ST PETERSBURG · DOLPHIN WATCHING
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 dolphin watching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of St. Pete’s two-hour dolphin cruise to Shell Key, with snorkeling, wildlife, small groups, pricing, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“It was a great trip even though we didn’t get to see any wildlife besides a rare snake near Shellley! Wish we had a little more snorkel time but captain Dave was great showing us around and being knowledgeable”
Review of the 90-minute Madeira Beach dolphin cruise, with pricing, dolphin sightings, crew tips, logistics, value, and booking advice.
“Jim and Kirsten were great and friendly. Awesome tour and knowledge of the local dolphins in the bay.”
Review of Hubbard’s Marina’s affordable dolphin cruise from John’s Pass, with wildlife, onboard comforts, parking tips, and honest advice.
“Getting there was very easy and collecting out tickets was simple and fast. Good experience on the boat. The dolphins didn't show up but at the end we saw couple baby dolphins. Amazing ride.”
Ride the Dolphin Racer from St. Pete Beach for 90 minutes of wildlife, Gulf views, local commentary, and a family-friendly dolphin guarantee.
“Great experience, from the captain to the deckhand. Was a nice ride. We didn't see too many dolphins, so we got a voucher for a free ride.”
Review of the Tampa dolphin, shelling, and snorkeling cruise to Shell Key Preserve, with practical tips on cost, weather, timing, and value.
“Tim did a great job of getting us to see tons of dolphins and sand dollars! its great for a small group of people!”
Cruise St. Pete waters, spot wild dolphins, explore a shell beach, and enjoy three relaxed hours aboard a family-friendly boat.
“We found this last minute after not making any real plans for the day. It was the prefect way to spend an afternoon. Just the right amount of time on the water and at the beach for shell gathering. Crew of the boat was great. Super personable and open to questions from the group. Would definitely recommend to anyone who’s visiting St. Pete.”
A practical review of St. Pete Beach’s 90-minute dolphin tour, with wildlife, shaded seating, onboard restroom, guide details, value, and booking tips.
“They went above and beyond for us. We were the only ones that scheduled (school had just started) and they did not cancel on us. This meant a lot to us! Very friendly and accommodating as well.”
Review of the Egmont Key snorkeling and dolphin tour from Madeira Beach, including the boat ride, wildlife, price, weather risks, and booking tips.
“Just what we were looking for. Plenty of dolphin encounters, relaxing swimming and snorkeling, and a small party of 6. Captain Brian provided excellent local info and smooth sailing.”
Explore Egmont Key by boat, spot dolphins, snorkel, and hunt for shells on this affordable four-hour St. Petersburg tour.
“Captain was knowledgable, tour was fun, great weather, found dolphins and sting rays. Egmont Key was full of shells and water was refreshing.”
Review of St. Petersburg’s private boat cruise with dolphins, birds, snorkeling, tubing, sunset views, and upgrades to Shell Key or Egmont Key.
“Captain Justin was very fun and personable and a great boat driver. Took us tubing and that was the highlight!! So much fun and highly recommend!”
Review of St. Petersburg’s private shelling, dolphin, and barrier island boat tour, with beach time, wildlife, mansions, costs, and practical tips.
“Another great experience! Return customer if Captain Joe and his boating adventures. The boat is very well kept up, Captain Joe is very friendly, communicative and safe. My friends had a great time”
Review of a St. Petersburg dolphin, shelling, and snorkeling cruise with family-friendly boat time, Shell Key, gear, and practical tips.
“Seeing the dolphins snorkeling was great. Also finding sand dollars while snorkeling was an added bonus.”
Review of St. Pete’s 2.5-hour dolphin and sunset cruise, with bridge views, Shell Key beach time, seashell hunting, and an onboard bar.
“What a fantastic experience! Justice is very knowledgeable about the surrounding area. We saw tons of dolphins and we had a great time! 💕”
Review of Madeira Beach’s $28 Shark Boat dolphin cruise, with Boca Ciega Bay views, family tips, practical details, and honest drawbacks.
“We saw more dolphins than any other time! Captain and crew were awesome! The trip was very nice and not too long”
Review the 2.5-hour Shell Key boat trip from Gulfport, with dolphins, shell hunting, mangroves, a cooler, and practical booking tips.
“Best part of our trip! Go early as possible it’s a great way to start a vacation day, by far my favorite thing I’ve done in Florida. We have so many cool shells to make our own crafts to remember the trip! We saw dolphins and manatees, the captain is very nice he helps to find cool shells and gave us snorkels to use. Very chill and knowledgeable great time 10/10 definitely doing this everytime we come back!”
Pick a coast, or pick the kind of morning you want.
