THE USA

Our 15 Best Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA

95 tours  ·  from $35 a head

The 15 best private dolphin watching charters in the USA you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.

90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island - What happens during the 90 minutes
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90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

1.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Join Captain Mark aboard a private boat for up to six people and search Hilton Head’s waters for wild dolphins. The 90-minute trip may reach the Cooper River and Daufuskie Island, with possible lighthouse photos along the way. A Lowcountry Master Naturalist adds context about dolphins, tides, marshes, oysters, and local wildlife.

“Captain Mark was very knowledgeable. An exceptional tour guide with a bit of humor mixed in. Our whole family would highly recommend him.”

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Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins - Downtown Charleston from the harbor
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Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

2.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from 33 Lockwood Drive on a private 2.5-hour yacht charter for up to six people. Your captain and first mate handle the sailing while you enjoy Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and possible dolphin sightings. Bring drinks and snacks, or request catering. Sunset departures are especially appealing.

“It is a relaxing and beautiful experience. The Captain and First mate made you feel comfortable and was informative of the area. It is not a historical tour experience.”

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Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion - Shelling on remote islands
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Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

3.Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

From Goodland, take a private 2.5-hour boat trip into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Captains such as Matt, Kasey, and Nick guide you to shell-covered islands, dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and osprey. Water, ice, bags, and buckets are included. Bring snacks, drinks, towels, and $10 for parking.

“Matt catered to what we wanted! Our granddaughters thought he was best!! The dolphins were their favorite.”

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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise - Two hours on Calibogue Sound
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2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

4.2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from 43 Jenkins Road on a private two-hour boat charter with a captain such as Dave, Neil, Moto, or Harry. Cruise past Harbour Town, across Calibogue Sound, and along Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge while watching for dolphins, bald eagles, sea birds, turtles, and more. Bring your own food and drinks, with a cooler and ice provided.

“We had an absolutely amazing time. 10/10 Would recommend and will use again. Captain Dave was awesome. We saw dolphins, learned history and saw a bald eagle. It was the highlight of our trip and we can not wait to come back and do it again. The smaller personal tour was so much more relaxing! Thanks for an amazing time and making the girls day on the boat!”

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Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private) - Choosing between the three tour options
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Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

5.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Set out from Lahaina on a small eco-raft with a crew such as Captain Jack, Jill, or Darrell. Choose a 5-hour snorkel trip to Lanai, a 2-hour dolphin watch, or a seasonal snorkel and whale-watching combo. Expect lifeguard-led instruction, marine life talks, food, drinks, and a bumpy ride that rewards travelers who handle open water well.

“Captain Jill and Val were great hosts! We got to see a Pod of about 50 Spinner dolphins. Snorkeled above sea turtles and swam about 15 feet from them. My favorite was all the beautiful fish we saw at the reef! Jill and Val explained everything well and told us a lot of great history of the area as well. Highly recommend this tour !”

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2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach - Looking for dolphins in their natural home
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2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach

6.2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Captain Zach leads a private two-hour boat trip from Panama City Beach for up to six people. Cruise St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf inlet, look for wild dolphins and turtles, use the included snorkel gear, then walk Shell Island’s white-sand beach. Ice, water, and life jackets for young children are provided.

“It was well worth the money and time for a small-party exclusive charter! Captain Zach was highly knowledgeable about the wildlife and the bay and knew where to find dolphins and turtles! We had a great time!”

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Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours - Searching Morris Island for shells and artifacts
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Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours

7.Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

From 97 Center St in Folly Beach, Capt Gresh takes your private group of up to six through oyster-filled estuaries toward Morris Island Lighthouse. Expect wildlife watching, local history, shells, and possible artifacts during a two-hour English-language boat trip that returns to the starting point.

“Capt Gresh did a great job with giving background and historical information on the area in general as well with covering the wildlife. It was very cool to get up close to the Morris Island lighthouse.”

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Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours) - Leaving Waianae for the open coast
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Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours)

8.Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $200

Spend three hours off Waianae aboard a small luxury powerboat, looking for wild dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish, monk seals, whales, and more. Captains and guides such as Shanti, Koa, Brooke, Stef, Lauren, and Rebecca are praised for their care and marine-life knowledge. Snorkel gear is included, and the boat holds no more than six guests.

“Amazing day with shanti and Rebecca! Def worth the extra money to do this as a small group, which becomes even more apparent when you see the 50 person catamarans along the way. This experience was so magical. Rebecca was So patient with my 8 year old son getting his mask all situated which lead to his experience of a lifetime. Captain shanti got us to the dolphins before any other boats were there which was awesome. Loved every minute!”

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3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist - Key points at a glance
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3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist

9.3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 180 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Chris for a private three-hour boat trip for up to six people. Watch for dolphins, rays, sharks, manatees, and sea turtles, then visit Shell Island for beach time and snorkeling. Equipment and bottled water are included, with a flexible route and plenty of personal attention.

“Chris did a great job! We saw a Queen Helmet! Rarely seen anywhere! There were Starfish, crabs, and we even had a private island!”

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Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA - Newport Harbor adds a pleasant first and last act
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Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

10.Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews

Set out from Newport Beach with a USCG-licensed captain and certified naturalist, often Captain Nick, aboard a fast private boat for up to six people. You’ll cruise Newport Harbor, search for dolphins and whales, and learn about local marine life. Bring warm layers, sunblock, and arrive 30 minutes early.

“Captain Nick was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable. Laid back and lots of fun. Also determined to find those whales!”

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2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island - Shell Island and the first hour on the water
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2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

11.2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70Best value

Cruise privately from 1213 Beck Ave around Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay, and into the Gulf of Mexico. Captains Harry, Zach, or Britney guide your group toward wild dolphins, birds, sea life, and sunset views. The two-hour evening trip is cooler than a midday outing and ends where it began.

“The boat ride was very relaxing. The captain was on a radio with captains of other boats to help insure that we were able to see the dolphins and we saw lots of them.”

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Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego - Leaving Mission Bay for open water
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Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

12.Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $179

Join Captain Rich aboard a private six-passenger boat for a three-hour search along San Diego’s coast. You’ll have access to an enclosed cabin, restroom, and observation tower while looking for dolphins, gray, humpback, fin, and blue whales, plus sea lions and other marine life. The trip includes safety equipment and bottled water.

“Our captain, Rick, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a lot of fun seeing all the dolphins and sea lions. Didn’t see any whales but that’s just a hit or miss especially since it had been really windy the previous couple of days. Definitely recommend it to everyone.”

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Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour Port Aransas Texas - The Lydia Ann Lighthouse stop
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Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour Port Aransas Texas

13.Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour Port Aransas Texas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)

Captain Chad takes your private group from 900 Tarpon St. around the Lydia Ann Lighthouse and Charlie’s Pasture in search of dolphins and other wildlife. The 75-minute cruise includes local history, sunset views, and room for your own food and drinks. With space for only six passengers, it feels personal and easygoing.

“Great, Chad was very nice and informative. He is knowledgeable about the island and we seen a lot of Dolphins.”

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Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private) - Following dolphins near West Maui and Lanai
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Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

14.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

Set out from Lahaina on a low-to-water eco-raft for two hours of wildlife watching along West Maui and Lanai. Marine naturalists explain dolphins, whales, turtles, and island life while you enjoy pastries, fruit, drinks, and ocean spray. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and the raft requires unassisted boarding.

“The crew was fantastic. Very informative and funny. Was amazed by the number of dolphins we saw. So glad we did this.”

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Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour - What Captain Jim adds to the ride
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Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour

15.Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Captain Jim takes your private group through Folly Beach’s marsh waterways toward Morris Island aboard a 22-foot Avalon tritoon. Watch for dolphins, eagles, osprey, pelicans, and sea turtles, then search the quiet beach for shells, sand dollars, whelks, and shark teeth. The trip lasts about two and a half hours and can be adjusted to your group.

“Amazing! Captain Jim is super nice, and insightful. We saw lots dolphins, very close. Nature is gorgeous. One of the best experience we had in the area.”

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New in Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA

★ 4.6Waianae, Oahu: Swim with Dolphins (Semi-Private Boat Tour)From $2008 reviews
★ 5.0Private 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise in St. Petersburg, FL7 reviews
★ 5.0Madeira Beach – Shell Key – Dolphins – Half Day Private Boat Tour13 reviews
★ 5.0Private boat offering dolphin watching, island excursions and nature tours33 reviews
★ 5.0Private Sunset and Dolphin Tour in St. Petersburg, Florida22 reviews
★ 5.0Private Dolphin & Architecture Tour in St. Petersburg, Fl33 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin /Shelling/Snorkeling tours Private ChartersFrom $5559 reviews
★ 5.0Aqua Sol Adventures-4.5 hour Private Snorkeling,Dolphin,shelling3 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset, Dolphin/Birding On A Private Guided Savannah Cruise3 reviews
★ 5.0Private Boat and Dolphin Watching in Florida13 reviews
★ 5.0Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 6 guests29 reviews
★ 4.52 Hour Private Dolphin Cruise & Bay Tour21 reviews
★ 5.0Private Swim with Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour12 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Private Dolphin Sightseeing Tour49 reviews
★ 5.0Private Boat Tour Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island and Snorkeling28 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

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In the water

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Other ways

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