15 Dolphin Trips in the USA to Build a Day Around

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From Lahaina, ride a low-to-water zodiac raft with a marine naturalist and captain. Watch humpback whales from December to April, or dolphins and the coast in summer. Expect spray, a small group, hydrophone whale songs, and guides such as Captain Jack, Mark, Olivia, and Jess on rotating crews.

“The experience was amazing, and the staff was fantastic. The location was a little hard to find due to not knowing what the company was called. I encourage anyone going to arrive super early to account for parking as it is limited. I highly recommend this activity! I plan to go again in the future.”

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2.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Cruise from Mission Bay into the Pacific in 2 to 3 hours, with naturalists such as Allison and Jennifer pointing out whales, dolphins, sea lions, and landmarks. The boat has restrooms, a galley, open viewing areas, and free parking on Quivira Road.

“We were on our way back after seeing hundreds of dolphins, when all of a sudden the whales appeared!”

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3.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Cruise Boca Ciega Bay with a captain such as Megan, Noel, or Dave, watching for dolphins, manatees, rays, and seabirds before stopping at Shell Key. Walk ashore to snorkel in shallow water, swim, and hunt for shells. The 25-foot pontoon carries no more than six people.

“Had a wonderful time! Our guide was great and informative and he really seems to enjoy what he does. We got to see dolphins and manatees.”

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4.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,386 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $73

Travel from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island by trolley or bus, enjoy a dolphin cruise past Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, stop at The Crab Shack, and have free time near the beach and lighthouse. Guides such as Stephanie, Dennis, Chris, Max, and Radar add local stories along the way.

“Max was a thoughtful and patient tour guide with a cooler of bottled water and expert navigation. Having the bus pick us up and drop us off at the hotel was wonderful.”

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5.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Cruise from Captain's Corner on Fury's 45-foot power catamaran to watch wild bottlenose dolphins, snorkel in Key West's backcountry, and enjoy drinks on the ride home. Guides such as Lisa, Ivy, Nicole, and Liv are praised for calm instruction and friendly care. Sunset departures add champagne and evening views.

“The excursion was fanaminal our tour guides where fantastic. We got to see dolphins. We saw plenty of fish and a few lobster's while snorkeling. The tour provides plenty of beverages for all. My girl's had a blast we will definitely do it again the next time we return to the key's.”

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6.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 700 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Join Lowcountry Watersports at Palmetto Bay Marina for a covered, narrated 90-minute cruise through Hilton Head’s waterways and Calibogue Sound. A Coast Guard licensed captain and guide point out dolphins, wildlife, landmarks, Harbour Town Lighthouse, and Daufuskie Island. English tour, $39 per person.

“We had a great time with Captain Spike and First Mate Jackie. Will definitely come again!”

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7.Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 699 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Sail from Key West’s Historic Seaport on a catamaran with Captain Daniel, Captain Dan, Jordan, Gracie, and other attentive crew members. Look for wild dolphins, pass Mallory Square, Sunset Key, and Fort Zachary Taylor, then enjoy wine, champagne, beer, shrimp cocktail, and small bites at sunset.

“The captain and mate were a great match in making sure that we had a great time. Drinks, food and sights were top notch.”

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8.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 693 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Set sail from Miss Chris Marina with a captain and certified naturalist for up to three hours along Cape May’s coast. Watch for dolphins, whales, porpoises, seabirds, and other marine life while hearing live commentary. The large boat has restrooms, indoor seating, and a snack bar.

“The experience was amazing. Captain was very informative and we saw about 400 dolphins. Great time. PARKING is not the best. It is like playing Tetris to get out. If I decided to go and get something to eat after the cruise I would have had someone blocked in and that’s not fair. I get that it is free parking but to have to wait for people to move so you can get out is crazy. Passengers should be informed properly about the parking instead of the captain saying “HAVE FUN IN THE PARKING LOT!” Captain should make some sort of announcement that everyone must move their car immediately. And…”

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9.Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 675 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Take a one-hour HydroJet ride from HarborWalk Village through Destin Harbor, Crab Island, East Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico. Captain CJ and crew members such as Lacy keep the trip lively with music, local stories, wave jumping, photo stops, and searches for dolphins, stingrays, and turtles.

“Polite and professional staff. Tour started right on time. It was a lot of fun as always. We’ve gone for the past three years and still enjoy it. We saw several dolphins and a manta ray. Prepare to get wet!”

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10.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly non-narrated sail past Fort Sumter, the Battery, Patriots Point, USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge. Help raise the sails, bring snacks, and buy drinks from the cash bar while the crew answers questions.

“It was a wonderful, and relaxing, sailing experience. Great weather, great conversation with the crew, was very pleased.”

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11.Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 500 reviews · 1h 30m · from $53

Join Atlantic City Cruises at Historic Gardner’s Basin for a 90-minute search for dolphins along the Jersey Shore. An English-speaking captain or marine naturalist explains local wildlife while you scan the open water. Bring a camera, arrive 30 minutes early, and plan for a moving, sometimes bumpy ride.

“It was Beautiful day out relaxing watching the dolphins sipping on a delicious drink would definitely do it again”

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12.Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Join Honest Eco Kayak and Snorkel in Key West for a four-hour small-group trip aboard the custom-built SQUID catamaran. Watch wild bottlenose dolphins, then snorkel a calm sponge garden, coral area, or reef with guides such as Sam, Jess, Heather, Bryan, or Wade. Equipment, snacks, water, and patient instruction are included.

“Highly recommend. Traveling with family, kids are teenagers & we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We learned a lot too. Saw dolphins in their natural habitat & then went snorkeling & saw a wide variety of marine life. Guides were helpful & very conscientious of keeping everyone safe. Extra bonus was the delicious, healthy snacks we enjoyed during & after the tour.”

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13.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Cruise aboard Sunset One with an English-speaking guide, look for wild dolphins, snorkel near Cottrell Key, and watch the sun set over turquoise water. The crew, including guides such as Kevin, Kylie, Madison, and John, helps swimmers of different experience levels feel at ease.

“It was a wonderful experience. Not only did we get to see a lot of dolphins, but also learn about them. All in all a very fun experience.”

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14.Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Spend 150 minutes offshore from Long Beach with Harbor Breeze, watching for humpback, fin, minke, and other whales, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Aquarium of the Pacific educators explain what you see, while quiet engines and wide viewing areas make this a comfortable family outing.

“A very knowledgeable crew. The guide was actually from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach! Lots of facts and interesting information. We saw a huge pod of dolphins & humpback whales, we enjoyed the rare viewing of a humpback whale breaching! Highly recommend this company!”

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15.Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 465 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend four hours aboard Catamaran Echo from Key West Bight Marina, watching wild dolphins and snorkeling above reefs, wrecks, or sponge gardens. The small group holds about 14 people, with gear, instruction, snacks, tropical fruit, soft drinks, beer, and wine included.

“Bailey and Aiden were the best. Lots of fun, laughs and very informative. Lots of snorkeling. They have floats to point out the lobsters,the-water was clear to the bottom. The dolphins are hit or miss, seen some on the way out, but none at the playing pool for dolphins. Then they put up the sails and we sailed for the last part of the trip. They pointed out different islands and what was on them, even a homeless island. The sail boats that were abandoned that sunk were unbelievable, some just the top of the mass still showing. That was unbelievable to us. We would definitely recommend going out with…”

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