Where to Book Dolphin Watching Tours — Our Top 15

1.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the Hauraki Gulf, track local whale populations, and help you look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, blue penguins, seals, sharks, and seabirds. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“A beautiful day on the water and so wonderful to have the marine scientists on board collecting data and sharing their knowledge with us. We saw two giant nursery pods of dolphins, the baby dolphins were so cute I could cry. The captain did an amazing job of skirting the bad weather and we had a wonderful outing. I also appreciate what wonderful stewards of the environment they are, such cool work! It felt nice to contribute to this ongoing project.”

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

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

Meet SeaEO Tours beneath the 25th of April Bridge for a three-hour ocean safari led by a marine biologist. You will ride an 8.5-meter RIB from Alcântara through the Tagus Estuary and toward the Atlantic, looking for common and bottlenose dolphins, seabirds, sunfish, and other marine life. The boat returns to the same dock.

“The staff were really friendly and loaned us jackets as it gets really cold in the wind! There isnt a bad seat on the boat so there’s no fighting over the view. We spotted dolphins (with babies!) within half an hour. We had no luck out as sea as conditions were too rough but this didn’t spoil our experience. We really enjoyed the speedboat experience as a bonus!”

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3.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 maximum of 16 people. Marine naturalists guide you toward spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, turtles, and reef fish, then provide snorkel gear, lunch, and hotel pickup from Waikiki or Ko Olina.

“In three hours we saw a humpback and her calf, dozens of spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and many fish while snorkeling on a beautiful coral reef. Amazing.”

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4.Fazana: dolphin safari and sightseeing in Brijuni at sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 763 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Set out from Fazana aboard the 50-person Kristina for a sunset cruise along Brijuni National Park, Pula, and the Istrian coast. Your Croatian, English, or German-speaking guide explains the islands while the captain searches for dolphins. Expect a soft drink, onboard restroom, clear sea views, and a 1.5 to 2-hour ride.

“A very nice trip. Dolphins seen a few times. Very nice and smiling guide as well as a great boat captain. I recommend it to all undecided. Warm greetings from a couple from Poland.”

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5.All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter

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

From Key West’s Historic Seaport, you cruise into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary aboard a boat carrying up to 50 people. Captain Madison, Captain John, Captain Logan, and crews such as Kathy, Maggie, Caroline, and Cathy have all led recent trips. Expect dolphin spotting, a sandbar stop, lunch, open beer and wine, water toys, and a restroom onboard.

“Was great to see the dolphins The staff Kathy, Helen and Captain John were amazing Always helpful, made drinks however you wanted Kind to all the guest and interactimg with everyone”

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

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

From Marina Bay, you’ll spend about an hour aboard a 40-foot power boat searching for wild dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar. The small group, cushioned seats, live commentary, and views toward Spain, Morocco, and the Rock make this a friendly, compact outing. Dolphins are not guaranteed, but the operator reports a 99% yearly sighting rate.

“Absolute aanrader voor als je verblijft in Zuid Spanje of Gibraltar! Erg vriendelijk personeel die je tijdens de trip voorziet van informatie over de dolfijnen. Ook met jong gezien goed te doen, kinderwagen mag gewoon mee aan boord.”

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7.Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

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

Leave Vilamoura Marina with a multilingual skipper and guide for a two-hour search for bottlenose and common dolphins. You will cruise offshore, then visit coastal caves and rock formations before returning to the marina. Boats vary with sea conditions and demand, and the ride can be fast and splashy, so bring a warm, waterproof layer.

“Amazing! The tour guides were very friendly. We sae dolphins as well. It was a beautiful ride along the ocean and definitely worth the money!!! Would love to do it again ❤️”

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8.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 for a full day of beach time, a $25 lunch voucher, 4WD sand tobogganing, and evening wild dolphin feeding. You can use the pools, cafés, bars, showers, lockers, and Day Lounge before returning by ferry.

“A perfect day! The ferry was scenic and smooth and I appreciated the included beverage. At the pier we were met with the most charismatic host who gave us our vouchers and provided a brief tour of the island- he was very helpful with our questions and was clear in instructions for the day. The lunch vouchers on the island covered lunch and a drink with ease at multiple food locations. Sand tobogganing was unique and a highlight for me! Wouldn’t recommend to those with fear of heights as there is no shorter hill. For those who don’t mind heights, you’ll love it! The beach was beautiful and quiet. Dolphin…”

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9.Noosa: Ocean Adventure & Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 91 reviews · from $53

Join Brent, Min and the Noosa Thriller crew for a fast-paced 1.5-hour ride along Noosa National Park. You’ll pass secluded beaches, Boiling Pot, Dolphin Point and Hell’s Gates, with chances to spot dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. Safety gear, a briefing and an English-speaking skipper are included.

“Our guide was brilliant - very knowledgeable, took us on some amazing turns and runs and kept us entertained! We even got to see many many dolphins which was lovely! Thought the whole thing was an amazing experience and great value for money and would definitely recommend to anyone in Noosa!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 88 reviews · from $34

You’ll cruise from Fažana around Brijuni National Park at sunset, watching for bottlenose dolphins in their natural setting. The two-hour trip includes dinner, unlimited soft drinks, Wi-Fi, an onboard restroom, and a private table for groups of three or more. A live guide is offered in English, German, Croatian, and Italian, though the guide commentary may be limited.

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11.Safari & Boat Tour – Mountains & Dolphins

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

Spend four hours in a Land Rover exploring inland Algarve villages, cork, farms, natural springs, and high viewpoints, then join a two-hour boat trip from Albufeira Marina to see caves, beaches, and dolphins. English-speaking guides may include João, Luis, Mario, or Filipe. Pickup is available in designated Albufeira areas.

“The Jeep safari was so much fun, we learn t alot about the algarve than we didn t know, we also throughly enjoyed our afternoon on the boat. Jo our guide was lovely and very accommodation/informative and funny. My only area for improvement would be a drink/ coffee stop at some point.”

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12.Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $179

From La Ventana, you’ll spend about five hours in a panga searching for mobula rays, dolphins, whales, and possible orcas. Snorkeling gear and lunch are included, and groups are limited to six. Guides such as Juan, Alejandro, and Andrea are praised for sharp wildlife spotting and respectful practices.

“The captain and tour guide very helpful and good at finding animals in the ocean!we can see humpback whales, sperm whale, dolphins, mobula rays…So much fun!”

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13.Dolphin Safari Boat Trip from Marina Funtana

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Join the turquoise Sveta Ana at Funtana Marina for a 150-minute cruise around the islands near Vrsar and Funtana. You will watch for dolphins, enjoy sunset views, and sip included wine, water, orange juice, or julishka. German and Italian are spoken on board.

“Dass wir vom Campingplatz abgeholt worden sind, da es eine Planänderung gab.”

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14.Moreton Island: Desert Safari Tour & Dolphin Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 1 day · from $147

Ride a ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then take a bumpy 4WD trip through Moreton Island’s bushland to the desert. Try sand tobogganing, use the resort pools and beach, enjoy a sunset cocktail or mocktail, and watch for wild dolphins from the jetty. The day ends with a 75-minute boat ride home.

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15.Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 49 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Meet your English-speaking guide at 83 Center St. for a two-hour beginner paddle on the Folly River. You’ll learn SUP basics, use provided board, paddle, leash, and PFD, and watch for bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, crabs, and coastal birds. Guides including Eric, Pat, Kate, and Jack have helped beginners find their balance.

“Kate was great!!! Super fun and got to see so many dolphins even from far away!! Sunset was beautiful.”

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