Worldwide · SAFARI

The 15 Best Dolphin Safaris

47 trips  ·  from $29 a head

The 15 best dolphin safaris you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - The two-hour route, from harbour to open water
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

1.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29Our pick

Sail from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open viewing decks and an indoor salon. Government-certified guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. The strict no-chase rule means no swim stop.

“We loved the fact that the staff seem to care about the sea life we were hoping to see. Having reached an area where dolphin and whales are often sighted the engine was cut. We saw both dolphins and a pilot whale which was amazing”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Viaduct Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the first views
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

2.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for 4.5 hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the wildlife and conservation work while you look for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds among Auckland’s islands.

“Great trip to see New Zealand from the water. We saw dolphins galore! But beware, the front deck is the very spot when underway!”

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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist - Ocean Safari - Passing Belem Tower and the Tagus waterfront
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Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist – Ocean Safari

3.Lisbon: Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist – Ocean Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 812 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $62Top rated

Join SeaEO Tours at Doca de Santo Amaro for a three-hour Atlantic wildlife trip in an 8.5-meter RIB. A marine biologist explains dolphin behavior as you pass Belem Tower, the Discovery Monument, and Bugio Lighthouse. Sid, Sarah, or Bart may be among the friendly crew.

“Finding dolphins is never guaranteed, but we quickly found a nursing pod with young calves in the river. Our biologist provided clear and interesting information about dolphins and their habitat around Lisbon. Note the boat has saddles that the passengers straddle; skirts are not a good choice for this trip.”

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Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu - A small boat changes the whole experience
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Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

4.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise Oahu’s Waianae Coast aboard a 32-foot boat with a small group and marine biology-trained crew such as Lisa, Morgan, Jenna, and Liza. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel with included gear. Hotel pickup and a deli lunch make this an easy half-day outing.

“This is our second time doing this excursion and it did not disappoint. Lisa, Ashley and Captain Flow were so friendly and knowledgeable. Our family was able to see dolphins and had some great snorkeling spots. Lunch was great too. We can’t wait to come back and do it again.”

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Fazana: dolphin safari and sightseeing in Brijuni at sunset - Sunset over the Istrian coast
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Fazana: dolphin safari and sightseeing in Brijuni at sunset

All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter - What lunch and unlimited drinks really add
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All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter

6.All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $149

Set out from Key West’s Historic Seaport for a five-hour cruise with Sunset Watersports. Captain Madison, Captain John, or Captain Logan and their crews guide you toward wild dolphins, Jewfish Basin, and a shallow sandbar, with lunch, unlimited drinks, lily pads, snorkel gear, and water toys included.

“This was a fantastic laid back day on the boat! Service was OUTSTANDING! Captain Madison and crew Caroline and Cathy made us all feel so relaxed and pampered. They were professional, efficient, friendly and just outright wonderful. If you are looking to just relax on a beautiful boat with gorgeous scenery and be waited on while playing on a sandbar, this is for you! We also saw so many dolphins and they swam right along the boat. Capt. Madison and crew were so knowledgeable and fun!!! The whole family had the best day ever in Key West!”

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Dolphin Watching in Gibraltar Dolphin Safari V.I.P - What happens from the 2:00 pm departure
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Dolphin Watching in Gibraltar Dolphin Safari V.I.P

7.Dolphin Watching in Gibraltar Dolphin Safari V.I.P

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 428 reviews · from $34

Join Dolphin Safari at Marina Bay for a one-hour cruise in a 40-foot power boat, limited to 15 people. Your crew searches for wild dolphins while sharing facts about the strait, with views toward Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco when weather allows.

“Our first trip was ruined by bad weather, despite the company ringing us and suggesting we took an earlier trip. We took there advice, but the weather wasn’t playing ball. After a dolphinless trip the captain endorsed our tickets so we could go in another trip for free. The sRead more”

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Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura - The dolphin search is worth the uncertainty
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Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

8.Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 342 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Set out from Office 5 at Vilamoura Marina for a two-hour dolphin search along the Algarve coast. Your skipper takes you offshore to look for bottlenose and common dolphins, then toward caves and rock formations. Boats vary with sea conditions, and the guide speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French.

“Enjoyed the trip, great ride and very informative guides, just a shame no dolphins!”

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Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist's Lagos - The search for dolphins
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Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist’s Lagos

9.Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist’s Lagos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

From Lagos Marina, certified marine biologists Daniela and Mafalma lead a 90-minute Atlantic search for dolphins and other wildlife. You may see common or bottlenose dolphins, turtles, whales, and young calves. Boats are fast and comfortable, groups are capped at 20, and the crew keeps a respectful distance.

“The marine biologists were kind and knowledgeable. It took awhile to locate dolphins but we eventually did and it was amazing .”

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Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza - Watching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds
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Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza

10.Kayak Safari with Dolphin and Turtle Watching in Guaza

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Paddle from Los Cristianos along the Guaza cliffs and the Teno-Rasca marine strip, watching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Your guide navigates, supplies snorkeling gear and a buoyancy vest, and leads you to Palmar Cave. Guides have included Joel, Joey, Luka, and Casper.

“Lovely day on the water with sun and wind. Not much to see. The snorkeling was a total loss. They changed our trip time with very little notice, slightly rude A nice day out if you're tired of the hotel and need to get the kids out, just don't expect much”

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Noosa Ocean adventure & Dolphin Safari. - Choosing between a smooth rear seat and the front four
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Noosa ocean adventure & Dolphin safari.

11.Noosa ocean adventure & Dolphin safari.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 125 reviews · from $68

Join Christian, Nathan, or another Noosa Oceanrider captain for a 90-minute rigid inflatable boat ride from Noosa Marina. Cruise the river, cross into Laguna Bay, follow Noosa National Park, and watch for dolphins, turtles, and whales. Expect tight turns, spray, and a wet, lively ride.

“A nice, fun way to see the area down the river and out onto the ocean. We were lucky to see a pod of dolphins. Beautiful scenery all the way around from Tewantin Marina to Sunshine Beach. The vessel was a little rocky when we stopped to lRead more”

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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise - The Haleiwa Queen and Its Underwater Viewing Ports
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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

12.Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 124 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Board the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen at Kewalo Basin for a gentle one-hour cruise along Waikiki. Look through four underwater viewing ports for reef fish and turtles while the crew shares island history. Dolphins and seasonal whales are possible, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was a nice boat ride but that is all it was. We seen a few fish, but that was quite a let down. We did not see turtles or dolphins.”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Desert Safari and Dolphin Feeding - Arriving at Tangalooma Island Resort
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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Desert Safari and Dolphin Feeding

13.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Desert Safari and Dolphin Feeding

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 103 reviews · 1 day · from $162

Take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then split your day between pools, beaches, a $25 lunch voucher, 4WD sand tobogganing, and the evening wild dolphin program. Bring goggles for the dunes and clothes that can get wet at the jetty.

“the Dolph Feeding program will be an unforgettable memory for me forever. there are many people and you can feed the dolphins only for a couple minutes but it is still very worth it and the day on the island was just as amazing. after you feed the dolphins you can also watch them from the pier in the shallow water and it was so amazing”

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Fazana: Dolphin Finder in Brijuni islands Safari with Dinner - Why the Brijuni islands make a good evening backdrop
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Fazana: Dolphin Finder in Brijuni islands Safari with Dinner

14.Fazana: Dolphin Finder in Brijuni islands Safari with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 88 reviews · from $34

Cruise from Fažana toward Brijuni National Park at sunset, looking for wild bottlenose dolphins from a comfortable boat. You get dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and a private table for groups of three or more. The two-hour trip is guided in English, German, Croatian, or Italian.

“There was no guide The food was ok but not a meal A guide who told us what we saw on the way would be ok”

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Safari & Boat Tour - Mountains & Dolphins - Natural springs and a taste of the rural Algarve
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Safari & Boat Tour – Mountains & Dolphins

15.Safari & Boat Tour – Mountains & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $118

Spend four hours in a 4x4 exploring Algarve farms, cork, springs, and hilltops, then take a shared two-hour boat trip from Albufeira Marina to the caves and dolphin habitat. Guides such as Luis, João, Filipe, and Mario bring local color, though the safari vehicle is bumpy and enclosed.

“The boat tour was great! Our tour leaders were friendly, energetic, and very helpful! The bonus was that we were able to see many dolphins on the tour. The Jeep tour was interesting, but lacked good information and could have been much better. Our driver spoke limited English, didn’t say much, and when he spoke, we couldn’t hear or understand him very well. Also, the Jeep was old, uncomfortable, and it was difficult to see out the windows. Zebra Tours should work on improving the Jeep tour…”

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