The 7 Sarasota Dolphin Watching Tours That Are Worth the Early Start

1.Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 330 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

Set out from Waterline Villas & Marina in Holmes Beach for a two-hour dolphin search along Anna Maria Island. Captains such as Mike, Chris, Chad, and Ben share local wildlife facts and island stories while you watch for dolphins, manatees, rays, birds, and more. The covered boat offers shade, and the trip returns to the marina.

“Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, lots of questions were asked by guest and he had an answer for all of them! Loved seeing all the dolphins we were able to see! Great experience!!”

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2.Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Set out from Waterline Villas & Marina with Salty Dolphin Tours for about two hours of dolphin watching and sunset views. Captains including Ben, Chad, Mike, JD, and Luke share local facts, wildlife information, and Florida history. Boats carry up to 40 people, though some trips have fewer passengers. Bring a jacket, sun protection, and drinks.

“This sunset cruise delivers magical dolphin encounters, gorgeous sunsets, and fun, informative crews—make sure it’s on your Anna Maria to-do list.”

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3.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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4.Private Siesta Funship Adventure/Dolphin Cruise Sandbar Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend about four hours on a private Sarasota boat with Captain Joe and crew member Cosmo. Look for dolphins and manatees, then stop at a sandbar or beach for swimming, paddle boarding, or a slide. Bring your own drinks, use the onboard coolers and ice, and possibly stop at a tiki bar.

“Really nice day out with Captain Joe and Cosmo. Big boat with a ton of toys for kids. Joe was very nice and had a lot of good information about the Sarasota area, would go out again if we are back in the area.”

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5.Dolphin Watching boat tour around Anna Maria Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Anna Maria Tours for a private two-hour dolphin cruise from Bradenton, led by an experienced captain such as David. You’ll explore Cortez, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and Coquina Beach, with chances to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and seabirds. Water, soda, ice, shade, and an onboard bathroom are included.

“David was wonderful and went above and beyond for my family! We had a great time touring around and did see some dolphins!”

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6.Sandbar, Beach, Dolphin Watching Cruise Sarasota, Florida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 to 8 hours (approx.)

Cruise Sarasota with Captains Carmen and Dudley on a private boat for up to six people. Swim at a sandbar, watch for dolphins and manatees, use the onboard snorkel gear, and follow a route shaped around your group. Bring towels, sunscreen, and water shoes.

“Carmen and Captain Dudlley are the most kind and caring human beings! They are excellent in communication and very flexible. This tour is a cherry on top to out Florida trip. They are the most affordable private boat tour you can find. Highly recommended and even took some photos and videos for us to treasure!”

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7.Half Day Eco and Dolphin Boat Tour in Siesta Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Jim of Four Keys Charters for a private four-hour cruise from Siesta Key. Look for dolphins, manatees, spoonbills, and pelicans while visiting New Pass, Big Pass, Turtle Beach, Casey Key, and historic waterfront sites. The boat includes a water mat and time for swimming, shelling, snorkeling, or a quiet ride along Sarasota’s coast.

“We had 8 adults and one 2 yr old. We went out on Black Friday (Nov 29th). The weather turned out to be not as sunny and warm as earlier predicted and a cool front was blowing in. Captain Jim still managed to keep us mostly dry and entertained and with interesting facts about the area. We were all from Texas, so it was neat learning about the Sarasota Bay area. We would love to go one another cruise when the weather was warmer to do some snorkeling and swimming!”

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