Top Florida Nature and Wildlife Tours

Swap crowded bus tours for a much more intimate safari experience—a self-guided tour where you can drive your own vehicle through the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. During the ride, look out for over 100 animals—including zebras, white-tailed deer, and bison. There's also a huge pond that's home to alligators, and an area where you can hand-feed giraffes.

Explore Everglades National Park on this small-group tour that is ideal for those with limited time. Traveling by boat, you can visit areas seldom reached by others and, depending on the season, encounter wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans. You'll also learn about the Everglades ecosystems and its rich heritage.

See the gentle giants of the sea in their natural habitat on this Everglades wildlife tour. Climb aboard the covered boat and set out along the Florida waterways to spot manatees, alligators, sharks, birds, and more. Learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife from your Coast Guard-certified captain and keep your eyes peeled for manatees that sometimes come right up to the boat.

On this kayaking tour, you can look out for a variety of local wildlife, including manatees, monkeys, and birds. The all-clear kayak option provides an immersive experience, allowing you to see the underwater world clearly as you paddle. To make your trip even easier, all equipment is provided, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.

The whole family can learn more about sharks and other marine wildlife on this boat tour from Key West. Travel on board an eco-friendly, 34-foot catamaran just a few miles off the coast to try your luck spotting dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and birds while you learn more about Key West’s waters than you ever would sailing along. Then watch as the pilot drops bait to draw a variety of sharks right to the edge of the boat.

Seeing manatees is one of those must-do experiences in Florida and nothing beats observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. During this relaxing riverboat safari, you can do just that while listening to expert narration about the Crystal River nature reserve. This small-group cruise will ensure you see as much wildlife as possible in a short space of time and get the most out of your visit.

Immerse yourself in Sarasota's coastal mangrove forests, look out for dolphins and manatees, and practice kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding skills on this immersive, small-group tour. After departing from the Turtle Beach Boat Launch, paddle out on Sarasota Bay and practice with your equipment. Then, head into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve for your best chance to see local marine life including dolphins.

Cruise to Shell Island and search for wild dolphins on a catamaran sailing trip from Panama City Beach. The catamaran’s broad, stable deck makes it a comfortable alternative to smaller boats prone to rocking in the waves, and since it’s stocked with paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and a waterslide, it’s the perfect base for playing in the clear water off Shell Island.

The Dolphin Cruises are 1 hour narrated cruises through the Destin Harbor, through the East Pass into the Gulf of Mexico and into the Bay near the world-famous Crab Island. See Dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the scenic Emerald Coast shoreline. Enjoy an early morning, noon or sunset cruise depending on the season. Concessions on board for light snacks and beverages.

Look for dolphins around Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach on a cruise in the Tampa Bay Area. Continue into the Gulf of Mexico to visit Shell Key island, a wildlife preserve where you can snorkel, swim, or collect shells on the beach. Depending on the season, you might spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and a variety of seabirds. This family-friendly tour offers both a late morning and afternoon departure, making it easy to suit your schedule.

Set sail from 500 Harbor Blvd on a 45 Corinthian Catamaran for a 1.5-hour tour of Destin Harbor, then watch for wild dolphins. Once spotted, the boat will get as close as possible and you’re free to walk around the deck to get the best view of your new flippered friends. Other points of interest include Crab Island, The Destin Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Go deep-sea fishing at Riviera Beach with a half-day outing aboard a custom-built aluminum drift fishing boat. All equipment and a fishing license are provided, so you won’t need to do any extra planning. Just climb aboard, then enjoy cushioned seating on your way to nearby fishing grounds. With an experienced crew available throughout the trip, this outing is suited to everyone from beginners to experienced anglers.

Sail past beaches, skylines, and wildlife on this Dolphin Racer Adventure from St. Pete. Take in the views and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins that are known to reside in the area. Listen to informative commentary from your guide throughout the ride and enjoy the scenery as you cruise. Note: dolphin surfing is guaranteed, or your next trip is free.

Get ready for fun in the sun—and check off two top experiences in just one trip—on this dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour off the coast of Key West. Departing Key West, look out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat, then jump in for a shallow-water snorkel at the Key West National Wildlife Refuge with many different species of marine life. Relax, feel the warm sea breezes, and select from a variety of refreshing beverages on board the boat.

The Gulf of Mexico is known for wild dolphin sightings and this tour from Clearwater Beach helps you discover the pods. Climb aboard the Little Toot, a tugboat-style boat, that creates a big wake that dolphins like to play in. While you’re out on the water, enjoy lively commentary about the dolphins and the surrounding area.

Spend a few hours out on the water off Panama City Beach's coast on this sightseeing cruise. Get your captain's assistance in spotting local marine wildlife such as dolphins, manta rays, manatees, and sea turtles. This family-friendly cruise includes the chance to play games and dance on the deck on the way back to land.

Get out on the water and look for dolphins and other wildlife with this nature boat cruise. Make your way to Madeira Beach to board “The Big Blue Boat,” the largest and most stable dolphin watching boat in the Tampa Bay area, then cruise out in search of dolphins, manatees, sea birds, and more, with full narration along the way.

The calm waters of Blue Springs State Park are home to hundreds of manatees through winter: This small-group kayaking tour feels like your own invitation into their world. Paddle your way through waters fed by a crystal clear natural spring and learn all about the area from your tour guide. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are included for your convenience.

Check out Crab Island in style on this tiki hut-inspired pleasure cruise. Let your captain steer you and your group to their favorite spot on the sandbank where you can kick back, relax, take a dip, and sip a drink in the crystal blue water. And don’t worry, there’s a restroom on board.

Get an up-close view of Florida’s spectacular, coastal mangrove forests—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this kayaking or paddleboarding tour. Pick from multiple tour times, head to the departure point, and meet your guide: after an introduction to your kayak or paddleboard, you’ll hit the water. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, have the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees, and learn more about the forests from your guide.

Cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s historic New River and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner on this cruise. Board the Jungle Queen Riverboat and see the luxurious mansions and yachts along Millionaire’s Row, stretching from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center to the Intracoastal Waterway. The cruise travels to a tropical isle for an endless dinner offering barbecue ribs, and chicken with all the trimmings. Then experience a laugh-out-loud variety show to cap off an enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Soak up the waterfront beauty of the Florida Keys—and make getting there from Miami smooth and hassle-free—on this full-day sightseeing tour, complete with round-trip transit. Following hotel pickup, travel aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with live narration to introduce the region's highlights and history. Upon arrival in Key West, have half a day to explore independently—or upgrade to snorkel, tour by glass-bottomed boat, and beyond.

Set sail from Destin for the Crab Island sandbar with your own private captain. Choose the tour length that best suits your group, and let your guide do the rest, steering you and your group to their favorite spot where you can kick back, relax, take a dip, and sip a drink in the refreshing blue water.