The 13 Dolphin Trips With a History Stop People Actually Book

1.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples with Florida History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65Our pick

Paddle a kayak or stand-up board through Naples mangrove waterways with a guide such as Jacob or Doug. You’ll get a short lesson, hear about Florida history and wildlife, and watch for dolphins, manatees, birds, fish, and turtles. The tour suits beginners and returns to its launch point.

“The tour was terrific!! The paddle boards we were using were absolutely beautiful. The tour guide was phenomenal, he was very patient with my children and he gave us tons of interesting facts about the area. We saw dolphins and manatees swim right past us and I even had a sea turtle that kept coming up to my board. My family has been vacationing in Naples for many years and this tour is definitely the best thing to do in Naples. We had such a great experience with this company we are thinking about trying to sign up for their Ft. Myers tour on Tuesday! Also, bring your phone there…”

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2.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two relaxed hours aboard Mystique, a private sailboat for up to six people. Your captain and first mate, including crew members such as Will, Anna, Scott, Maddie, Dustin, or Adam, share Charleston history while you pass the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. Dolphins may appear.

“Capt. Will and Sam were the best! Beautiful boat, knowledgeable and so much fun!! My husband and I highly recommend them. Dr. Alex and Mrs. Rodi”

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3.Adventure Boat Tours Dolphin Tails & History Cruise St Augustine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Cruise from Vilano Road into St. Augustine’s waterways with captains including Jimmy and Bear’s family crew. You’ll hear local history, pass the fort and Fountain of Youth area, go beneath a bridge, look for dolphins and birds, and reach the inlet for Atlantic views. The relaxed boat carries up to 32 people.

“The crew was very nice. Saw some dolphins. Was all in all a beautiful boat ride. Heard some stories about St Augustine. Would recommend.”

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4.Private Historical Wildlife and Dolphin Cruise South Padre Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join SPI Excursions for a 90-minute private cruise for up to six people. Look for bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, spoonbills, and jellyfish while guides such as Brady or Devin share island history and point out SpaceX Starbase. Shade and an onboard restroom add comfort.

“Very easy experience with multiple kids including an 11 month old. Friendly captain and very relaxing”

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5.Dolphin and Wildlife History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $29Best value

Set out from 57 Comares Ave with a captain and guide for a one-hour cruise around Matanzas Bay. You’ll look for dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife while learning about St. Augustine’s waterfront landmarks. Boats carry no more than 16 people, keeping the outing friendly and easygoing.

“Being out on the water and seeing the dolphins was so much fun. The narration about points of interest and facts about St. Augustine made this tour well worthwhile. Would recommend this experience.”

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6.St. Augustine Dolphin Watch and Historical Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Cruise from Vilano Beach aboard a spacious catamaran for about 90 minutes, watching wild bottlenose dolphins and viewing Castillo de San Marcos, the lighthouse, and the Great Cross. Captain Andrew and the crew provide a relaxed ride, snacks, soda, beer, and wine, with questions welcome but no constant narration.

“This was a very relaxing ride with an experienced crew, who were also very friendly and accommodating. It wasn’t a narrated tour which, frankly, made it much more enjoyable.”

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7.Private Sunset Sail BYOB Dolphin/History Tours on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Set sail from 17 Lockwood Drive aboard the 43-foot Mystique for a private two to four hour sunset cruise. Bring your own wine and food, then look for dolphins while passing the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and the Yorktown. Captains and mates such as Scott, Maddie, Will, and Sam provide friendly local commentary.

“Will and Sam were fantastic. They made an already great experience that much better. We had an amazing time.”

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8.St. Augustine: Dolphin and Wildlife Historical Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · 1 hour · from $30

Join Captain Cody, Kev, Matt, or another local guide for a one-hour, small-group cruise from Conch House Marina. Watch for dolphins, herons, osprey, manatees, and other wildlife while viewing St. Augustine’s lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, and Flagler College from the water.

“Cody and Kate were the best tour guides I've ever had. They were kind, fun, and provided incredible information about the wildlife, the marine life, and St. Augustine itself. They took time to let us watch every dolphin we spotted. This is the perfect tour in St. Augustine!”

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9.Private Afternoon Sailing/Dolphin & History Tour on 43ft Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll sail Charleston Harbor aboard the 43-foot Mystique with a private group of up to six. Captain Scott, Sam, Rob, Sophia, Adam, Darby, Dustin, or another crew member may guide you past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and Fort Sumter, with dolphins possible along the way.

“Amazing experience! Definitely recommend doing a sailing trip in Charleston. We had a wonderful time with Adam and Darby, they were great!”

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10.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure tour of Osprey with Florida History

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Set out from Osprey for a two-hour paddle through the mangrove islands of Little Sarasota Bay. Your local guide leads the way while you look for dolphins and West Indian manatees. Kayaks, paddle boards, paddles, life vests, and nearby parking are included.

“I have a couple of concerns about this booking. First of all, Viator gives the option to pay right away or wait until 2 days before the tour to pay. I picked the deferred payment option. I completed the booking on Monday, 1/1/23, for a 5-person paddle board/kayak tour on Sunday, 1/7/23, with payment due of $325 on Saturday, 1/6/23. I received confirmation of the booking on 1/1/23. On Thursday, 1/4/23, I got an email from Viator offering $25 off my first booking. I attempted to apply the coupon code through their website, but it wouldn't work. I called customer service and spoke with Jorry, who initially said the coupon…”

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11.Historic Leschenault Inlet & Dolphin Sundowner Run – 5K ish

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $46

Join Dan for a gentle, story-filled 5K run from East Bunbury around Leschenault Inlet and Koombana Bay. Expect history, bird life, archaeology, changing scenery, frequent stops, and a sunset finish with refreshments at The Parade Hotel. The pace suits a range of fitness levels.

“Great stories and history of Bunbury! Enjoyed the steady paced run and interesting facts learned while meeting new people as well.”

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12.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Sarasota with Olde Florida History!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle a kayak or stand-up board through Sarasota’s calm waterways with guides such as Daniel, watching for dolphins, manatees, turtles, pelicans, spoonbills, mangroves, and live conch. The two-hour tour starts and ends in Osprey and includes all equipment.

“We had sooo much fun!! My wife and I wanted to show our kids some of the real outdoors while on our vacation to Lido Key. It was amazing because we saw dolphins swim right up to our kayaks and we saw two manatees passing by in the clear water. Our tourguide Daniel was very informative and patient with the kids. Our kids had so much fun that we bought a Three Brothers paddle board and had it shipped back to our home. Amazing kayak and paddle board tour in the Sarasota area!”

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13.Private Tour with Historic Tugboat: Tavolara, Molara, Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours aboard Lupo, a restored historic tugboat, with skipper Andrea and hostess Federica. From Golfo Aranci, you’ll search for dolphins near Figarolo, swim at Tavolara and Molara, enjoy fresh fish and Sardinian drinks, and stop at a coastal cove chosen by the skipper.

“I had the pleasure of knowing and leaving with the private tour of Outcage in Tavolara and Molara... they made me know the history, the curiosities, but above all I saw unique views in total tranquility and privacy.”

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