Dolphin Watching Boat Trips in the USA: Our 15 Best

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 aboard Island Time’s broad catamaran to Shell Island, with dolphin watching, snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay, paddle boards, and a waterslide. Captains and crew members such as Heath, Clay, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and Carter help run the trip. Plan on three hours, plus a 30-minute early check-in.

“We had the perfect time on Island Time! The two captains and bartender took the time to get to know us, were so helpful in spotting dolphins (easily over 100)! They slowed down and stopped so we could take videos/photos. Then spending time walking the beach on shell island was more beautiful than expected. My husband snorkeled and we found sand dollars and gorgeous shells. The music was relaxed but fun, the drink offerings were spot-on (go for the rum punch) and the 3 hours on the trip were some of the best spent on our entire trip!”

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2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

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

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time’s catamaran in Panama City Beach. Cruise Grand Lagoon past St. Andrews State Park and waterfront homes while watching for dolphins, listening to music, and enjoying sunset views. A galley bar sells drinks and snacks, and the evening ends with games and dancing at the dock. Crew names include Captain Clay, Christo, Carter, Sara, and Audra.

“Fantastic! The crew was incredibly nice and welcoming. I thought it was nice that they came around and took pictures for us! We saw plenty of dolphins. The amount of time on the water was appropriate. I liked that there was a bar onboard!”

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3.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

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

Join Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching at Old Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour cruise into Monterey Bay. Guides such as Kevin and Lauren explain whale behavior, birds, seals, and the bay’s fragile ecology while the captain searches for humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife. The small boat offers good viewing, though rough water can be a challenge.

“Was able to see whales, sea lions and migrant birds it was worth it”

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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

Join a maximum of six people aboard a cushioned 25-foot pontoon from Tierra Verde Marina. Captain Noel, Megan, or Dave may lead you toward dolphins and manatees in Boca Ciega Bay, then stop at Shell Key for shallow-water snorkeling, swimming, and shell collecting. Bottled water, gear, ice, and free parking are included.

“Go for 4 hours instead of 2. It was the highlight of our trip to Florida. Noel was the best and made sure we had a great experience..thank you Noel”

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5.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

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

From Palmetto Bay Marina, you’ll cruise Broad Creek for about 90 minutes with a United States Coast Guard licensed captain and local guide. Expect narration about Hilton Head’s dolphins, marsh ecosystem, birds, and island scenery. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.

“Captain Kate & Kim were wonderful. We saw lots of dolphins. I would definitely do it again. Thank you!”

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6.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

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

Spend 5 to 6 hours traveling by trolley from Savannah to Tybee Island, with a dolphin cruise, lunch stop at The Crab Shack, beach time, and views of Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse. Guides such as Stephanie, Dennis, Chris, Max, and Radar are known for sharing local history. Lighthouse entry and lunch cost extra.

“This tour is a must do on a nice day! Dennis was a wonderful tour guide! He explained so much about the history of Savannah on our way to Tybee Island. Lunch at the Crab Shack was wonderful. The dolphin cruise was great and we saw many dolphins, but go on a warm day, we froze on the water since it was 55 that day. Tybee Island was very pretty and the lighthouse is awesome. The old lighthouse on the dolphin cruise was my favorite.”

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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

Board the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran at Ko Olina, or add round-trip Waikiki transport. Your captain searches for dolphins, seasonal whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping for guided snorkeling. Then enjoy kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, drinks, warm showers, and onboard photos during this 3.5-hour cruise.

“Overall an amazing experience! The staff was the absolute best. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to everyone. Excellent service, will definitely be back again and recommend this experience to friends!”

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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

From Kailua Pier, Body Glove’s 4.5-hour catamaran cruise pairs dolphin watching with snorkeling at Red Hill. You get breakfast, barbecue lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, a 20-foot slide, a 15-foot jump platform, showers, shade, and attentive water safety staff. Bring a towel. Alcohol costs extra.

“What a great crew. Snorkeling was good. Lots of of amenities. Saw a pod of dolphins that was amazing and they were all around the boat. Overall, great trip.”

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9.Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 767 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Best value

Cruise from Clearwater Beach with guides such as Matt, Eliza, Mark, and Zach, watch dolphins in the Gulf, then swim at One-Tree Island. You get live narration, shaded seating, onboard restroom, iced coolers for your own food and drinks, and free ice cream for children. The sandbar stop is brief but easygoing.

“got caught in a storm, absolutely loved it, captain and 1st mate handled it perfectly. very great time!”

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10.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Spend three hours on a 45-foot power catamaran from Key West, watching bottlenose dolphins and snorkeling in the Key West Wildlife Refuge. English-speaking guides such as Liv, Lisa, Ally, and Nicole have led trips, with gear, water, sodas, and drinks included. Choose a late departure seasonally for sunset views.

“providing proper snorkeling gear could help the non swimmers”

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11.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 local guide, watching Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Calibogue Sound. Guides such as Wendy, Kate, Pete, and Kim are known for lively nature talks, family-friendly attention, and helping children sit at the helm. Expect historic sights, wildlife, and covered seating for $39.

“This cruise was the high point of our vacation. First mate Wendy and Captain Kate are the best. Try and get them. They were both top notch. Educational, funny, caring, and even took photos of everyone. Also, safety was their #1 concern. We were told it was unusual, but we saw about 11 dolphins jumping, playing and swimming. At first it looked like we’d only see 2 , but our crew somehow smoked them out!😄. Forget all other tours. You won’t top this one! Keith and Mary. Kentucky”

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

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

Join Dolphin Quest at John's Pass for a 90-minute Madeira Beach cruise with Captain Steve, Captain Jim, Kirsten, Grace, or Colin. You will look for bottlenose dolphins, pass waterfront homes and local boats, and learn about the bay from the crew. Cruises hold up to 35 people and include a restroom, with snacks and drinks sold onboard.

“We had a great time on the tour. We had our friends from South Korea with us and they enjoyed the experience.”

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13.Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 500 reviews · 1h 30m · from $53

From Historic Gardner’s Basin, you’ll cruise into the Atlantic with an onboard marine guide searching for dolphins and other wildlife. Captains such as Jack have been praised for their facts and care around pods. The trip lasts 90 minutes, costs $53, and includes a free return ticket if no dolphins are found.

“It was AMAZING. It was extra windy that day so the waves were insane. It was so much fun and the captain gave us a ride I will never forget because of how much fun it was! We saw so many dolphins. It will be a core memory forever.”

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14.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

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

Spend three hours aboard Sunset One searching for wild dolphins, snorkeling near Cottrell Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, and watching sunset from the water. Guides such as Kevin, Kylie, Madison, John, and Sparkles have led past trips, with English commentary, safety gear, snorkel equipment, and draft beer included.

“Amazing trip! We saw 3 groups of dolphins swimming nearby and even under the boat, so the trip already made us happy. After that we snorkeled for about 45 minutes which was absolutely fantastic and made a lot of fun. The way back home while watching the sunset was a nice addition to the fantastic trip. Would definitely recommend, although it’s not guaranteed to see dolphins.”

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15.Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Spend about 150 minutes offshore with Harbor Breeze, Aquarium of the Pacific educators, and an experienced whale-watching crew. Watch for humpback, fin, and minke whales, huge dolphin pods, sea lions, seals, and seabirds from a stable catamaran. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, panoramic windows, and a sealife guarantee.

“Weather was good and clear. Flat seas. Whales and dolphins were very cooperative and in abundance. Entire family enjoyed the day.”

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