Best Dolphin Tours in the Florida Panhandle: 7 Worth Booking

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

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

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Look for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, collect shells, paddleboard, or use the waterslide. The crew provides gear and life jackets, with drinks available to buy. Allow about three hours and check in 30 minutes early.

“shell Island was beautiful seeing dolphins on the way was fun. We also snorkeled and collected shells.”

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2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

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

Spend about two hours on Island Time Sailing’s catamaran from Panama City Beach. You’ll cruise Grand Lagoon, pass St. Andrews State Park, look for dolphins, and watch the sun set. Captain Clay and crew members including Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma have helped create lively sailings, with onboard drinks, music, photos, games, and dancing at the dock.

“Relaxing, beautiful, fun, friendly informative staff..loved the sails going up and coming down...great boat ride”

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3.Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,512 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Cruise from Orange Beach for 1.5 to 2 hours in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. You may see dolphins riding the wake, crabs, hermit crabs, jellyfish, and coastal homes around Ono Island. Earlier departures can include playful water battles. Makayla and the crew are known for a friendly approach, but lower-deck seating has limited announcements.

“Great experience! The captain and crew members were super. Boat was clean and comfortable. Accessibility was good for my handicapped friend, crew was very helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend this cruise! Saw tons of dolphins!”

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4.Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 675 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Join HydroJet Boat Tours at HarborWalk Village for a one-hour open-air ride through Destin Harbor, Crab Island, East Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico. Captain CJ and crew members such as Lacy and Cherry add local stories, music, and photo stops while you watch for dolphins, rays, turtles, and other wildlife. Expect speed, waves, and a good chance of getting wet.

“The crew was amazing, informative and Fun! Cherry offered to take pictures of our group and did a fantastic job. There are some definite FRAMERS! Plus we saw some very playful Dolphins. We will be recommending this experience to EVERYONE!”

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5.Dolphin & Sunset Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 519 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Set out from 102 Harbor Blvd with Olin Marler Charter Boats for a 90-minute cruise through Destin Harbor, East Pass, the bay, and the Gulf. You may see dolphins in the wild while enjoying a glass-bottom viewing area, snack bar, restrooms, and a heated or air-conditioned cabin. Sunset departures add glowing water and city views.

“You may or may not get to see any dolphins. We did see several. Staff were great. Was a nice day for it”

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6.Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 423 reviews · from $58

Ride the shaded Screaming Eagle speedboat from Destin Harbor for 45 minutes to an hour. A captain and crew guide a maximum of 14 people through the harbor and Gulf waters, looking for dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and other marine life. Expect music, jokes, coastal views, and a fast, family-friendly boat ride.

“We had a blast the weather was not great but we found the dolphins and everyone was super friendly!! Highly recommend😊”

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7.Destin Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 401 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30Best value

Board a 49-passenger Corinthian catamaran at 500 Harbor Blvd for a 90-minute search for wild dolphins. Your captain and crew guide you through Destin Harbor, past eateries, beaches, Crab Island, and other local sights. Captains and crew members such as Kyle, Caroline, Josh, and Wesley have helped point out dolphins and other sea life.

“Best dolphin cruise ever!! We seen a ton of dolphins and jellyfish. Our crew was wonderful. Will do again!!”

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