Top USA Dolphin Watching in 2026

Oahu's Turtle Canyon is teeming with Hawaiian green sea turtles (known locally as *honu*), but it's difficult to access on your own. Skip the stress and board this catamaran cruise that departs from the only pier in Waikiki. Learn about the life, behavior, and cultural significance of the sea turtles, then jump into Turtle Canyon's protected tropical waters to swim among them.

Skip crowded boat tours for this small-group snorkeling excursion with a good chance to encounter dolphins. Cruise out from Lahaina Harbor across the Au’au channel to the Island of Lana’i. Snorkel among tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and possibly dolphins—it’s estimated that dolphins are encountered near the island’s clear and calm waters around 85 percent of the time. Lunch is served onboard at one of the snorkel sites.

Get up close to wild dolphins and share the waves with this dolphin spotting and swimming adventure in the waters of Panama City. Set sail with an experienced local skipper who knows the top spots for admiring the area’s dolphin population and can approach without disturbing the pod. Opt to watch the dolphins from on board or dive into the water to swim and snorkel nearby.

You’ll see more than swimmers playing in the tropical waves of Key West. Hop on this boat cruise and watch pods of dolphins leap from the waters just off the coast of the Florida Keys. When the boat slows, it’s time to strap on your snorkel equipment and dive down to the reef system. Spot more sea life as you glide across the water back to shore, enjoying your fill of unlimited beer and soft drinks.

Escape Maui’s busiest beaches and discover Lanai’s vibrant marine habitats on a small-group snorkeling adventure. Depart from Lahaina Harbor to explore multiple snorkel sites where you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included, so you can focus on the water instead of the details. Whale watching is included during migration season from December to April.

Cruise the scenic Halifax River aboard the Lady Dolphin while enjoying a delicious dinner, dessert, and unlimited soft drinks. This all-inclusive 1½-hour dinner cruise features music and sightseeing narration as you glide through picturesque waters, with the chance to spot playful dolphins. Ideal for celebrations like birthdays or group events, this casual outing offers a perfect blend of relaxation and enjoyment. Every ticket includes free parking and entry into raffle prizes, making it a memorable experience for everyone. - Enjoy a scenic 1½-hour cruise on the Halifax River - Dinner options include shrimp scampi, St. Louis ribs, and prime rib - Unlimited soft drinks and music included, with a full bar available - Perfect for group celebrations with casual dress code

Get a chance to spot dolphin pods during this comfortable, nature-filled boat tour along St. Andrews Bay and into Gulf of Mexico, led by a local captain. Listen to insider commentary as you cruise the picturesque waters of the Florida coastline, departing from Panama City. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also enjoy a stroll down pristine Shell Island.

Soar above Clearwater Beach with the top-rated parasailing experience in the area. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, the Gulf, and the surrounding islands as you take in Florida’s natural beauty from above. Feel the thrill and serenity of flight as you glide smoothly over the water, with chances to spot dolphins and other marine life below. The ride is both exciting and peaceful, making it a great choice for first-time flyers and adventure seekers alike. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our US Coast Guard certified crew brings years of industry experience and operates a vessel that is fully regulated and inspected to meet the highest safety standards, so you can relax and enjoy the experience with confidence. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, this experience is an unforgettable highlight of any Clearwater Beach vacation. With thousands of five-star reviews, guests consistently say this is a must-do activity while visiting the area.

Sit back, relax, and set sail for the sunset with this small-group boat tour in Destin, Florida. While you enjoy complimentary snacks and wine, your captain takes you to some of the most scenic spots on the water to watch the sun go down before showing you the lights of the harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for local marine wildlife, like sea turtles and dolphins, too.

Discover some of San Diego’s most incredible marine wildlife with the help of a local guide who knows the water like the back of their hand on this small-group boat tour. Try your luck spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more while you enjoy the smooth ride on a former military boat with life jackets provided for your safety.

See dolphins in the wild with 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 sightings are guaranteed, or your next trip is free.

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. This tour is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

Skip crowded whale-watching trips for this small-group tour on a “Super Raft”—a smaller vessel positioned closer to the water for optimal viewing. Listen to onboard narration from a marine expert naturalist as you cruise out of Lahaina Harbor. Travel on a raft with padded seating, shaded areas, a restroom, and a hydrophone projecting live whale songs. Enjoy longer viewing time as the raft travels quickly to whale areas during peak migration season.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales and climb aboard a spacious catamaran for a whale watching adventure in West Oahu. Each winter, humpback whales travel to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed, and West Oahu is an excellent place to see these magnificent creatures swim and play up close. Take in the stunning views, keep an eye out for wildlife, and jump off to snorkel in clear water, all in one adventure.

Hunt for treasure in Charleston with a pirate adventure cruise for kids aboard a wooden ship. Climb aboard the boat for a small-group tour complete with costumes and pirate gear for all kids. Cruise out on the Ashley River to Wappoo Creek and enjoy a variety of music, games, treasure maps, and more. Adults can kick back and relax during the cruise which includes scenic views and potential dolphin sightings.

Experience the excitement of a banana boat ride right in the heart of Destin, Florida. Head to Miramar Beach and take off on a banana boat, which is towed by a Jet Ski, with a small group. Brace yourself as you sail along the Emerald Coast, keeping your eyes peeled for sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life. Two banana boats can accommodate up to 12 passengers at once for added fun.

We'll begin this adventure with a sail through the Grand Lagoon area to our own private playground area off of Shell Island. Once you arrive, you'll enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and an inflatable water park equipped with trampolines, water slides, seesaw ball and more on this 3 hour adventure cruise! At the end of the tour, we'll go looking for dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. All activities and use of equipment are included. Additional snacks and beverages can be purchased as well. Food can be brought on to the catamaran, but no outside beverages are allowed. RED FLAGS DO NOT AFFECT OUR TOURS. Our tours operate in St. Andrews Bay, where conditions are often much calmer than the Gulf.

Maui has some fantastic marine life, but large boats can scare creatures off. This small-group tour gets you closer to wildlife such as turtles and dolphins, without the crowds of traditional boat tours, but still has the benefit of an onboard marine naturalist guide to provide commentary and answer questions.

Swim and snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu—and leave the logistics to someone else—on this hands-on water adventure. You’ll have time to snorkel, use standup paddleboards, and try underwater electric sea scooters. After, enjoy local snacks and drinks while you relax on the boat as it returns to Honolulu.

Set sail from Destin for the Crab Island sandbar with your own private captain. Choose a 3, 4, 5, or 6-hour tour length that best suits your group, and let your guide do the rest, steering you to their favorite spot where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the refreshing blue water.

Go sailing in Hilton Head Island, without the crowds, aboard this private dolphin-watching tour. Motor out to Port Royal Sound and then put up the sails for a true sailing adventure. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including birds, dolphins, manatees, and stingrays during this boat tour.

Go sailing at sunset in Hilton Head Island—and avoid the typical crowded boat tours—with this private dolphin-watching tour. Climb aboard a sailboat and cruise out into Port Royal Sound during this tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and more. Learn about sailing if you choose or just sit back and enjoy the ride, complete with sunset views.

Check out the volcanic Molokini Crater and the reefs around it on this group snorkel and whale watching adventure from Kihei. Your captain and crew take care of logistics, like finding the best snorkel spots, all your gear, refreshments, and your speedboat. See how many stingrays, starfish, and other wildlife you can spot underwater, and between December 15 and March 30, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.

Take a break from the crowded beaches and head out on the water for a half-day sail along the Kona Coast aboard a spacious catamaran. Take advantage of multiple onboard amenities such as the shaded cabin and sunny splash nets as you sail to Kealakekua Bay. See the Captain Cook Monument and don your snorkel gear for the chance to observe vibrant coral and tropical fish.