10 Catamaran Cruises in the USA to Build a Day Around

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

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

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. A captain and crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay, keep the three-hour trip moving.

“Great trip! Loved every minute! The crew was awesome, the dolphins fun, and the beach relaxing. Recommended for everyone.”

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2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

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

Spend two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon past St. Andrews State Park while watching for dolphins and sunset color. The crew, including Captain Clay, Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma on various departures, adds music, drinks, photos, and dockside fun.

“Very nice experience! The entire crew was great, they obviously enjoy their jobs. We really enjoyed sailing with no engine, it is exhilarating. Absolutely recommend this tour!”

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3.Waikoloa: Catamaran Sunset Sail with Cocktails

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 1h 30m · from $159

Spend 90 minutes aboard the Spirit of Aloha catamaran, departing Anaeho‘omalu Bay for a sunset sail past Mauna Kea and Hualālai. Your ticket includes a premium bar, island-style snacks, shaded seating, restrooms, and crew service. Boarding requires a short barefoot walk through seawater from the beach.

“Everything about the sunset sail was awesome. Beautiful sailing and sunset; as well as expert/kind/wonderful captain and crew. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.”

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4.Shell Island: Adventure Tour on the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 61 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Spend three hours aboard the Privateer Catamaran with Captain Mike and crew members such as Jamie, Jacob, Jess, and Keagan. Enjoy Shell Island’s inflatables, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling, a complimentary drink, and a final dolphin-watching sail.

“It was perfect the crew was amazing! Jamie Jacob and the Captain too”

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5.Waikoloa Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 39 reviews · 3 hours · from $189

Sail from Anaeho‘omalu Bay aboard the Spirit of Aloha for a relaxed three-hour snorkeling trip along the Kohala Coast. You’ll get gear, safety help, reef time, a sandwich lunch, tropical drinks, shaded seating, and views of Mauna Kea and Hualalai.

“Honestly that was 100% worth it, and totally awesome. The whole crew aboard the Spirit of Aloha made the experience extremely special for my girlfriend and I (neither of us had been snorkeling and didn’t know what to expect). Everything was straightforward, easy, and the crew was accommodating every step of the way (drinks, snacks, food, help with the gear). I highly recommend taking this trip with Hawaii Nautical — we will definitely be back the next time we come here!”

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6.Destin Crab Island Tour in Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Cruise from Destin Harbor to Crab Island aboard a catamaran with guides such as Josh, Hannah, Owen, and Wesley. You’ll have floats and water toys for the shallow water, with time to spot dolphins and enjoy the submerged sandbar. The $59 tour returns to 500 Harbor Blvd.

“Great staff highly recommend this company they went out of their way to make sure we saw dolphins first thing. Then helped us have a great time out at crab island”

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7.Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 20 reviews · 3h 30m · from $65

Join Flippers Adventures and Sunshine Watersports for a 210-minute catamaran trip from Destin to Crab Island. A licensed captain and crew lead a short dolphin search, then anchor at the sandbar for swimming, floats, water toys, fish spotting, and time in the sun. Bring drinks, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen.

“Everything was great from start to finish. Our Captain and guides were professional and fun. They took a lot of care with making sure the group was safe, accounted for and were having a good time.”

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8.Big Island: Luxury Catamaran Trip along the Kona Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 4 hours · from $449

Spend four hours aboard No Wiki, a 51-foot Lagoon catamaran, with a maximum of six people. Your English-speaking crew chooses between Pawai Bay and Makalawena based on sea conditions, then serves lunch, snacks, and drinks after snorkeling.

“Great fun! Great boat and crew. They really took care of us.”

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9.Sarasota: Island Adventures & Catamaran Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $145

Ride a compact HydroCats power catamaran from downtown Sarasota with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll cruise past Siesta Key, stop for a 20-minute swim at Lido Key Beach, and view marine life in a small group of up to eight. Carissa and Joelle are among the hosts.

“I was on vacation with my 20 year old son. This activity was awesome to him. Make sure you understand these go pretty fast. As the passenger I would have like a handle to hold on to. The guide gave precise directions and kept everyone together”

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10.Hilton Head Island: Golden Hour Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $79

Set out from the White Island Head pier for a two-hour golden-hour catamaran sail with a captain and hostess, complimentary drinks, light bites, spacious decks, and wide Hilton Head views. Bring your camera and check the departure time carefully, since the best light depends on the season.

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