Worldwide · DOLPHIN WATCHING SAILING TRIPS
Under sail there is no engine noise, which is the single biggest reason a pod stays with the boat. These 15 yacht and ketch sailings are compared on how long the motor stays off, group size and whether you get a swim stop.
Cruise from Los Cristianos aboard Travelin Lady, a purpose-built eco-yacht with protected propellers and low-emission engines. A multilingual guide such as Ines helps you spot pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, followed by the Cave of Love and a short swim stop if conditions allow.
“It was a great trip. And yes, we saw whales and dolphins. Thanks to the yacht team!”
Join Go Shalabi for an 8-hour Red Sea cruise from Hurghada, with guides such as Talal, Ahmed and Ashraf helping at two snorkeling sites. You’ll visit Orange Bay, Giftun and Magawish, search for dolphins, and eat breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit and unlimited drinks onboard.
“Abdul and the team (sorry, I can’t remember everyone’s names) were super helpful, friendly, attentive. We saw a dolphin within the first 20 minutes and a few in the way home. Unfortunately no chance to swim with them, but this was expected given there were multiple speed boats chasing after the dolphins. The first snorkel spot was brilliant, tons of fish. Very well organised, it felt like we had freedom to explore while also feeling safe. The water was a bit choppy and murky at the second spot as this was just off of the beach and quite late into the day, but we saw a sting ray and a…”
Join Delphi Watersports’ three-hour catamaran cruise from Noord for two snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, Brandon, Olga, and the crew are known for friendly service, while the rope swing, spinning slide, wraps, fruit, and drinks keep the trip lively.
“In my opinion based on my experience yesterday, this activity is not great for a solo adventurer. First, I was early and then we boarded on the boat, I did not have any seat at all (as in literally) so I came out of the boat and told them that I aRead more”
Cruise the Fuengirola coast for two hours on a 15-meter yacht with a skipper, snacks, drinks, and swimming stairs. Look for dolphins near Calaburras Lighthouse, then swim or relax with cava. Guides speak English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and sightings are never guaranteed.
“Staff were so friendly throughout the whole journey. Unfortunately did not get to see any dolphins but still had a great time regardless. Thank you so much. Would highly recommend.”
Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 20 people, searching for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles before stopping near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco are known for warm hosting. Drinks, gear, and sunset views are included.
“Definitely would recommend! Marco was an amazing guide and we had some truly spectacular views!”
Sail from Los Cristianos along Tenerife’s Palm Mar coast in a Blue Boat-certified yacht. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and flying fish, pass the Cave of Love, then stop for a swim if sea conditions allow. Bring your own snorkel gear and arrive 20 minutes early.
“Fantastic! Great price, Great staff and we saw pilot whales, dolphins and 2 sea turtles. Cold drinks and beer sold on board.”
Join Gaviao Madeira for a three-hour sailing trip from Funchal with guides such as Bruno and Joseph. Watch for dolphins, whales, and turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel near Cabo Girão. The small yacht, relaxed crew, and included drinks make this a gentler choice than a large catamaran.
“It was a beautiful experience, the captains talked with us and were very friendly. The group was limited to a maximum of 20 people to ensure enough space and a pleasant atmosphere. Thank you very much for a lovely day at sea!”
Sail from Morro Jable with Flounder Yacht Sailing for dolphin and whale watching, a swim and snorkel stop, local tapas, and drinks. Captains including Younes, Carlos, Víctor, Charly, Ian, and Mary may take you under sail toward wildlife sightings. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a wind jacket.
“Amazing boat trip got to see lots of dolphins and sting rays! Food was lovely and plenty of drinks on board. Víctor & Charly was the best crew !! So friendly and funny. Would definitely recommend and we will definitely be doing it again! Thank you”
Set sail from Pier 4 in Puerto Banús on a shared or private 2 to 3 hour cruise aboard a 12 to 14 meter sailboat. Captain Agustin, Vinny, Juan, or Tony may be at the helm, serving drinks and snacks while you watch for dolphins, tuna, and clear-day views of Gibraltar and Africa.
“We had a fantastic time on our tour. The captain was great, lots of fun and very informative. The boat was beautiful and it was super ease to book. I’d recommend to anyone with a free afternoon. It’s a beautiful way to see Marbella.”
Sail from Reykjavik Old Harbor for three hours aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca share marine-life facts while you watch for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins from the decks.
“Out of this world!!!! This was the best thing I’ve ever experienced on a trip. The scenery is more than enough but to witness Humpback Whales & a super pod of Dolphins in the wild took out breath away! The boat was very roomy & clean. The staff were lovely - very friendly & informative. We were blown away with this activity & will return to Reykjavík in the future just to do this trip again.”
Set out from Key West Historic Seaport on a luxury catamaran with Captain Daniel, John, Gracie, Jordan, or Brandon. You will look for wild dolphins, pass Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key, then settle in for sunset with wine, champagne, beer, and chef-selected tapas.
“This was the BEST dolphin cruise ever! Well worth the money. Sebago is the bomb!!🤗🥰 Will definitely do this cruise again!”
Sail from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter El Mojo Picón with skipper Antonio and a small group of up to 9 people. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, then snorkel in a cove beneath the cliffs while enjoying tapas and drinks.
“We had an amazing sailing experience for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife. The small group size made it feel relaxed and personal, with plenty of space to enjoy the views and spot marine life without feeling crowded. The boat was very comfortable, perfect for enjoying the ride and the time out at sea. We were also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and snacks provided — fresh, tasty, and generously offered throughout the trip. Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat was unforgettable, and the calm, well-organized atmosphere made the whole experience even more special. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a comfortable, high-quality, and intimate…”
Meet Olga or John at Delphi Watersports by the Hyatt Regency towel hut for a two-hour sunset sail aboard a 45-foot catamaran. Expect Caribbean music, an open bar, light snacks, ocean views, and a swim stop with a rope swing and waterslide. Boarding uses a shuttle boat, so wear clothes that can get wet.
“Very nice cruise, left on time comfortable boat. Would definitely go on this again. Drinks were included as well.”
Spend three hours aboard a small sailing boat from Puerto Colón with up to 11 passengers. Captain Guy, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian may lead the trip, which combines whale watching, coastline views, a swim stop, snorkel gear, sandwiches, champagne, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
“We spent a lovely afternoon on the boat. Particularly nice was there were only 8 passengers on board. We saw lots of pilot whales and had a quick swim although the sea was a tad cold and choppy! Our captain was great, and the snacks and drinks were a nice touch. Only slight concern was the lack of any safety information - no life jackets offered or advice on what to do if an incident occurred. Would definitely recommend this excursion.”
Join Captain Manuel and his crew aboard the Intrépido for a relaxed two-hour sail from Puerto de Estepona. Search for dolphins, enjoy a drink, watch the Andalusian coast from the water, and swim if sea conditions allow. The captain’s friendly dog, Leia, may also be on board.
“Superb, the team were so friendly and helpful. The boat was wonderful and the tour excellent, we got a chance to swim in the sea and near the end we got to see a group of 4 dolphins which was amazing. Of course this is good luck to come across them but credit to the captain for finding them at the end of the tour and spending time to watch them. Highly recommended”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
