Best Dolphin Watching Boat Trips in the USA — Our Top 10

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Review the Island Time Shell Island cruise in Panama City Beach, with dolphin watching, snorkeling, paddle boards, pricing, tips, and practical details.

“The captain, Keith and his crew were very informative and helpful. Their goal was to help us have a wonderful trip and it met our expectations and more. The attention to detail including doing everything to assure we saw loads of schools of dolphins up close! It was a cold and windy day and they offered us to stay below deck to keep the wind and cold blocked as much as possible! If their were 10 stars we would rate them 10 out of 10! We highly recommend this trip!”

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2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Watch dolphins, sail past St. Andrews State Park, and catch a Panama City Beach sunset with music, drinks, and dockside fun.

“My daughter and I went and had so much fun watching the dolphins! I’ve been on a lot of tours with different companies and Christo was the best at getting us wonderful views of dolphins jumping out of the water. It was absolutely incredible! The girls working were so attentive making sure everyone on the boat was well taken care of. Thank you Sara and Audra for taking pics and getting our drinks! And yes, even “fishing” something out of the water that a guest dropped. We will book with them again!”

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3.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Review of Monterey’s 3-hour whale and dolphin cruise, with wildlife highlights, boat tips, parking advice, value, and practical details.

“Amazing experience, saw loads of whales and other animals with friendly and knowledgeable guide.”

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4.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, spot dolphins, and snorkel Shell Key on a small-group St. Pete boat tour with gear and parking included.

“Nice, clean, spacious boat! Great tour by capt Noel, very knowledgeable and knew where to find the wildlife!”

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5.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,424 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Review of Hilton Head’s 90-minute dolphin cruise, with pricing, wildlife, guides, boat views, family tips, and cancellation details.

“The host were professional, funny and made the trip enjoyable. They were knowledgeable and. Ade everyone feel welcomed”

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6.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

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

Review of Savannah’s Tybee Island and dolphin cruise, with transport, lunch, lighthouse views, costs, timing, weather tips, and honest advice.

“Started out the day before when the driver called me and offered to pick us up on the street one over from our hotel. Super helpful. Radar was on time and very entertaining! She was super nice and stopped at a couple spots just so we could get pictures. It was really cold and windy and we’re doing the dolphin tour first! The people who owned the boat were really nice and offered anyone that didn’t want to go out, due to conditions, a full refund. We decided to stay on and adventure out! We had to turn around early because the waters were rough. The company offered everyone a…”

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7.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Review of Oahu’s luxury snorkel cruise with dolphins, whales, Hawaiian buffet, drinks, gear, showers, and Waikiki pickup.

“Captain and crew were awesome! Wish the sorrel spot had more to see, but overall exceptional afternoon”

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8.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Review of Kona’s luxury catamaran snorkel cruise, with dolphins, meals, slides, two hours in the water, costs, tips, and drawbacks.

“The staff were awesome. They were always there to help and answer questions. They made delicious meals, always plenty for everyone.”

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9.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

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

Review of Hilton Head’s 90-minute dolphin tour, with Calibogue Sound views, local stories, wildlife, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Lovely to spend time on the peaceful water with a guide who gave knowledge in an easy and entertaining way. Captain Pete and First Mate Wendy were excellent.”

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10.Dolphin Watching/Eco Cruise, John’s Pass, Madeira Bch, FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 529 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31Best value

Review of the 90-minute Dolphin Quest eco cruise from John's Pass, with dolphin sightings, boat views, pricing, tips, and practical details.

“The staff is fabulously informative and fun. The dolphins were plenty and beautiful!! I would encourage a little clearer directions to help find the location. Loved it!!”

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