THE USA

The 15 Best Sunset Dolphin Cruises in the USA

24 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Every trip has one free morning too few. These 15 sunset dolphin cruises in the USA justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

1.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon and the waters near St. Andrews State Park. You’ll look for dolphins, watch the sails go up, enjoy music, and buy drinks or snacks from the onboard galley. Captain Clay and crew members including Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma are among the friendly faces connected with this popular cruise.

“It was great, good service and great views. The team was very polite. Being out on the water for 2 hours was definitely worth the experience.”

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Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour - Cruising the Brazos Santiago Pass
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Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour

2.Sunset Dolphin Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,661 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19Best value

Join Isla Tours at Sea Ranch Marina for a 90-minute cruise through the Brazos Santiago Pass. You may see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, frigate birds, fish, the Coast Guard Station, and SpaceX’s Boca Chica area before sunset. Guides such as Patrick, Eric, Michael, and Randy have been praised for lively narration and helping with photos.

“We decided to do this last minute. It was a lot of fun. One of the highlights of our trip! We saw lots of dolphins and a beautiful sunset.”

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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas - A two-and-a-half-hour route along the southern shore
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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

3.Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 699 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Sail from Key West’s Historic Seaport on a 2.5-hour catamaran trip with a chance to spot wild dolphins, then watch the sunset near Sunset Key, Mallory Square, and Fort Zachary Taylor. Premium wine, beer, champagne, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres are included. Captains and crew vary by departure.

“Captain Daniel and John were outstanding and very accommodating. The tapas were exceptional, much more than we anticipated and would give the chef 5 stars!”

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Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach - Sunset views with a drink in hand
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Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach

4.Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 649 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about two hours aboard The Explorer, a stable catamaran that slips into shallow creeks and back bays around Orange Beach. Captain Lynn, Captain Johnny, Alana, Morgan, and other crew members have led trips with dolphin sightings, bird-spotting, music, drinks, and sunset views. The boat holds up to 36 people and returns to the Wharf.

“It was a beautiful trip! We saw lots of dolphins and the sunset was gorgeous! The crew for the boat was a lot of fun and knowledgeable about where to find the dolphins. They also pointed out wildlife along the way.”

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Dolphin & Sunset Cruises - How the dolphin search works
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Dolphin & Sunset Cruises

5.Dolphin & Sunset Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 519 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Set out from 102 Harbor Blvd for an approximately 90-minute cruise through Destin Harbor, East Pass, the bay, and the Gulf. You’ll look for wild dolphins from open-air decks or a glass-bottom viewing area, with restrooms, snacks, and a heated or air-conditioned cabin available. The cruise returns to its starting point.

“What an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We saw a bunch of dolphins, sharks and sting rays. The tour was affordable and fun. We will definitely do this again.”

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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise - Searching for dolphins in open water
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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

6.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Spend three hours aboard the Sunset One searching for wild dolphins, snorkeling near Cottrell Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, and watching the sun set over turquoise water. English-speaking guides, safety gear, snorkel equipment, and draft beer are included. Dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed.

“Very friendly & family owned charter, the experience was phenomenal!!”

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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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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise - The captains make the difference
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Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

8.Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Join Vagabond Cruise at Harbour Town Pier for a 90-minute sunset trip aboard the Vagabond. Captain-led narration covers dolphins, birds, Daufuskie Island, and local lore. You will search open water first, then head up Bull Creek to Dolphin Hole for sunset. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

“We had a great time and watched a beautiful sunset. Couldn’t understand 90% of what the guide was saying. It wasn’t him, it was the intercom system.”

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Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise - Dolphins in the salt marsh
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Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

9.Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 393 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Board the Vagabond beneath Harbour Town Lighthouse for a 90-minute narrated cruise with guaranteed wild dolphin sightings. Captain Justin and crew share stories about Hilton Head’s waters, wildlife, and shrimping industry while you watch the sunset, Haig Point Lighthouse, marsh birds, and passing boats. Beer, wine, soda, water, and snacks are sold onboard.

“What an amazing experience!!! Captain and the Crew were amazing and we got to see many dolphins. The highlight was a 2 sunset views and a bald eagle that basically hovered over the boat!”

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Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching - Starting at Miss Chris Marina
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Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching

10.Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 382 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Join Captain Jeff and the Cape May Whale Watcher for a two-hour sunset cruise off Cape May. Search for bottlenose dolphins, view the lighthouse and Victorian waterfront from the water, and enjoy included pizza and hot dogs. The ship has heated and air-conditioned cabins, broad decks, bars, and an English-speaking guide.

“I Loved That I Got To See Dolphins For The Very First Time Ever 😫 Next Is Swimming With Them .. I Thank You For The Amazing Opportunity 💙”

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Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views - Leaving Harbor Court with a drink in hand
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Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

11.Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 355 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Set out from Fort Myers Beach for a 90-minute sunset cruise with a captain and first mate. You will pass the Shrimp Boat Fleet and Mound House, circle Bowditch Point, and watch for dolphins with Sanibel Lighthouse behind the sunset. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. Groups are limited to 18.

“It was fabulous! Highly recommend. Saw lots of dolphins and a spectacular sunset! Dan and Deacon, who ran the boat were so great!!”

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Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour - Looking for dolphins around Anna Maria Island
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Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour

12.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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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise - A sunset over the San Diego shore
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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

13.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Set out from Mission Bay Park for a 2 to 3-hour sunset cruise with a certified guide and an experienced crew. You will scan the coast for dolphins and whales, hear facts about local marine life, and finish with wide sunset views. Bring warm layers, since the boat can feel windy and choppy after dark.

“It was an amazing experience! Beautiful day in the ocean. The naturalist on board was amazing as well. Highly recommend.”

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90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise - Searching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
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90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

14.90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 230 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Spend 90 minutes on Hilton Head’s tidal salt marsh with a captain such as Dan, Kelly, or Grant, watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as the sun drops. You’ll hear about local wildlife, oysters, Gullah culture, and island history. The boat carries up to 49 people, has bottled water and a bar, and returns to Shelter Cove Marina.

“Easy parking, office right near parking lot. Super friendly staff. Captain Dan was fantastic. We saw so many dolphins and even glimpsed a manatee! Captain Dan was funny and informative, not only about dolphins but also about Hilton Head Island and the waters surrounding it. He was a joy from beginning to end.”

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Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide - Boarding at 189 Brooks Street
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Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide

15.Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 146 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Set out from 189 Brooks St SE in Fort Walton Beach aboard a roomy 45-foot Corinthian Catamaran. Your English-speaking captain and guide will point out dolphins, marine life, and local landmarks before taking you into the Gulf of Mexico for sunset. Water is included, while snacks and drinks are available to purchase.

“Sean & Hagan were the best! My 10yo & 7yo had a BLAST! My husband and I, as well!”

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New in Sunset Dolphin Cruises in the USA

★ 4.9Anna Maria Island: Sunset Dolphin CruiseFrom $648 reviews
★ 4.5Hilton Head: Private Dolphin Day or Sunset Catamaran Sail27 reviews
★ 5.0Private Charleston Sunset & Dolphin Cruise33 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises139Swim with Dolphins31Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours114Sunset Dolphin Cruises55Private Dolphin Watching Charters43Kayak Dolphin Tours25
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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