Add dates

Florida Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Florida Dolphin & whale watching

Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

1. Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Admire the sunset as you cruise around the Gulf of Mexico aboard a catamaran. Unwind with a drink as you marvel as the blue sky transforms into a spectacular light show. Check in with plenty of time, then take a 5-7 minute walk down to the dock where you will board "Footloose," your catamaran for the evening. Set sail to explore the Gulf of Mexico and admire some of the best sites Panama City Beach has to offer with the sea breeze in your hair. Listen to tropical music as you sail and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, Sangria, cold beer, or a non-alcoholic drink. You can buy additional drinks and snacks at the fully stocked onboard bar, which takes cash or credit cards. Keep a sharp lookout for dolphins as these majestic creatures are often more active in the late afternoon. Enjoy the company of family and friends as you admire the western horizon turn every color imaginable in a breathtaking show.

Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour

2. Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour

Lasting for approximately 2 hours, the tour will take you from Clearwater Bay out of Clearwater Pass and on the beautiful emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. During your journey you will search of the Sun Coast’s favorite: the Bottlenose dolphin. In addition to guaranteed dolphin sightings, your Captain will highlight some fascinating facts about the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast and point out popular celebrity mansions along the way. The tour offers something for everyone, from Tommy the Turtle Explorer Time for the kids and drink packages available for purchase. Sit back and relax as you spot these beautiful creatures diving over the horizon and perhaps getting closer to the ship for a closer peek. Get up close and personal with these majestic animals, and witness memories that will last a lifetime.

Madeira Beach: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Beer and Wine

3. Madeira Beach: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Beer and Wine

Take a buccaneer excursion from Madeira Beach. View the shores of Boca Ciega Bay and keep a lookout for dolphins as you sip on a wine or beer in true pirate fashion. Keep the kids happy with plenty of family-friendly activities. Embark from John's Pass in Madeira Beach and cruise through waters that are abundant with dolphins. Have some wine and beer, while the family participates in a a water gun battle, treasure hunt, pirate story, music, limbo, or face painting. Arrive back at John's Pass where you can choose to purchase a souvenir photo or to get some gear from the gift shop.

Shell Island: Water Park and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

4. Shell Island: Water Park and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Embark on a boat trip from Panama City Beach to Shell Island, including a complimentary drink and a variety of water activities to make your day memorable. Have fun at the inflatable water park or try out kayaking or snorkeling. End your day sailing into the Gulf of Mexico for dolphin sightseeing.  Your day begins with a scenic trip through Grand Lagoon and over to Shell Island. Once at Shell Island, enjoy an inflatable water park, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling. Have a go on trampolines, a water see-saw called the “rockit,” and other inflatables. If you’re looking for something a little more slow-paced, explore the waters on a kayak, take a paddleboard ride, or give snorkeling a try. Get plenty of time to take in all of the natural beauty that Shell Island has to offer. If just hanging out is your plan, relax and listen to music on the boat or in one of the two sunning nets located at the front of the boat while you sip on a refreshing beverage. All activities and inflatables are all-inclusive with unlimited use during your trip. The last portion of the trip will be spent sightseeing and dolphin watching before making a round-trip return to Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

5. Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

Head out to sea to meet the resident Panama City Beach dolphins. Enjoy informative commentary from your captain and crew, and sip a complimentary drink as you go. Board the “Footloose” Catamaran and head out into shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Shell Island. Partake in a beer, wine, or soft drink as you head out from the dock. Watch the dolphins as they swim, play, and feed in their natural habitat. Learn all about these beautiful creatures with informative commentary from your captain and crew. Take advantage of an onboard bar during your trip. Keep your eyes out for encounters with the bottlenose dolphins as you voyage through the turquoise waters.

Marco Island: Marco Island Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

6. Marco Island: Marco Island Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour

Dive deep into the tropical Floridian scenery with a scenic boat tour through numerous islands. Departing from Goodland, cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands and Marco Island, and discover the species that call this place home. See playful dolphins swimming in the wild. Board your boat in Goodland and allow your guide to teach you all about Marco Island, including its history, flora, and fauna. Identify a variety of birds as you sail, like the snowy egret, blue heron, and roseate spoonbill. Depending on the time of year, you may also spot manatees and sea turtles. Travel through the fascinating environment of Marco Island and the neighboring Ten Thousand Islands, surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. Spot the resident dolphins, who live in the region year-round, and learn about them from your guide. End your tour back at the starting point.

Homosassa: Gulf of Mexico Airboat Ride and Dolphin Watching

7. Homosassa: Gulf of Mexico Airboat Ride and Dolphin Watching

Glide through the saltwater marshes and shallow waters of the Homosassa River and Gulf of Mexico aboard a powerful airboat. Look for bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat to reconnect with nature. Feel the speed beneath you as you twist and turn through the mangroves, canals, and backwaters. Access areas that other boats can't reach and encounter abundant wildlife off the beaten path. Marvel as your US Coast Guard Captain and guide safely pilots the boat at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Get an adrenaline rush as you traverse the waterways and soak up the natural beauty on all sides. Every day is different when it comes to the wildlife, but a morning ride is highly recommended if you hope to encounter animals in the wild. The diverse birdlife will truly amaze you, while West Indian manatees can sometimes be seen on a good day.

St. Petersburg, FL: 4-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Egmont Key

8. St. Petersburg, FL: 4-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Egmont Key

Soak up the beauty of Egmont Key island on this catamaran cruise. Take in breathtaking views of St. Petersburg, snorkel with tortoises, and maybe even spot the island's resident dolphins. Meet the crew in St. Petersburg and hop on board the 60-foot catamaran that will lead you to Egmont Key. Sail on an air-conditioned vessel with bottled water and bathrooms for your comfort and feel free to bring your own food and drinks on board. Pass under the Sunshine Skyway bridge on your way to the island and admire St. Petersburg from the water. Keep an eye out for the friendly dolphins that call these waters home. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the island. You could go for a stroll along the white-sand beaches towards the historic Fort Dade and Egmont Key Lighthouse. Alternatively, enjoy a dip in the water and use the snorkeling equipment provided to search for tortoises and other native wildlife. Finally, sit back and relax for the return journey to St. Petersburg and take in one last view of the island and city from the water.

Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

9. Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

Enjoy a dolphin-watching cruise in Key West. Snorkel in the Key West Wildlife Refuge, see playful bottlenose dolphins, and enjoy a cold beer or wine as you cruise. Climb aboard a fast catamaran and head out into the Gulf. As you cruise, see the grace and beauty of the resident Key West dolphins in the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Look for bottlenose dolphins as they swim, play, and feed. Then, head to the Key West Wildlife Refuge to snorkel in the shallow backcountry waters. Relax in the knowledge that your tour has the prestigious “Dolphin SMART” certification, a national program created by conservation agencies, that protects and promotes the responsible observance of dolphins. Begin your ride back to the dock, and enjoy a complimentary cold beer and chilled wine. Opt for the sunset tour and experience the world-famous Key West sunset as a bonus.

From Cocoa Beach: Sunset Catamaran Tour with Soft Drinks

10. From Cocoa Beach: Sunset Catamaran Tour with Soft Drinks

Experience the tropical Floridian coast bathed in the hazy golden hour light as you sail across the waves. Embark on a relaxing sailboat ride from Cocoa Beach and navigate over to the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and Indian River as you sip on complimentary soft drinks. Depart from the quaint Cape Crossing Resort and Marina in Cocoa Beach aboard a stable catamaran. Unwind after a long day and keep an eye out for marine life, with the chance to see manatees and dolphins against a stunning rose-gold background. If you've ever wanted to learn how to sail, your US Coast Guard-certified captain will be happy to show you the ropes. Learn to control the steering, raise the mainsail, or lower the jib. The kids will have the time of their lives pointing out the sights displayed in the complimentary coloring book.

70 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 5

Frequently asked questions about Florida

What top attractions are a must-see in Florida?

Other Sightseeing Options in Florida

Want to discover all there is to do in Florida? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Florida

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 12 reviews

Absolutely amazing. First timers here and Noah was super friendly. Let us truly enjoy the ride out on the water. I forgot the tour guides name but she was super awesome. And the woman who checked us in shared. Some cool knowledge bout some snails and showed him super cool fish skeleton. Absolutely will be returning to say hello and rent some kayaks. It’s a great place to learn and relax. My 8 year old is stoked too!!!! Thanks everyone

We had to move our Kayak tour to Fort Myers because of red tide .But ,it was a good experience as we saw a few dolphins . Mike was very informative and guide us Thru the local mangroves before our return .

Casa loma all their rooms are beach front. You have to do stairs. Bring a pillow their's lumpy but for the price you can't beat it

Captains Jen and Don were great! Very knowledgable and friendly! Lots of Dolphin sightings, too!

Excellent boat ride experience and saw quite a few dolphins.