Top North America Dolphin Watching in 2026

Get the opportunity to spot dolphins and, depending on the season, humpback whales on your next Maui trip. Choose from three small-group eco raft tours from Maui to Lanai, including a snorkel tour, dolphin excursion, or 2-in-1 combo. Enjoy snorkeling instruction, marine naturalist narration, and complimentary fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages, with departures from Front Street in Lahaina and easy access from nearby resort areas.

Look out for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that thrive along the coast of South Padre Island on a wildlife boat tour from Sea Ranch Marina. Cruise past the US Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, and other local attractions with a comfortable seat on a wildlife-watching boat. The vessel is equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net so you can see South Padre sea life up close.

Experience the best that Key West has to offer with this combination tour that includes a dolphin watch, snorkeling, and a view of the island’s famous sunset. Spot dolphins in their natural habitat in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and snorkel in the blue waters surrounding Key West during this family-friendly excursion. The tour departs from the Key West Historic Seaport at 201 William St, near South Beach on Duval Street.

This "safari" style trip lets you avoid the crowds typical of many boat tours. In a small group, head out along the Kona coastline in search of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and whales. When the crew finds the right spot, you can put on your snorkeling gear, jump off, and explore the underwater world. The tour lasts about four hours and includes snacks and bottled water.

Cruise along west Oahu’s pristine shoreline to see the spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally), and other marine creatures that frequent the Waianae Coast. Your 32-foot USCG vessel is led by a lifeguard-certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists, maximizing your chances of spotting Hawaii’s underwater wildlife. Plus, with snorkeling gear included, you can choose to swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, too.

This whale-watching tour provides the opportunity to give back on your Puerto Vallarta vacation. In the company of a biologist guide, you'll see humpback whales up close, as well as dolphins, turtles, and giant mantas in their natural environment and participate in a research project that helps to protect them. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

With 17 miles of pure shoreline splendor—4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, cathedral spires—Kauai’s Na Pali coast claims some of the country’s best sailing and snorkeling. On this tour, you’ll cross both off your list, hopping aboard a sailing catamaran for an unforgettable adventure. Between sitting down to breakfast and lunch, you’ll spot whales, snorkel amongst turtles and rays, and see one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet.

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands by boat on a small-group cruise tour to one of Florida’s top natural attractions. Depart from Marco Island, located just south of Naples. Head to an isolated barrier island that is only accessible by boat, where you can swim in the warm waters, search for shells, and look for marine and other wildlife.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Go on a 3-minute boat ride after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made light board with 300,000 lm that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

View dolphins in their natural habitat and swim within safe viewing distance to turtles and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish. Hawaiian Hula, Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

Experience the magic of whale watching off the coast of Maui with this incredible tour from Ma'alaea Harbor. Spend two-hours cruising the waters with a team of certified marine naturalists and listen in as they unlock the secretes of humpback whales. You'll have the chance to hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones and learn about interactions between these giant marine mammals. Travelers are guaranteed to see whales on this is a once-in-a-lifetime tour or the next trip is free.

Spot native marine wildlife in British Columbia’s waters—and enjoy a more personalized travel experience—on a small-group whale-watching tour from Victoria. Grab an all-weather flotation suit, hop aboard your open-top Zodiac boat in Victoria Harbour, and set off. Your vessel is built for stability, and remains buoyant even in rough seas. As you go, watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, and soak up the dramatic scenery.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

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.

Your whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas will become magical with the help of professional-grade hydrophones. If whales are communicating, you may be lucky to get the rare opportunity to hear the whale songs live! Our RABEN (Mexican whale rescue network) certified captains are experts in anticipating the next best whale watching spot. We ensure to maintain a safe and responsible distance from the whales. While you enjoy the whale-watching experience, our professional photographer will be capturing all the excitement. After the tour, you may purchase photos of your excursion and souvenirs until we meet for our next adventure!

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Not only is Key West a playground paradise for adults, it is for dolphins, too. See how many of these playful creatures you can spot on this small-group sailing tour. You’ll board Our SQUID, we designed and built SQUID from scratch to ensure our guests, and the animals, have the best wildlife experience possible. This catamaran will take you and a crew trained by biologists into the waters around Key West. After watching dolphins swim, you’ll jump into the water and snorkel around the coral reefs to view other marine life.

Increase your chances of seeing humpbacks as they travel through Maui’s warm waters on a whale-watching excursion that gets you closer to the majestic beasts than possible on shore. Hop aboard a sturdy raft in Kihei with an expert naturalist as your guide, and jet to the southern coastline, which hosts one of the highest whale populations in Hawaii. Your guide provides commentary about these fascinating creatures along the way.

The ocean near Dana Point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whale-watching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 20 people aboard an RHIB. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife, and also provides facts and commentary as you cruise.

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

Swap the crowds of Waikiki Beach for a relaxed Hawaiian sunset cruise experience. Relax with included snacks, soft drinks, and coolers with ice for any additional beverages you bring as you cruise along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head while the sun dips into the ocean. Look out for pods of dolphins and large Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the surface.

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.

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through unspoiled waters in search of dolphins and whales, then snorkel in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus convenient hotel pickup. Choose from three daily departure times.

Join dozens of other boats at this sandbar hangout between Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Swim, snorkel, visit one of the many floating restaurants, or just relax and soak up the celebratory vibes. Be the envy of other boaters on this circular, tiki bar-themed vessel. Coolers are provided so you can bring your own drinks and snacks.