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Where to Go: the 15 Best Dolphin Trips & Day Outings Worldwide

208 tours  ·  from $19 a head

The good dolphin trips & day outings fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - From Albufeira Marina to the open sea
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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

1.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40Our pick

Set out from Albufeira with a skipper and live guide for a fast coastal ride to Benagil, São Rafael, and Marinha. Guides such as Ana and Ruben explain the coast while you search for dolphins, enter Benagil Cave for a few minutes, and stop for a swim when sea conditions allow. Shared and private options are available.

“It was amazing experience to see this natural caves but because of the wawes we couldn’t go very near to the caves overall experience was good”

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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - The New Magic is built for a relaxed outing
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Benalmadena: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

2.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,786 reviews · 1h 40m · from $22

Set out from Benalmádena aboard the New Magic, a roomy catamaran with shaded seating, a bar, music, restrooms, and underwater viewing windows. Your captain and crew search for dolphins along the Costa del Sol, then may pause for an open-sea swim in summer. Bring sunscreen, a light layer, and realistic expectations: dolphins are common, but never guaranteed.

“The staff were so nice! The boat was lovely and most importantly we got to see the most gorgeous group of dolphins in they're natural habitat. Would definitely reccomend”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The first 45 minutes: searching the Atlantic
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

3.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

From Funchal’s new marina, you’ll sail on a spacious catamaran with a small group, guided in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Look for dolphins, whales, and turtles, then swim below Cabo Girão, Madeira’s 586-meter sea cliff. Liv and David are among the crew members praised for warm service, with snacks, towels, snorkels, and drinks included.

“The crew were incredibly considerate and helpful. The small group size made the experience feel personal and well-managed, with clear environmental awareness throughout. It was a genuinely customer-focused experience from start to finish. Thank you so much for doing your job so well.”

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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - Summer dolphins and coastal scenery
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

4.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

From Lahaina, ride a low-water zodiac raft with a marine naturalist. December through April brings humpback whales and hydrophone songs. Summer trips focus on dolphins and coastal views. Captains such as Jack, Mark, and Steve have been praised for finding wildlife, but expect spray, sun, and no guaranteed close encounter.

“Captain Mark and first mate Olivia were wonderful! We had a slow start seeing whales but ended with a mom, baby and escort checking us out. What an amazing experience!! Both Capital Mark and Olivia took the time to educate throughout the trip. Capital Mark also nicely reminded people when to sit so others could see.”

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Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist - Searching for dolphins in the open Atlantic
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Lagos: Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

5.Combo Dolphin and Benagil Tour with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,352 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63

From Lagos Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours aboard the fast Hurricane speedboat searching for wild dolphins with a marine biologist, then cruise to Benagil Cave and other sea caves. Expect expert commentary in English or Portuguese, ocean spray, strong wind, and a genuine wildlife encounter that is never guaranteed.

“Great, saw dolphins. Went into caves, unbelievable how well the captain was able to navigate into the caves.”

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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

6.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

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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Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours - The scenery between dolphin sightings
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Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

7.Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,242 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Cruise from 366 Riverview Drive through Jekyll Island’s waterways, salt marshes, and wild beaches while captains such as Pablo, Troup, and Paul explain local ecology and history. Bottlenose dolphins are the main prize, but you may also spot turtles, manatees, herons, osprey, and shrimp boats.

“They cant promise Dolphin to be seen but they do everything in their power to make it happen. Which they did, the sky was beautiful with the sun going down high recommend.”

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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca - Leaving from C. Pob. Marinero, 1
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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

8.Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,229 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

From Los Gigantes, you’ll ride a speedboat with a Spanish and English-speaking guide to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop for a 15-minute swim at Masca Bay. Guides such as Juan Carlos and George have been praised for their friendly approach and care around marine life. Bring goggles, a towel, and sunscreen.

“Best tour in Los Gigantes! We were able to see pilot whales, turtles and also flying fish, we then went to the famous Masca beach and went for a swim.”

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Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour - The dolphin search: what you may actually see
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Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

9.Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,185 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Cruise Clearwater Harbor for about 90 minutes aboard a 40-foot Coast Guard inspected boat. Your captain and crew search for bottlenose dolphins, explain local wildlife and landmarks, then stop at Compass Island for swimming and shell hunting. The boat carries up to 38 people, and some departures feature crew members such as Sierra and Katlyn.

“The ride was entertaining and we got to see a lot of dolphins and take a quick trip to a tiny island for seashell collecting.”

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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first - we care - The south coast and Mount Teide from the water
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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

10.No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Sail from Los Cristianos aboard Bahriyeli, a 23-meter, two-mast Turkish gulet, for a two-hour search for Tenerife’s pilot whales and dolphins. Marine life specialists explain what you see, while the boat follows a strict no-chase policy. You may also spot turtles, seabirds, jellyfish, or migrating whales, with Mount Teide rising inland.

“Well organized activity, we were able to see bunch of dolphins and whales, recommend to try this experience”

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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers - Fort Myers Beach and the shell stop
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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

11.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddleboard through Fort Myers and Bonita Springs waterways with a guide such as Eric or Chase. Look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, starfish, conch, and other wildlife, then stop at a white-sand beach for shells and coastal views. Boards and safety gear are provided, and beginners ages six and up can join.

“Our tour guide Eric was great and full of knowledge. We were lucky to be able to watch the dolphins play for a while.”

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Port d'Alcudia: Sunrise at Sea & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Leaving Puerto de Alcúdia in the dark
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Port d’Alcudia: Sunrise at Sea & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

12.Port d’Alcudia: Sunrise at Sea & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,035 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Set out from Puerto de Alcúdia before dawn for a three-hour catamaran cruise along Mallorca’s north coast. Watch the sunrise at sea, look for wild dolphins, and enjoy a small breakfast of pastries, bread, ham, cheese, and a drink on the return. Bring warm layers and prepare for a large boat carrying up to 150 to 200 people.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this trip, well worth the morning & the early start absolutely surreal I recommend this trip it’s once in a lifetime experience 5* No transfer from our hotel but it was 7€ in a taxi which was easy enough to do”

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Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston - Why Captain Adam shapes the experience
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston

13.Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,860 reviews · 40 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $32

Set out from Pier 21 for a 40 to 45-minute dolphin cruise through Galveston Harbor. Captain Adam often adds local history, jokes, music, and views of ships and waterfront landmarks while guiding the boat toward dolphin sightings. Enclosed, heated vessels with 360-degree views are available, and every seat offers a good look at the water.

“We saw about 20 dolphins and it was very interesting It was very nice to see a variety of dolphins, both adult and juvenile and they were close Thank you, captain Adam for the great tour”

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Hurghada: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch - The dolphin search is the day’s great unknown
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Hurghada: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

14.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,819 reviews · from $25

Join Mido and the crew from Hurghada’s Public Beach Number 9 for a 6 to 7 hour Red Sea boat trip. Look for wild dolphins, snorkel at two coral reefs, eat lunch on board, and try the banana boat and sofa boat. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but guides work hard to find them.

“I really enjoyed everything , snorkeling was a lot of fun , the guide was fun and helpful , always looking for everybody , the lunch was also good.Great experience , would recommend to everyone 😁❤️”

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Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

15.Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 1,807 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $41

From Puerto del Carmen, you board the Biosfera Jet for a 1.5-hour search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other sea life. The crew provides live commentary in English, Spanish, or French, then stops for a swim in the Atlantic. The low boat gives you good views beside the hull, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Didn’t see any dolphins unfortunately but we did get to see a Bride Whale which was amazing.”

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New in Tours

★ 5.0Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin CruiseFrom $28311 reviews
★ 4.7Alghero: Dolphin Watching Tour with Marine ResearcherFrom $59172 reviews
★ 4.6Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco TourFrom $6447 reviews
★ 4.6Dolphins & Benagil Caves RIB TourFrom $34241 reviews
★ 4.8Alanya Relax Boat Tour with Caretta and Dolphin View32 reviews
★ 4.4Alanya: Sealanya Dolphinpark Dolphin Show TourFrom $5314 reviews
★ 4.2Adelaide: Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak TourFrom $3854 reviews
★ 4.6Hilton Head Island: 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature TourFrom $3585 reviews
★ 4.04 Hour Egmont Key Island Tour With Dolphins & SnorkelingFrom $895 reviews
★ 4.7Cocoa Beach: Private 2-Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour43 reviews
★ 5.03-Day Private Tour of Mauritius with Optional Dolphin SwimFrom $2872 reviews
★ 4.62 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa BeachFrom $6545 reviews
★ 4.8Dolphin Watching Boat Tour including DrinksFrom $2941 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin Tour and Sunrise Watching in Lovina Beach – All InclusiveFrom $6381 reviews
Watching Dolphin Tour at Lovina BeachFrom $4124 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