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15 Kayak Dolphin Tours Worth Paddling For

87 tours  ·  from $27 a head

From a kayak you are low, silent and roughly dolphin-height, which is why they come in so close. The 15 trips below compare paddling distance, whether a guide leads or follows, and how much of it is flat water.

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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Golfo Aranci: Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Aperitif - Setting off from Spiaggia dei Baracconi
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Golfo Aranci: Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Aperitif

2.Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,731 reviews · 2.5 - 3 hours · from $53

Paddle from Spiaggia dei Baracconi with marine biologists toward Cala Moresca, Figarolo, and a fish farm visited by resident dolphins. You’ll learn basic kayaking, snorkel from a quiet beach, and finish with Sardinian snacks and drinks. Guides including Marco, Emmanuel, Maria, and Vincent lead in English, Italian, or Spanish.

“Maria and Marco were great guides, very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw dolphins at sunset and an octopus as well as lots of cool fish with snorkeling earlier in the evening. Would highly recommend!”

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Tenerife: Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit - Paddling beneath the Guaza Mountains
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Tenerife: Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit

3.Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $42Best value

Paddle from Los Cristianos beneath the Guaza Mountains, stopping to snorkel and watch for wild dolphins, turtles, fish, and rays. Xplore Tenerife supplies kayaks, wetsuits, shoes, life vests, and snorkel gear. Guides such as Bea, Max, Jessica, Mario, and Coco lead groups of up to 16, but you need to swim and handle roughly 6 kilometers of paddling.

“It's not too demanding, but very rewarding! Would definitely try this in both winter and summer. All was perfect!”

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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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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour - Starting at Angas Inlet Boat Club
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Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

5.Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Set out from Port Adelaide with guides such as Alex, Mark, Paddy, or Kendall for a gentle three-hour paddle through 10,000-year-old mangroves. You may spot dolphins, pelicans, fish, and old shipwrecks. Kayaks, life jackets, water, and a waterproof bag are provided. No experience is needed, but you must be able to paddle.

“We really enjoyed the tour. our guide Mark was very knowledgeable n new his stuff. The only thing I would say if there could be a toilet stop within the 3hrs. 3hrs on water n no toilet stop is a big ask for some.”

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Kayak tour with aperitif and dolphins - Figarolo Island and the Sardinian aperitif
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Kayak tour with aperitif and dolphins

6.Kayak tour with aperitif and dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 471 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $54

Paddle from Baracconi Beach toward Cala Moresca and Figarolo Island on a roughly three-hour kayak trip capped at about 12 people. You’ll get a short lesson, snorkeling gear, Sardinian snacks, drinks, and a chance to see bottlenose dolphins near a fish farm. Guides such as Maria, Emmanuel, and Marco may lead the outing.

“The kayaking and snorkelling was great and nice to have the Sardinian food and local drinks on one of the little islands. Our guides were great and very disappointed that we didn't see dolphins. It was ok as it was a nice morning.”

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

7.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

8.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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Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour - Paddling Into Cape Byron Marine Park
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Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

9.Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 384 reviews · from $63

Paddle a stable two-person sit-on-top kayak through Cape Byron Marine Park with a local surf-and-sea guide. The 2.5-hour tour includes safety gear, marine park fees, beachside tea and Tim-Tams, and morning or afternoon departures. Dolphins are guaranteed, but open-ocean conditions mean you must swim 25 metres and handle moderate paddling.

“I've lived in Byron in the 80s and 90s. This my first time kayaking and it was everything. The guide paddled and we even caught a wave at Wategoes. It was so much fun. Seen dolphins and it was worth every cent. Just wish they posted my photo. Take a waterproof case to take photos. Byron is spectacular from water. Julian rock is the head of the rainbow serpent and mount Warning is his body. Sensational view.”

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Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa - Arriving at Double Island Point
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Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa

10.Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · from $115

Ride a 4WD along Noosa North Shore and Great Beach Drive, cross by ferry, then kayak around Double Island Point with guides such as Vince, Tyron, Cam, and Nick. Expect coastal scenery, wildlife searches, swimming, snacks, and instruction. Dolphins and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Our guides Cam and Nick were amazing. Unfortunately other than one Dorsal fin we didn’t see any animals but the place is so incredible and the guides were great that the kayaking experience by itself was worth the trip. We had rough enough conditions so wasn’t for the faint hearted or poor swimmers, and was a little sea sick inducing for some. Over all a great day out.”

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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide - Your first paddle through the sanctuary
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Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

11.Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · from $56

Paddle from Garden Island into the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary with guides such as Alex, Paddy, Callie, Hannah, Fiona, and Lewis. Expect a safety briefing, included kayak gear, mangrove channels, birdlife, possible dolphins, and sometimes shipwrecks. No experience is needed, but you should be reasonably fit and ready to paddle for three hours.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This experience was absolutely fantastic! I did this tour as a mum with my child, and we both had the best time. Paddy and Callie were amazing from start to finish. Paddy was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information along the way, which really added to the experience. Callie was awesome; she made sure everyone was able to keep up and was so supportive throughout. She even kindly guided our kayak through some of the trickier parts, which made us feel safe and confident the whole time. The tour was well organised, fun, and perfect for families. We felt well looked after and truly enjoyed every moment.…”

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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

12.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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Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza - Searching for dolphins and turtles
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Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza

13.Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Paddle along Tenerife’s Guaza cliffs on a three-hour wildlife safari. Your guide leads the way to Palmar Cave and snorkeling spots, with equipment and a buoyancy vest included. Dolphins and turtles are possible but never guaranteed. Guides including Joel, Joey, Casper, and Luka have been praised for safety and friendly instruction.

“We went as a couple and it was the highlight of our trip. We saw 3 turtles up close and they were so beautiful. Our tour guide (can’t remember his name but wears a cross necklace and medium length brown hair) was fantastic. He knew lots about the wildlife and the ocean, and it was clear that our safety was the priority in the trip. He didn’t leave anyone behind and controlled the pace well. We tipped him at the end due to this! My partner had never kayaked before and found this fine. Both of us do regular exercise so this was very do-able for us. Take water, sunscreen…”

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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour - Starting at Adventure Kayaking SA
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Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

14.Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $55

Spend about three hours kayaking through Adelaide’s Dolphin Sanctuary and Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard. Guides such as Luke, Phil, Pippa, Tim, Oli, and Alannah have led departures. You’ll learn the basics, paddle calm mangrove creeks, look for Port River dolphins, and pass hulking abandoned ships. Dolphins are common but never guaranteed.

“It was a family fun activity to do, and the staff were great, we definitely would do this again. We saw dolphins quite close up.”

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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

15.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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New in Kayak Dolphin Tours

★ 5.0Virginia Beach: Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!From $906 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Kayak Tour to see ponies, birds, dolphins and moreFrom $7578 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swimFrom $952 reviews
★ 5.0Turtle and Dolphin Watching Kayaking and Snorkeling TourFrom $4212 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Kayak AdventureFrom $6571 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour at Golfo AranciFrom $6322 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak tour with aperitif&dolphin sighting (max 9 Pax)From $5995 reviews
★ 5.0Rainbow Beach: Dolphin & Wildlife Ocean Kayak & Beach 4WD TourFrom $9959 reviews
★ 5.0Swim and Paddle Board with Wild Dolphin Pods in Puerto VallartaFrom $11012 reviews
★ 5.0Stand Up Paddle With Dolphins, aperitif and picturesFrom $6969 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Dolphin Eco Tour by Kayak & SUP – Fort Myers Beach, FLFrom $5033 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUPFrom $65125 reviews
★ 3.0Mornington Peninsula Kayak Coastline Tour of Dolphin SanctuaryFrom $782 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Kayak 2 Hours Activity with DolphinsFrom $5812 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Kayak 2-Hour Activity with DolphinsFrom $5857 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