Island hopping · DOLPHIN WATCHING

The 15 Best Dolphin Watching Boat Trips in the World

29 tours  ·  from $24 a head

No skipper can promise you dolphins, so what you are buying is the right water at the right hour. The 15 below say where each boat goes, how long it looks for, and what happens if nothing shows.

Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch - Pickup from Hurghada can take time
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Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

1.3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,609 reviews · 8 hours · from $47Our pick

Cruise from Hurghada to Orange Bay, Giftun and Magawish with two snorkeling stops, dolphin watching and meals on board. Guides such as Fouad, Ahmed, Saef and Ashraf help swimmers of different abilities. Expect a lively group boat, clear water, seafood lunch and a sunset return.

“We had a great day with Tito and the other crew members! The marine life we saw when snorkelling was amazing and the guides/crew were fabulous and a lot of fun. Thank you, we had a wonderful time !”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Watching for dolphins in the Gulf waters
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

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

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

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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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

3.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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Hurghada: 6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling - Giftun National Park and the first reef stop
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Hurghada: 6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling

4.6 Islands Tour with Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,624 reviews · 8 hours · from $51

Spend about eight hours on a small speedboat from Hurghada, visiting Orange Bay, Giftun, Nemo, Magawish, Abu Monqar, and White Island. Expect three snorkeling stops, a wreck, dolphin watching when conditions allow, fruit, soft drinks, and guides such as Basil, Fatih, Omar, or Ahmed.

“What an amazing experience. Saw Dolphins leaping, snorkeling was fun. The shipwreck was thrilling but terrifyingly spooky at the same time. Great for getting a feel of all the Islands. Made wonderful memories and captured some great pictures. Well worth it. Thanks to Basil and the cool Captain B. Basil took my son's hand while snorkling and made sure he felt safe and confident. I plan to book more tours through this agent. Professional and fun.”

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Hong Kong: Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour - The dolphin cruise: a scenic ride with an uncertain reward
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Hong Kong: Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour

5.Hong Kong: Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,512 reviews · 7 hours · from $35

Spend seven hours exploring Lantau Island with an English-speaking guide such as Grace, Lok Lok, Eva, or Becky. Ride the MTR, bus, and an exclusive dolphin boat, visit Tai O and the Big Buddha, taste local snacks, and add the cable car and vegetarian lunch if selected.

“We had an absolutely wonderful time on this tour, thanks to our incredible guide. From the very beginning, they demonstrated outstanding professionalism, deep knowledge, and genuine passion for what they do. Every explanation was clear, engaging, and full of interesting details that truly brought each stop to life. What made the experience even more special was their warm personality and thoughtful approach. They were patient, attentive to everyone’s needs, and made sure we always felt comfortable and well taken care of. Their recommendations were spot-on, and the small personal touches throughout the day made a big difference. This was without doubt one of the best guided experiences we’ve ...”

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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise - Why the dolphin guarantee matters
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Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

6.Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

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

Board at Palmetto Bay Marina for a 90-minute cruise on Broad Creek with a local guide and United States Coast Guard licensed captain. Expect dolphin spotting, bird watching, island views, and easygoing facts about Hilton Head’s marsh ecosystem. Captains and guides may include Kate, Pete, Wendy, Kim, or Jamie.

“Kim and captain Kate were entertaining and kept us engaged. Captain Kate could maneuver the boat so we could see as more dolphins.”

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Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise - Lunch at The Original Crab Shack
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Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

7.Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise

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

Ride from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island with guides such as Stephanie, Chris, Max, or Dennis. Enjoy a dolphin cruise past Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island Lighthouse, lunch at The Crab Shack, beach time, and lighthouse photos. Transport and cruise admission are included.

“Nice combination of land and water and guide facilitated and being on your own. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging. We had a great lunch at the crab shack.”

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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - Boarding at Rivergate Marina and the 75-minute crossing
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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

8.Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,039 reviews · 1 day · from $152

Spend a full day aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, a purpose-built catamaran, snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks, watching for dolphins, and relaxing on Moreton Island. Guides such as Emily, Jess, Georgia, and Nicole lead safe water sessions, while lunch, beach gear, and marine park fees are included.

“My highlight was snorkelling with the sea turtles and learning about the sealife, but I would have loved to hear more about the birdlife, some history in regards to Cook, the natives, Finnegan et al’s castaway story and the surrounding geography such as the Glasshouse Mountains, Flinders Peak etc. With that said, one of the lovely guides (who also drove the bus to/from the Gold Coast) offered to google answers to my questions unprompted, which was more and than I expected.”

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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Unlimited Drinks - The Manavgat River and the meeting point with the sea
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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Unlimited Drinks

9.Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Unlimited Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 896 reviews · 7 hours · from $24Best value

You’ll cruise from Kumköy Beach toward Dolphin Island, stopping to swim where the Manavgat River meets the sea and in clear Mediterranean water. Expect lunch, unlimited basic soft drinks, music, a foam party, and views of Side’s ancient port and Apollo Temple. Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised.

“everything was amazing, great value, great experience and fun. we just wish we'd seen dolphins!”

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Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise - The Rakaumangamanga Peninsula and Cape Brett
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Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

10.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 821 reviews · 4h 30m · from $95

Set out from Paihia or Russell for a 4.5-hour catamaran cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Look for dolphins and whales, pass through Motukōkako when conditions allow, then spend 1.5 hours swimming or walking at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

“Was an awesome tour kid friendly, stayed at Otehei Bay longer as was so beautiful. Kids swam all day and the water was soo nice!!”

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Pula: National Park Brijuni Island Visit & Dolphin Cruise - Leaving Pula for the Brijuni islands
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Pula: National Park Brijuni Island Visit & Dolphin Cruise

11.Pula: National Park Brijuni Island Visit & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 788 reviews · 5h 30m · from $76

Spend about five and a half hours cruising Brijuni National Park from Pula, with a 2.5-hour stop at St. Jerolim for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Mario and Larissa explain the islands in several languages. Dinner is available to order, drinks are unlimited, and dolphins are a lucky bonus.

“Great day on a boat. Beautiful island Sveti Jerolim. Lunch was alright. We saw a lot of dolphins. Crew was very nice and helpful. Trip was comfortable.”

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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise - One-Tree Island is small, public, and worth seeing
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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

12.Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 767 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

Join Fins Up Clearwater for a two-hour cruise from 25 Causeway Blvd. Guides such as Matt, Eliza, Zack, and Mark share local stories, search for dolphins, and stop at One-Tree Island for a short swim. Bring drinks and snacks for the iced coolers, plus water shoes for shells.

“The tour guides made sure we had a great time and spent lots of time making sure we found some dolphins”

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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - Dolphin watching in Calibogue Sound
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Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

13.Hilton Head Island: Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

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

Cruise from Palmetto Bay Marina with a Coast Guard licensed captain and English-speaking guide. You will watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, hear about Hilton Head’s ecology and past, and pass Harbour Town Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island, and Calibogue Sound.

“This cruise was the high point of our vacation. First mate Wendy and Captain Kate are the best. Try and get them. They were both top notch. Educational, funny, caring, and even took photos of everyone. Also, safety was their #1 concern. We were told it was unusual, but we saw about 11 dolphins jumping, playing and swimming. At first it looked like we’d only see 2 , but our crew somehow smoked them out!😄. Forget all other tours. You won’t top this one! Keith and Mary. Kentucky”

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Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - Whale season from June to early December
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Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

14.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

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

Join Jake and the Raggy Charters crew at 8am for a four-hour catamaran trip across Algoa Bay. A maximum of 20 people gives you room to ask questions while looking for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds and African penguins around St. Croix Island.

“All four crew on boat very helpful and knowledgeable. On time, clean boat, saw penguins on the island and dolphins and a whale close up.”

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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Foam Party - The Manavgat Bosphorus stop
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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Foam Party

15.Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Foam Party

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 623 reviews · 9 hours · from $30

You’ll sail from Side along the Manavgat River, stop at the Bosphorus, Dolphin Island, and Karaburun Bay, and enjoy three swim breaks, grilled chicken lunch, and a foam party. English and German commentary is available, with hotel pickup from Side-area resorts.

“Good day for all ages, the team on the boat are polite and helpful. Enjoyed and stops with plenty to keep everyone interested.”

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New in Dolphin Watching

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