Top USA Dolphin Watching in 2026

Experience Hawaii's underwater world on this 3-hour adventure tour. Cruise on a Zodiac RIB speedboat with just 14 fellow explorers before snorkeling at two vibrant coral reef locations including Captain Cook Monument and sea caves (weather permitting). Discover lava tubes and coves while watching for wild dolphins and whales, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. All snorkel gear, flotation devices, pineapple, and water are included; gratuities and hotel pick-up are not included.

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend around half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on an evening adventure and swim near Hawaii’s manta rays. Start the tour with a sunset sail on a comfortable catamaran to ‘Manta Ray Village’. After a safety briefing, put on your snorkel gear and spend an hour in the water using a state-of-the-art, lit up flotation device to stay on the water’s surface and observe the manta rays bellow as they feed on plankton.

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.

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.

Get an up-close view of Maui’s coastal scenery—and leave the mainland behind for half a day of exploration—on this immersive snorkeling excursion. Visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, snorkeling with professionally fitted gear and enjoying tropical juices, snacks, and a light lunch included. This convenient package covers all snorkel equipment and refreshments, so you don't have to worry about packing supplies.

Cruise along Oahu’s western coastline in search of dolphins on this exciting snorkel tour from Waianae. Don your snorkel gear and slip into the water to swim with these playful creatures, while maintaining a safe distance. You can also enjoy ocean activities like paddleboarding, or our 21-foot (6.4-meter) water slide built right into our boat during your adventure.

Step aboard a 54 foot catamaran for a dolphin and turtle cruise from A-Bay that includes snorkeling gear and assistance from on board snorkel guides. Since the catamaran has ample deck space and shaded areas to relax, it’s a comfortable, uncrowded way to cruise the coast, and you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales during the whale watching months of December through April.

Explore Lanai’s hidden coves, reefs, and sea cliffs with a small group instead of joining a crowded snorkeling cruise. Two snorkel stops offer opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles, octopus, manta rays, and other marine life, while winter departures may include whale watching. Every tour also supports local marine research and whale rescue efforts.

Kealakekua Bay is one of Hawaii's best marine sanctuaries, often crowded with visitors. This snorkeling tour lets you avoid the crowds by taking you out onto the bay in a Zodiac raft, which can reach places bigger boats can't go. Enjoy reef-safe sunscreen provided at the office before the trip and snacks including sandwiches. Once in the water, explore the marine life-filled world beneath the bay's crystal-clear water.

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.

Discover two of the best snorkel spots in Kona on this early morning tour departing from Keauhou Bay. Explore the coral gardens alongside many different fish species, and on your return to the shore, your guide will provide a history of the Captain Cook Monument and Place of Refuge. Book ahead to guarantee your spot.

The dramatic sea cliffs and black and white sand beaches of the Kona Coast make a magnificent backdrop for a boat cruise. On this tour, set sail on board a 53-foot catamaran and look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating whales. Dive in to swim and snorkel, then tuck into lunch onboard and admire the views as you glide along the coast.

Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks are included.

Cruises are offered all day and night in Hawaii, but one of the best times to go on one is at sunset. This Waikiki Sunset Cruise takes you on the water to see the city, Diamond Head, and the ocean all at sunset. Plus, music, snacks, and soda provide a relaxing environment as you cruise.

Hawaii is home to an underwater wonderland of diverse marine life including whales, green sea turtles, and tropical fish. Make sure you see the best of Maui’s nature on this 3-hour whale watching and snorkel tour from Makena. Paddle through the calm, clear water in a kayak and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of humpback whales. Then, don snorkeling equipment to plunge into the water and discover tropical fish that inhabit a protected reef. This small-group tour is limited to 10 to maintain an intimate atmosphere.

Cruise the Miami coastline 'Miami Vice'-style on this speedboat cruise that's ideal for adventure-seekers. Settle into your plush seat as your captain pilots the speedboat down the sandy shoreline, where you can view Fisher Island and Star Island's collection of multi-millionaire and celebrity homes. Buzz by Miami Beach, where the locals strut their stuff in sun, and snap photos of the Art Deco mansions lining South Beach.

Spend 2 hours out on the Auke Bay Harbor's waters searching for humpback whales during this boat tour from Juneau. Listen to commentary from your guide and keep a lookout for other marine animals such as orca, bald eagles, and sea lions. Cap off the cruise with a 5-minute stop to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier. Snacks, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau provided.

Discover the sights and marine life of Naples on a sightseeing cruise. You have the opportunity to see birds, dolphins, and, season permitting, manatees. The cruise also takes you past the area’s top mansions, Keewaydin Island, and more. Relax and learn about local history, wildlife, and celebrity real estate during on board commentary. It’s the perfect time to take unobstructed photographs of the city and its natural surroundings.

Cruise down the waterways of Fort Lauderdale on a mini powerboat and enjoy a relaxing time on the water. Known as “America’s Venice,” this canal-ridden area is lined with yachts, mansions, and mangrove forests. A powerboat helps you easily navigate the waterways without exerting any energy, so you can sit back and admire the scenery while you ride.