THE USA · DOLPHIN WATCHING

Where to Go: the 15 Best Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA

96 trips  ·  from $35 a head

Good private dolphin watching charters in the USA fill up in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island - What happens during the 90-minute cruise
Dolphin Watching Tours, Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in Hilton Head Island, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

1.90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Review of Hilton Head’s private 90-minute dolphin tour, including wildlife, Captain Mark, pricing, itinerary, tips, and cancellation details.

“This really was a good start to our Hilton Head trip! Captain Mark was extremely personable, ensuring that all member's of my family has a good time. We saw dolphins, Captain Mark used different equipment so we could try and hear the dolphins communicate. Tour was informative and fun, everyone enjoyed it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins - Sailing past downtown Charleston
Charleston Dolphin Watching Tours, Dolphin Watching Tours, Luxury Dolphin Cruises, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Sailing and Yacht Dolphin Trips, Tour Reviews, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

2.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Review of Charleston’s private yacht charter with BYOB, dolphins, Fort Sumter, sunset views, crew details, pricing, parking, and practical tips.

“This relaxing sailboat trip was exactly what we needed! The crew was very attentive and personable and all 4 teenagers enjoyed themselves!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion - Dolphins, manatees, and birds from the boat
Dolphin Watching Tours, Naples Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

3.Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Review of Naples’ private shelling and dolphin excursion, with wildlife, mangrove islands, pricing, practical tips, and family advice.

“Tyler was an awesome captain. He even got the dolphins to come jump and follow our boat. It was awesome and the shelling was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise - Leaving from 43 Jenkins Road
2-Hour Experiences, Dolphin Watching Cruises, Dolphin Watching Cruises in Hilton Head Island, Dolphin Watching Cruises in the USA, Dolphin Watching Tours, Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in Hilton Head Island, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

4.2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Review of Hilton Head’s private two-hour dolphin cruise, with wildlife sightings, captains, route details, family tips, value, and booking advice.

“Absolutely fantastic! We saw lots of dolphins, Stingrays and even a sea turtle. Captain was very knowledgeable and super friendly, boat was very comfortable and luxurious! Only way to see the dolphins!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private) - Choosing the right Maui Ocean Rafting option
Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips, Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips in the USA, Dolphin Watching Tours, Maui Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Small-Group Dolphin Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

5.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Review of Maui’s small-group Eco-Raft Tour to Lanai, with snorkeling, dolphins, Hawaiian stories, snacks, and practical booking advice.

“Terrific tour! All it was advertised to be, with attention to the small group and maximizing on best experience possible given the daily weather conditions. Incredible boat staff!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach - Searching for Dolphins in the Wild
2-Hour Experiences, Dolphin Watching Tours, Panama City Beach Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach

Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours - Leaving 97 Center Street for the estuaries
Dolphin Watching Tours, Folly Beach Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours

7.Private Dolphin Watch, Lighthouse and Ecological Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Review of Folly Beach’s private dolphin, lighthouse, and ecology boat tour, with Morris Island views, pricing, timing, weather rules, and tips.

“Capt Gresh did a great job with giving background and historical information on the area in general as well with covering the wildlife. It was very cool to get up close to the Morris Island lighthouse.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours) - Why the six-person format matters
Dolphin Watching Tours, Oahu Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Small-Group Dolphin Trips, Swim with Dolphins, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours)

8.Swim With Dolphins & Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $200

Swim with wild dolphins and turtles off West Oahu on a three-hour semi-private boat tour limited to six people.

“This tour was absolutely amazing! We loved that it was a small group. It made the whole experience feel really personal. Shanti and Brooke were incredibly passionate about what they do and made sure everyone felt comfortable and had a great time. Swimming alongside dolphins and sea turtles in such a beautiful setting was truly unforgettable. I’ll definitely be recommending this tour company to any friends or family visiting Oahu!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist - Key points to know before booking
3-Hour Experiences, Destin Dolphin Watching Tours, Dolphin Watching Tours, Dolphin Watching with a Marine Biologist, Guided, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in Destin, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist

Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA - Newport Harbor is part of the experience
Dolphin Watching Tours, Newport Beach Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours

Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island - Shell Island from the water
2-Hour Experiences, Dolphin Watching Tours, Panama City Beach Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

11.2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70Best value

Review of Panama City Beach’s private dolphin and sunset cruise, with Shell Island views, pricing, guides, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“We got stuck in traffic and was late to our appointment time, and Zack waited patiently for us. It was a total of four of us and we thoroughly enjoyed our time. The boat was very nice and clean. Zack was informative and kind. We did see dolphins and jellyfish. I absolutely loved the private tour and recommend it. You won't be sorry.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego - Searching for dolphins, whales, and sea lions
Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, San Diego Dolphin Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, USA Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

12.Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $179

Review of San Diego’s private whale and dolphin tour, with Captain Rich, a six-passenger boat, wildlife odds, comfort, value, and tips.

“Captain Rich was a fantastic host and this was a great experience for my family. We found multiple pods of dolphins as well as a humpback whale during the trip. The boat was great, the ride was smooth and we felt safe the whole time. Will definitely do this again next time we come to town. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour Port Aransas Texas - Meeting at 900 Tarpon Street
Dolphin Watching Tours, Evening Experiences, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Dolphin Cruises in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour Port Aransas Texas

Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private) - Searching for dolphins off Maui and Lanai
2-Hour Experiences, Dolphin Watching Tours, Maui Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Small-Group Dolphin Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour - Morris Island and the lighthouse view
Dolphin Watching Tours, Folly Beach Dolphin Watching Tours, Private Dolphin Watching Charters, Private Dolphin Watching Charters in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Dolphin Watching Tours

Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching and Shelling tour

Scroll to Top

Pick a sea

Pick a coast, or pick the kind of morning you want.