Best Half-Day Dolphin Trips — Our Top 6

1.Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130Our pick

Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Marina aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour eco-cruise. Marine guides such as Toni, Emily, Sanaa, John, and George may explain sightings and research work while you look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, gannets, penguins, and sharks.

“Was awesome and amazing.. Seen alot of dolphins activities and few whales.. Thanks to the amazing staff on board and for your service.. (Visiting from Brisbane Australia)..”

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2.Lanzarote: Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 585 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $85

Take a fast boat from Puerto del Carmen to Lobos Island with guides such as Teddy or Carlos, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, porpoises, and flying fish. You get 2.5 hours for beaches, lagoons, a village walk, or volcanic trails, plus lunch and drinks.

“Gorgeous boat trip, very friendly hosts, amazing bbq with more than enough food, sangria and soft drinks for everyone! Note: revised earlier start time didn't update on the Get Your Guide app, something to look at.”

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3.Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 507 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $37Best value

Spend about 3 to 3.5 hours aboard a decorated Omani dhow in Khasab’s fjords. Sohel, Opu, Captain Jash, and other crew members have been praised for friendly service, dolphin spotting, photos, refreshments, and help with swimming and snorkeling.

“Super and the litle snack was very Nice, we have lot of fhoto's en video dolphin Super👍👍👍👍👍👍”

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4.Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 219 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Set out from Angra do Heroísmo for three hours of whale and dolphin watching with Picos de Aventura. Guides such as Luis, João, Joanna, and Francisco explain cetaceans and safe viewing practices while you search for up to 27 species. Sightings can include sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

“Marvellous Tour with Luis as our guide. We saw lots of different dolphin species. Behavior was respectful towards the animals. And don't miss the speedboat curves and turns, it is just fun! Thanks for this beautiful experience with Picos de Aventura.”

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5.Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise with Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 189 reviews · 3h 30m · from $37

Join Dolphin Khasab Tours for a 210-minute dhow cruise through Musandam’s fjords. Your English, Arabic, or Hindi-speaking host arranges pickup in Khasab, while the crew serves fruit and drinks, points out fishing villages, and stops at Telegraph Island for swimming.

“Super, Tour, wenig Leute auf dem Boot. Getränke und Obst frei, frisch und kalt.”

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6.Khasab: Khor Sham Half-Day Cruise with Snorkeling & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 143 reviews · 4 hours · from $45

Join guide Jithu and the crew of a traditional Omani dhow for four hours in Khor Sham. You’ll cruise past dramatic fjords, watch for wild dolphins at two locations, then swim and snorkel near Telegraph Island. Fruit, dates, soft drinks, water, equipment, and life jackets are included.

“Very nice tour, our guide Jithu gave us wonderful information about Khasab and the Arabian Norway. We saw dolphins, snorkeled and swam at Telegraph Island. The crew was very attentive and provided us with a wide variety of drinks, fruit, and delicious dates. Thank you very much, the tour is highly recommended.”

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