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Dolphin Trips Under Sail: 15 Worth Booking

23 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Under sail the engine is off, which is the one thing a pod notices. The 15 yachts and sailing boats below are compared on hours on the water, group size and how much of the day is spent actually sailing.

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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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

2.3 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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Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks - Searching the Water for Dolphins
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Fuengirola: Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks

3.Dolphin Watching by Yacht with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,729 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Sail from Fuengirola for two hours aboard a 15-meter yacht with a skipper and multilingual crew. Look for dolphins near Calaburras Lighthouse and Torrequebrada Beach, then swim, sunbathe, and help yourself to cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and salty snacks. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but the yacht ride remains the main event.

“Was a great trip. Relaxed but organised. Worked hard to find the dolphins which we did. Family group and all loved it. Boat was comfy. A must do trip👍”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour - Searching for dolphins and whales up to three miles offshore
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Join Gaviao Madeira in Funchal for a three-hour sunset sailing trip with up to 20 people. Guides such as Bruno, Roberto, Marco, and José search for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Drinks, equipment, coastal views, and a return to the marina are included.

“Worth it even if you don't see the creatures :) With the right weather the trip is exciting, and the views simply stunning. Our guide, Bruno, is funny and knowledgabe so made you feel at ease and safe. We stopped for a swim in the ocean (amazing) and there was an open bar with local specialties. Couldn't recommend more :D”

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Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop - Searching for whales along Palm Mar
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Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop

5.Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,375 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $18

Cruise from Los Cristianos along Tenerife’s Palm Mar coast aboard a Blue Boat-certified yacht. Your guide searches for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and flying fish, then pauses near the Cave of Love for a planned ocean swim. The boat has a toilet, bar, shaded areas, and a low-gravity center designed to reduce seasickness.

“Great day loved it great staff saw the Wales and the dolphins and the turtles would highly recommend”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip - Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Sail from Funchal Marina with Gaviao Madeira for three hours of wildlife watching near Cabo Girão. Guides including Bruno, Joseph, and other crew members share facts about dolphins and whales, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Small groups, complimentary drinks, and a relaxed yacht make this a pleasant alternative to a crowded catamaran.

“We didn't see any whales or dolphins, but felt we were taken good care of as the guide was friendly and helpful, so we had a good time. It was fun swimming in the ocean with this spectacular scenery.”

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Fuerteventura: Sailing with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching - Looking for dolphins and whales with the engine off
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Fuerteventura: Sailing with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

7.Fuerteventura: Sailing with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,083 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $104

Meet at Restaurante Cofradía in Morro Jable for a 3.5-hour sailing trip with Flounder Yacht Sailing. Crew members such as Carlos and Younes set sail with small groups, search for dolphins and whales, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and serve local tapas, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Wind jackets and snorkeling gear are supplied.

“The crew and service was excellent. Crew made sure that everyone was enjoying their trip. The sail boat took us quite far to the sea and we got to see dolphins. Since the sailing took more time than expected, there was quite a short time for snorkeling, but that didn’t mind. All in all it was a fantastic trip and would highly recommend it to everyone who wants to enjoy peaceful sailing trip and the chance to see dolphins!”

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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks - Dolphin Watching Without False Promises
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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

8.Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,062 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $71

Sail from Puerto Banús for 2 to 2.5 hours aboard a 12 to 14-meter yacht, with an English or Spanish-speaking captain, drinks, snacks, and a chance to spot dolphins, tuna, and other marine life. Choose a shared or private trip. Captains such as Agustin, Vinny, Juan, and Tony are praised for friendly service and good local guidance.

“Captain (Agustin) was very friendly & professional. Was attentive to all passengers & played great music.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - The first search across Faxafloi Bay
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

9.Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for three hours in Faxafloi Bay aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca point out humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins. You get blankets, WiFi, a bar, indoor seating, and a return ticket if no wildlife appears.

“We want to thank Rebecca, our tour guide, for a wonderful trip full of great information! We saw lots of dolphins, some humpback whales and a couple of puffins. The only thing is that it wasn’t clear where the meeting point was, we were an hour early but almost missed the boat because we were waiting at the wrong spot.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H) - Searching for whales and dolphins in the marine reserve
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

10.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 691 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Sail from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter El Mojo Picón with captain Antonio or another multilingual guide. In three hours, you may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish, then swim or snorkel in a clear cove beneath the 600-meter cliffs. Small shared groups, snacks, drinks, and gear are included.

“Great tour - we saw a lot of small whales and came very close (7 to 10 meters max). Snacks and drinks were served (loved the tortilla and local cheese) and our guide even had snorkeling gear to lend. Clear recommendation from my end!”

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Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor - Under the Ravenel Bridge and Past the Battery
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Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

11.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Step aboard the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly quiet sail around Charleston Harbor. The crew raises the sails by hand, points out Fort Sumter, Patriots Point, the USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge, and may let you help with the lines. Bring snacks, buy drinks on board, and watch for dolphins.

“Beautiful harbor cruise on a sunny day in October. Something different and unique to do. Crew was great!”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time - Searching for pilot whales in Tenerife’s marine waters
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

12.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 511 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

Set out from Puerto Colón on a sailing boat carrying no more than 11 people. Captain Guy, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian may guide your three-hour trip, searching for pilot whales and dolphins before a swim stop. You receive snacks, a fresh sandwich, snorkeling gear, and beer, wine, soft drinks, and a glass of sparkling wine.

“Great day and I would highly recommend. We had pilot whales swim along side the boat and saw a mother and baby sea turtle. It was perfect.”

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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink - Sailing along Estepona’s coast
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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

13.Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Meet Captain Manuel and his crew at Puerto de Estepona for a relaxed two-hour sail aboard the Intrépido. You will search for dolphins, enjoy one beer, wine, or soft drink, and may stop for a swim if conditions are safe. The boat dog may also join the outing.

“Lovely trip under sail, saw a pod of dolphins, had a refreshing swim and a choice of drinks included.”

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise - The animals you might see in Faxafloi Bay
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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

14.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard Harpa or Amelia Rose for about three hours in Faxafloi Bay. An onboard guide helps you look for whales, dolphins, and summer puffins, while heated indoor areas, blankets, a bar, Wi-Fi, and wide viewing decks make the outing easier in Iceland’s cold, changeable weather. Lucky has been praised for lively wildlife commentary.

“We had an amazing experience on the Amelia Rose yacht for the Whale and Dolphin excursion, even though we didn’t get to see a dolphin, we saw about five whale's, got some fantastic photos, the day was sunny, sky blue but quite chilly. We stayed on top so as not to miss anything but they have lovely warm cabins that service hot chocolate and snacks Definitely recommend”

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Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat - Watching pilot whales in their own waters
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Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

15.Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 461 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71Top rated

Cruise from Puerto Colón with a skipper and a small group of up to 11 people. Watch pilot whales and dolphins in Tenerife’s coastal waters, then stop for a swim and enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and bottled water. Captains including Raúl, Álvaro, Víctor, and Slava are praised for careful wildlife viewing and friendly guidance.

“Toller Ausflug, gerne wieder.👍👍👍. Super freundliches Team. Kleine Gruppe, wir waren nur acht Personen.”

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Private Yacht Cruise to Dolphin House with Lunch : Hurghada - Lunch, drinks, and the practical comfort of the boat
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Private Yacht Cruise to Dolphin House with Lunch : Hurghada

21★ 5.0Private Yacht Cruise to Dolphin House with Lunch : HurghadaFrom $150120 reviews

New in Sailing and Yacht Dolphin Trips

★ 5.0Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 33 Foot Boat17 reviews
★ 4.5Private Sailing – dolphin Experience Estepona – drink & food – 4h47 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises131Catamaran Dolphin Cruises23Speedboat and RIB Dolphin Trips23Sunset Dolphin Cruises54Luxury Dolphin Cruises16
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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