PFDs provided. Your guide may lead you into quiet coves and mangrove areas where manatees, dolphins, alligators, and many bird species appear. Guides including Jacob, John, Freedom, Brie, and Bree are praised for their wildlife knowledge and friendly care.

“The tour was one of the best things my friends and I did while on vacation! We saw so many more manatees and dolphins than we expected which was incredible. The manatees in particular were likely to come close to our boats and even under the boats which was surprising but made for great videos. The tour guide John was so helpful, knowledgeable and funny. He pointed out other animals and and plants, and he gave great descriptions of each. We also took a lot of breaks which was nice to rest our arms, enjoy the scenery and encourage more sea life to make appearances. We felt well taken care…”

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Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour - A quiet start in Merritt Island
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Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour

15.Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Start at 9 a.m. in Merritt Island for a two-hour paddle through the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Andrew and the SOBESURF team provide kayaks, paddleboards, instruction, photos, and wildlife guidance. Calm water suits first-timers, though dolphin and manatee sightings are never guaranteed.

“We had a great time and Andrew our tour guide was great! We loved seeing the manatees and the dolphins!!”

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New in Kayak Dolphin Tours in the USA

★ 5.0Virginia Beach: Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!From $906 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swimFrom $952 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Dolphin Eco Tour by Kayak & SUP – Fort Myers Beach, FLFrom $5033 reviews
★ 4.5Family Friendly Dolphin Nature Kayak Tours in Hilton HeadFrom $485 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature TourFrom $4926 reviews
★ 5.02 1/4 Hour Private Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin Nature Experience9 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Kayak Dolphin Eco Tour in Pelican BayFrom $6921 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Kayak Tour on Folly BeachFrom $558 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

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Dolphin Watching Cruises358Swim with Dolphins98Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours270Sunset Dolphin Cruises166Private Dolphin Watching Charters212Kayak Dolphin Tours87
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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

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Other ways

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