Top USA Dolphin Watching

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.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

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.

Spot dolphins and other marine life on this playful boat ride aboard a one-of-a-kind 50-foot shark-themed vessel. This specialized boat creates a mega wake that attracts dolphins, and the boat’s shark design is fun for all ages. While on board, you’ll hear interesting Clearwater Beach facts and stories, as you spot attractions and famous homes on land and dolphins in the water.

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 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.

Take a break from the beach on a sightseeing cruise off the coast of Cape May. As your captain navigates to the best locations for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises, your certified naturalist guide offers live commentary about the area’s ocean life and the animals’ natural habitat. The boat is fully equipped with wheelchair access, bathrooms, and a snack bar for your convenience.

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.

Go in search of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico on a cruise from Orange Beach. You can take in views of the Alabama coastline while spotting Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. See other native wildlife, including crabs and hermit crabs, and earlier tours may even get to have a water battle with other vessels.

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.

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.

Have the opportunity to spot dolphins and experience Destin’s world-famous snorkeling without setting sail on a full-day cruise. On this morning cruise, explore the marine life-filled waters around Destin Jetty and stop at two different sites to swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Along the way, cruise to spots that only locals know where there’s a strong chance to spot wild dolphins in their natural environment.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water with a sunset dolphin cruise in Panama City Beach. You will board a new 45' Corinthian Catamaran equipped with a bathroom. This trip is Perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking scenic beauty, this cruise offers a unique opportunity to see dolphins swimming in their natural habitat as the sun sets over the bay. Led by experienced local captains, this relaxing experience guarantees excellent dolphin viewing opportunities and unobstructed sunset views, making each cruise a memorable adventure. Witness the dolphins' playful behavior while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the evening. - Ideal for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts - Expert local captains ensure smooth sailing and insightful commentary - Calm evening conditions enhance dolphin sightings and sunset views - Perfect for creating lasting memories in a scenic setting

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

Embark on a scenic journey to find bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise from Clearwater in Florida. Enjoy the incredible views along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing celebrity mansions while listening to the captain’s commentary. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this exciting tour—in the unlikely event you don’t see them, you can take another cruise at another time for free.

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.

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

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.

Get an up-close look at marine life on this tour, which trades in a typical sightseeing boat for a low-to-the-water Zodiac raft that offers superior views. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the summer or whales in November and May, or simply take in the scenery while listening to live narration from a naturalist guide.

Enjoy sunset views and scan the water for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise off the coast of South Carolina. The frequency of dolphin sightings makes this cruise ideal for those hoping to catch photos of the majestic sea creatures. Plus, throughout the cruise, you can learn about dolphins and your surroundings from an on-board naturalist.

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 the best chance of seeing whales off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, by booking this half-day whale-watch cruise. Your experienced captain and crew know the whales’ feeding and swimming patterns and keep close tabs on where they’re hanging out. Spread out on the deck of the boat and enjoy being out in the open air while you find whales, then get ready to snap photos of breaching, spouts, and tail slaps.

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.