Dolphin trips · PRIVATE DOLPHIN CHARTERS IN DESTIN
Good private dolphin charters in Destin sail early and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 12 to book first, what each includes and how they differ.
Join Captain Chris, a marine biologist, for a three-hour private boat trip near Destin. Look for dolphins and other sea life, cruise to Shell Island, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy a flexible outing for up to six people.
“Chris did a great job! We saw a Queen Helmet! Rarely seen anywhere! There were Starfish, crabs, and we even had a private island!”
Spend 90 minutes on a private Destin pontoon cruise for up to six passengers. Your captain may look for dolphins, pause at Crab Island or Norriego Point for sunset, and return through the glowing harbor. Captains include Wendi, Cole, Jesse, Randy, Kylie, Shawn, and others.
“Captain Wendi was amazing! We had a beautiful sunset cruise and great trip. She was so fun and friendly. Highly recommend!”
Cruise from Destin Harbor to Choctawhatchee Bay with captains such as Spencer, Victoria, Wendy, or Izzy. Look for dolphins, stingrays, and turtles near Crab Island, then watch the sunset from the water. This shared boat carries up to 30 people and includes bottled water.
“Spencer was the best! Music was great! Even if we had not seen dolphins, the boat ride was so nice! I highly recommend.”
Take a 90-minute private cruise from Destin Harbor for up to 16 people, with sunset views near Norriego Point or Crab Island, possible dolphin sightings, a waterside stop, onboard restroom, bottled water, and Bluetooth speakers. Captains such as Wendy and Jimmy add local stories and personal service.
“Jimmy our Captain and co captain were great. The whole experience was great. Very prompt. Good weather. Beautiful sunset”
You’ll cruise Destin Harbor in a private boat for up to six people, choosing a 2 to 8 hour outing focused on dolphins, Crab Island, snorkeling, sunset views, or fireworks. The local crew customizes the route, and your trip returns to Maximus Fishing on Harbor Boulevard.
“Nice, laid back, our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating! Beautiful sights and got to take in all of Destin and more! My daughter loved the dolphins!!”
Join a private speedboat cruise from Screaming Eagle Sports in Destin. A licensed captain takes your group of 6 to 14 past Destin Harbor and into the Gulf to look for dolphins and other marine life. Captains Logan and Cody have earned especially warm praise, though wildlife sightings and speed can vary.
“Captain Logan and partner where excellent host. I love the experience. They were so into details and they went so extra.”
Take a captained tiki boat from Destin Harbor to Crab Island for a private three-hour outing. Captain Murray, Cameron, Al, Eric, Hank, and others have guided this trip. Bring snacks, drinks, floats, sunscreen, and a camera for a relaxed party on the emerald water.
“Captain Murray was amazing! Highly recommend ! Will be back ! Very laid back and made us feel comfortable! Five stars all around !”
You’ll cruise Destin’s waters on a private pontoon with a USCG captain, then stop at Crab Island for paddleboarding, swimming, and time on a large water mat. The four-hour trip also includes a dolphin-sighting cruise and possible sea turtle sightings. Captain Jesse has led at least one highly praised outing.
“We had a great time with Jesse, our captain, who took us to Crab Island.”
Gather six to 12 people for a private, one-hour banana boat ride from 316 Harbor Blvd in Destin. A USCG captain and deck hand handle the boat, while you choose a slower or faster pace and keep an eye out for dolphins. Life jackets are provided.
“Very fun!!! Whole experience was fun watching other groups, was very funny, and riding the Banana Boat was exciting. Will definitely do this again.”
Captain Kip and Elizabeth host a private, two-hour catamaran cruise from Okaloosa Island. You’ll watch for dolphins on protected Choctawhatchee Bay, enjoy Florida’s sunset, and return to the same marina. The boat holds only your group of up to six, with an ice-filled cooler provided.
“This was the perfect way for my family to end our Destin trip! It was relaxing and beautiful with the sunset colors. Kip and Elizabeth made the experience easy to schedule and it was nice that it was in a smaller marina so we could put out in the water almost immediately. My usually reserved teenagers said it was awesome, so that says a lot. I hope we can return and take another cruise with Captain Kip!”
Set out from Gilligan’s Watersports, dock #1, for a private 1.5-hour cruise with an English-speaking captain. Captain Riley may guide you toward dolphins and open Gulf views before sunset. Bring water, wear comfortable clothes, and plan your timing carefully for the best sunset pictures.
“Riley was very nice and welcoming. We had a lot of fun during our cruise; However, in the beginning he took us through 2 different dead end neighborhoods which in turn made us miss a good view of the sunset, which was our major reason for going. We saw no point in the neighborhoods. When we finally made it to open water, the sunset was no longer visible. We also wish he would have advised at least a 30 min warning of our time left (which is usually done in other cruises) We wanted a chance to take pictures but got carried away in the fun before we realized we…”
Book a private three-hour cruise from Destin Harbor to Crab Island aboard a custom 48-foot pontoon. A USCG-certified captain handles the boat while you enjoy paddle boards, rafts, water toys, a jumbo Bluetooth speaker, and an onboard restroom. Captain Murray and Captain Al are names to ask about when booking.
“Capt. Murray was a blast! Friendly and fun and very engaging! Looked after everyone! Thanks capt Murray! Definitely a do again trip!”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
