Best Dolphin Watching Trips Around the World — Our Top 15

1.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Our pick

Set out from Port Elizabeth at 8am on Raggy Charters’ twin-engine catamaran for four hours in Algoa Bay. With a maximum of 20 people, you’ll look for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins near St. Croix Island. Jake and the crew explain local wildlife and conservation while keeping the pace calm and respectful.

“We were in a small group on the boat and were lucky enough to see a pod of 200 dolphins, penguins hunting for fish and some seals sunbathing. The team really care about the wildlife and spent time explaining to us the different animal behaviRead more”

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2.Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 503 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

From Goodland, near Marco Island, you’ll spend two hours cruising the Ten Thousand Islands with a captain and naturalist guide. Look for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, pelicans, osprey, and wading birds, then stop at an uninhabited barrier island to collect shells. Guides such as Joe, Ryan, Ed, and Mike are known for sharing local wildlife knowledge.

“The captain and first mate were very knowledgeable and fun. We saw lots of dolphin and shelling was great.”

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3.Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Set out from Funchal with two guides aboard a fast, 18-seat RIB built for wildlife spotting. Land-based spotters help direct the boat toward dolphins and whales, while guides such as Clara and Natasha explain marine life, Madeira’s coast, and local history. The trip also passes Câmara de Lobos and includes a wildlife-sighting guarantee.

“Calf pilot whale , bottle nosed dolphins , we saw more than expected 😁 magic dolphin crew fantastic 👍”

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4.2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Set out from Goodland Boat Park near Marco Island for a two-hour cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A captain and guide such as Ed, Kevin, Joe, Kate, or Ray may point out dolphins, manatees, birds, turtles, and shells before stopping at a remote island. The boat holds no more than 17 people.

“Joyce was very knowledgeable, the boat ride was amazing and the dolphins were the head of the show! We found many shells including a few sand dollars.”

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5.Marco Island: 2-Hour Dolphin, Birding, and Shelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 212 reviews · 2 hours

Spend two private hours with a certified Florida Master Naturalist exploring the Ten Thousand Islands from Goodland. Look for dolphins, manatees, birds, and other wildlife, then stop at an uninhabited barrier island for shelling. Guides such as Ed, Joe, Ryan, and Kate tailor the outing to your interests.

“Captain Ed was great! Enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this trip.”

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6.Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Board a small boat at Chokoloskee for two hours among the Everglades’ 10,000 Islands. Your guide may point out dolphins, manatees, pelicans, ospreys, bald eagles, herons, sea turtles, fish, shells, and mangrove ecosystems. Captains such as Don, Dan, Glenn, Matt, and Ray are praised for their local knowledge and personal attention.

“Our tour Guide Don was great--totally knowledgeable about the area, the flora and the fauna. He was pleasant, fun, patient as well. We saw all kinds of birds, nests, and Calusa shell formations--centuries old! The 2 highlights were seeing a huge flock of white pelicans resting on the beach of one of the islands. I've seen them at Ding Darling but never as close as we came without disturbing them and having dolphins visiting us and performing! Worth the price of the trip! Again, I've seen dolphins before but never so close. Don led us in singing Flipper's them song and a great time was had by all--Paula, Chatham, MA”

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7.Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 141 reviews · from $43

Cruise through Shoalwater Islands Marine Park from Shoalwater, watching for dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, birds of prey, and other wildlife. The boat ride lasts about an hour and returns to 153 Arcadia Drive. Penguin Island access and daytime penguin sightings can vary, so confirm current conditions before booking.

“Sadly not the time for penguins but seeing the dolphins, sea lions, ospreys and pelicans was amazing.”

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8.Everglades Birding, Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend two quiet hours in Everglades National Park’s 10,000 Islands aboard a small skiff with a Florida Master Naturalist guide. Expect close views of mangroves, dolphins, egrets, herons, ospreys, pelicans, and other wildlife. Captain Don, Dan, and Daniel are praised for their local knowledge, while the boat’s six-person limit keeps the outing personal.

“Great guide and information, beautiful tour, experience was first rate. My family thoroughly enjoyed it.”

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9.Guided Kayak Tour to see ponies, birds, dolphins and more

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out at 8:30 a.m. from Chincoteague Island for a guided kayak trip through coastal channels, coves, and creeks near Assateague. Small groups of up to five make it easier to follow the guide and watch for ponies, birds, dolphins, and changing wildlife conditions. Bailey is one guide named in guest feedback.

“We had a great tour with Bailey. We were able to see Riptide with several mares up close. We had a wonderful time.”

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10.Aruba Flyboarding & Jetovator Experience: Fly Like a Bird & Dive Like a Dolphin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · from $150

Meet Jhon or Olga at Delphi Watersports by the Hyatt Regency towel hut for a 30-minute Aruba flyboarding session. After a short lesson, you will practice rising above the Caribbean Sea and controlling your position. Instructors including Brandon, Kamal, Oscar, and Jay are praised for patient coaching, though beginners should expect a real learning curve.

“I had a great time. The instructor got me in the air in no time! I did not have much experience before I tried fly boarding, but the last 10-15 minutes of the experience I was able to independently get into the air”

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11.Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews

Cruise from Picton with E-Ko New Zealand’s marine guides to search for dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, and rare birds on predator-free Blumine Island. You’ll receive live commentary, light refreshments, and a guided visit to a DOC reserve. Guides such as Bella, Will, Alice, and Andy bring strong local wildlife knowledge to this 3 to 4-hour trip.

“Will was a fantastic guide. Entertaining and informative. Clearly the best guide and I am not just saying that so that Paul has pay up!”

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12.Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about three hours cruising from Cape May along the coast and into the Atlantic with marine biologists searching for dolphins, migratory whales, sea turtles, rays, and birds. You will also find a live touch tank, galley, bar, and gift shop aboard. Whale sightings vary, but marine mammal sightings are guaranteed.

“Great time saw lots dolphins and Osprey. Went out about 6 miles into the Atlantic ocean. Well worth the price”

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13.Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Goodland with a Florida Master Naturalist, often Captain Nate, Gary, or Angel, for a private six-person cruise through Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands. Look for dolphins, manatees, birds, and alligators, then stop at a shell-covered beach. Bring food and drinks for the cooler, but note there is no restroom onboard.

“The shelling spot had tons and tons of shells. Incredible! The kids had a great time, as did the adults. Great experience.”

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14.Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40Cheapest here

Cruise from Schellenger Landing with a marine biologist who explains dolphins, birds, marine life, and Cape May landmarks. You get about two hours on the water, inside and outside viewing, guaranteed marine mammal sightings, and a hands-on scientific lesson. Morning trips include coffee, juice, and danishes; evening trips offer pizza and hot dogs.

“Great dolphin cruise. Saw lots of dolphins and got a tour of Cape May at the end. Guides were very knowledgeable and provided helpful insights on dolphins and the local area. We had two handicapped seniors and the tour operator allowed to board earlier and get them settled. Highly recommend the cruise but the continental breakfast was a bust. Needs improvement.”

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15.Private Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Goodland with a private captain for a 2.5-hour eco boat tour around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands. Look for dolphins, manatees, roseate spoonbills, and coastal birds, stop for shelling, cruise past Cape Romano’s Dome House, and bring your own snacks and drinks for the onboard cooler.

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