Top Florida Dolphin Watching in 2026

The land-living locals aren’t the only mammals playing in the waves of New Smyrna Beach. Skip the surf for a day and instead watch dolphins frolic in the blue waterways during this kayaking tour. Paddle through the mangroves and to stunning islands to get up close and personal to Florida’s diverse wildlife. Meet at Divito Park to start your adventure with a guide sharing insights about local wildlife and New Smyrna’s history.

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.

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

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.

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.

Get away from the crowds and find your peaceful place off Clearwater Beach with this private pontoon boat rental. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins out there for a treat. This flexible tour lets you bring your own food and drinks, then discuss with your captain where you want to go. Island hop, stop to collect shells, and possibly even stay for sunset- it’s up to you.

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.

Party on the Florida waters with your pals during this floating BYOB tiki bar experience off Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’d rather sip and sunbathe or mix and mingle with new friends over party games, there’s plenty to enjoy while you float along on the crystal blue sea. All while your crew is on-hand to make sure everyone is staying safe while you have fun.

Set sail on Destin's #1 Dolphin Cruise for an unforgettable 1.5-hour adventure. Enjoy a narrated harbor tour while searching for playful dolphins in their natural habitat, and then experience the thrill of cruising through the Gulf of America or the Choctawhatchee Bay with lively music that will get you dancing. The friendly crew provides complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water, and during summer, you might even get splashed while having fun. Perfect for families, this cruise promises guaranteed dolphin sightings or you receive complimentary tickets for a future trip. - 1.5-hour cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings - Fun narrated harbor tour and lively music onboard - Complimentary drinks (2 alcoholic beverages per adult) - Great for families, with opportunities for kids to captain the boat

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.

Enjoy a private kayaking adventure in St. Augustine and spot incredible local wildlife. As you paddle through the waterways led by your guide, look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, and more. Stop on a beach for natural beauty and more wildlife like conchs and starfish. Learn about St. Augustine history and wildlife along the way on this memorable experience.

Experience the Indian River Lagoon's dazzling bioluminescence, just steps from Orlando, on this small-group tour. Paddleboard or kayak under the stars surrounded by glowing dinoflagellates, creating a mesmerizing natural light show with each stroke. Look out for Comb Jellies, native to the lagoon, which light up upon contact. Equipped with nets, gently scoop up these jellies for a close-up view as they illuminate the night, offering an unforgettable adventure in nature's wonder.

Happy Paddler is the only kayak outfitter with private launch access to the beautiful waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, avoiding crowded public boat ramps. This gives you a relaxing start to the adventure and more time to enjoy any wildlife you encounter. Happy Paddler always limits tours to groups of 12 or less, allowing you to enjoy more time to explore and much better opportunities for manatee and dolphin encounters. Larger groups can be accommodated. Our expert naturalist guides will lead you through shallow coastal waters, mangrove shorelines and islands while looking for manatees, dolphins, rays, sea turtles and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings vary, but opportunities are outstanding year-round and our guides know exactly where to look. This excursion is perfect for families, couples, groups, and individuals with any level of paddling experience. For visitors to Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key looking for the best wildlife adventure, this is it!

We want everyone to experience the beauty of Destin sunsets on the water. We provide complementary wine & snacks (21 & over for wine). We love celebrating special occasions. So let us know if you or someone in your group is celebrating something special. Come along with us as we cruise to see the sunset, possibly dolphins, and cruise back into the harbor to complete your trip viewing the beautiful Destin Harbor lights. Children & babies count in passenger count & must have their own ticket. Only 6 passengers total allowed (life jackets not provided for children & children under 7 must wear one when boat is in motion.) If the date you want is not available search FunDestin Adventures for your other options.

With its pristine beaches and large populations of bottlenose dolphins, Shell Island is a destination that shouldn’t be missed—but the protected barrier island can only be reached by boat, making planning tricky. Get a chance to swim and snorkel along the shore without stressing over logistics on this Tiki Boat excursion from Panama City, with an ice cooler on hand for BYOB adventures and an onboard cash bar.

Ditch the crowds and escape to the wilderness of the Florida Everglades from Orlando on this airboat adventure. This exciting nature tour includes admission to the Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park—with over 200 different animals like lemurs, sloths, zebras, watusi cattle, bobcats, and more that you try your luck spotting. Choose from two tour durations, giving you flexibility to tailor your schedule, and make memories to last a lifetime.

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.

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.

Paddle the waters surrounding Florida’s Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island to try your luck at spotting some local wildlife with the help of a guide. Not only are you in with a chance of seeing dolphins and manatees from your paddleboard or kayak, but the area is also home to the likes of bald eagles, pink spoonbills, and sea turtles.

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.

Set sail on a luxurious adventure with a Captained Pontoon Boat by Destin Pontoon Charters. Perfect for families or groups, this charter offers comfortable seating and a variety of water activities. Enjoy a scenic ride through Destin Harbor to Crab Island, with time to swim, slide, and paddleboard. This all-inclusive experience comes with all necessary equipment and a licensed captain for your safety and enjoyment. - Spend 2-3 hours at Crab Island for relaxation and fun - Includes paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatable water toys - Relax with provided cooler and Bluetooth speaker for music - Explore the beautiful waters of Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay This is a shared charter with up to 6 guests.

Escape the crowded group tours and experience Clearwater from the water on a more personal island adventure. Paddle across the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway to a secluded spoil island, where you’ll have time to explore, search for shells, play beach games, relax and enjoy your favorite music. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees and other local wildlife that frequently call these waters home. Our comfortable, stable kayaks make the trip enjoyable for both first-time and experienced paddlers. With a relaxed pace, personalized experience and plenty of island time, this isn’t just a kayak tour — it’s a chance to experience Clearwater like a local.

The tiki sunset excursion is a unique experience under Destin's setting sun to watch dolphins playing and take in the brilliant night lights of Destin Harbor. You'll want to bring your camera or phone to capture the picturesque natural beauty of Destin Harbor at night as this is a boutique experience you'll want to share with family and friends.