Top 10 Dolphin Watching Trips in the USA

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Captain Keith, Clay, Heath, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members help with dolphin spotting, snorkeling, paddle boards, music, drinks, and the waterslide during this 3-hour outing.

“Tons of fun, great crew worth every penny. Loved seeing dolphins on the way out, shell island was amazing, saw even more dolphins on the way back”

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2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

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

Set sail from 5201 N Lagoon Drive for a two-hour sunset cruise with Island Time Sailing. You’ll pass St. Andrews State Park, watch for dolphins, enjoy music and drinks from the onboard bar, and return for dockside games and dancing. Crew members such as Captain Clay and Christo may be on hand.

“You can either just kick back & enjoy the ride, or walk around getting pictures from different vantage points. Or both. Enjoy a drink. They usually manage to find at least a couple of groups of dolphins to watch - & the sunsets are unbelievable!”

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3.Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Join Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching from Old Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour Monterey Bay cruise. Guides such as Kevin point out humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, birds, and the bay’s kelp forest. The smaller boat offers good views, though choppy water can be a factor.

“It was awesome! We saw soo many whales. It was totally perfect. 5 meters waves but it doesn’t matter because we only focused on water and whales and sea lions jumping out from water. I highly recommend! Thank you for experience.”

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4.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out from Tierra Verde Marina on a 25-foot pontoon with up to six people. Your captain, often Noel, Megan, or Dave, searches Boca Ciega Bay for dolphins and manatees before stopping at Shell Key for beach snorkeling, shell collecting, and swimming.

“Wonderful Captain and very knowledgeable on her wildlife as she is a Marine biologist. She was able to show us five manities plus dolphins in our trip to Shell Island was amazing snorkeling.”

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5.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise through Broad Creek with a licensed captain and local guide. Expect dolphin sightings, birds, marsh scenery, and clear stories about Hilton Head’s ecosystem. Captains Kate, Pete, and first mates Wendy, Kim, and others are praised for warm, lively commentary.

“I had done a different dolphin watching tour near sunset out of sea Pines last spring. This particular excursion was far better. The boat held fewer people so it was easier to get a view of the dolphins. The acoustics were excellent and our host and captain were female. They provided great detail about the dolphins, the marsh land ecosystem, and even some of the local flora and fauna! The excursion was exactly enough time hour and a half and since we are entering the cooler months, it was better to go out earlier in the day. We were able to see several pods with new juvenile dolphins who were…”

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6.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,386 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $73

Ride from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island with a guide such as Stephanie, Dennis, Max, or Chris. Enjoy a dolphin cruise past Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, lunch at The Crab Shack at your own cost, beach time, and lighthouse photos before returning by trolley.

“We had a Wonderful time. You won't be disappointed. We saw so many dolphins !! Definitely recommend!!”

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7.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Join Ocean Joy Cruises aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran for a half-day trip from Ko Olina. Your captain and crew guide you along Oahu’s west coast in search of dolphins, seasonal whales, turtles, and flying fish, followed by snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and onboard showers.

“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”

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8.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Set out from Kailua Pier on Body Glove’s spacious catamaran for a morning of dolphin watching and about two hours in the water at Red Hill. You get gear, reef-safe sunscreen, breakfast, BBQ lunch, slides, a high-jump platform, paddleboards, and attentive lifeguard support.

“Deluxe large Catamaran vessel very comfortable and great for snorkeling swimming or just lounging in the ocean water. Awesome jump from top deck even a slide off the back of the boat. Easy access off and back on the boat after a swim. Nice breakfast and lunch - burgers were great. Staff very friendly and attentive. I would do it again.”

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9.Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, turtles, and osprey while passing Harbour Town Lighthouse and Daufuskie Island. Covered seating keeps the ride comfortable.

“It was amazing, the crew was fantastic and very nice.”

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10.Dolphin Watching/Eco Cruise, John’s Pass, Madeira Bch, FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 529 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31Best value

Join Dolphin Quest at John's Pass for a 90-minute cruise around Madeira Beach. Captains Steve or Jim and guides such as Kirsten and Grace share facts about local dolphins while you watch for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, waterfront homes, and Gulf views. A restroom and paid snacks are available aboard.

“Had a great time. Saw lots of dolphins amd learned a bunch of interesting facts. The guides were friendly.”

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