The 7 Dolphin and Manatee Tours in Key West That Earn Their Price

1.Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,163 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Cruise from 631 Greene Street with Fury Water Adventures to search for wild bottlenose dolphins, then snorkel 6 to 12 feet deep among patch coral, sponges, and small fish in the Gulf backcountry. The crew provides instruction and gear, with beer and wine served after swimming. You must know how to swim.

“What an amazing day! It started off a lil rough, but before we knew it there were dolphins all over playing in the water. The captain made sure we were in the right position to view them. The crew were very accommodating, had water, sodas and alcohol of we wanted it. I highly recommend doing this.”

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2.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Cruise from Fury’s Key West kiosk on a 45-foot catamaran, watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, then snorkel the Key West Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Lisa, Ally, Nicole, and Anna are praised for friendly help and clear instruction. The three-hour trip includes gear, water, soft drinks, and beer, wine, or champagne for those 21 and older.

“We really enjoyed this trip, we saw a few dolphins on the way to the snorkelling and back when the sun set. Snorkelling was okay no as there were not a lot of fish or colourful corals but the guide told us this was due to the bad weather the night before so that we couldn’t go to the actual reef. Lots of drinks of all kinds were served and the ambience especially at the sunset was amazing. Would highly recommend when you want a laid back sunset cruise with the chance to see dolphins and dip into the ocean 🌅”

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3.Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 699 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Key West Historic Seaport for a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise past Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key. You’ll look for wild dolphins, then settle in with wine, beer, champagne, and small plates including shrimp cocktail. Crew members such as Captain Daniel, John, Gracie, Jordan, and Brandon are praised for warm service.

“Very enjoyable sailing and ocean experience with personalized service and attention to detail on behalf of captain & assistant”

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4.Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143Top rated

Join Honest Eco Kayak and Snorkel in Key West for a four-hour dolphin-watching and snorkeling trip aboard the custom catamaran SQUID. Captains and marine-focused crew, including guides such as Heather, Bryan, Wade, and Patrick, lead small groups to wild bottlenose dolphins, sponge gardens, coral heads, and calm snorkeling spots.

“Not the trip we booked, but any day on a boat is a good day! There weren’t enough folks signed up for the afternoon on the Squid, so the team was great about communicating our options and we were able to join the afternoon snorkel, sandbar and sunset on the Blue Q catamaran. Dan and Heather were a wonderful crew and took amazing care of the 6 of us on the trip. The Blue Q is a beautiful boat and easy to get in and off with the center ladder. The fresh fruit was the perfect snack. Again, it wasn’t the trip we planned, but Dan and Heather made it…”

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5.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Spend three hours aboard Sunset One searching for wild dolphins, snorkeling near Cottrell Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, and watching the sunset from the water. English-speaking guides such as Kevin, Kylie, Madison, and John explain the wildlife and keep an eye on swimmers. Snorkel gear, safety equipment, and draft beer are included.

“Great crew, we were lucky not even to see the dolphins but also to swim nearby”

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6.All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter

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

From Key West’s Historic Seaport, you’ll spend about five hours aboard a boat bound for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Jewfish Basin. Captain Madison, Captain John, Captain Logan, and their crews are among the named team members associated with this trip. Expect dolphin watching, a sandbar stop, lunch, unlimited beer, wine, mimosas, soft drinks, lily pads, and water toys.

“Captain John and his crew, Kathy and Maggie, took us out for a great day of fun! We saw so many dolphins and learned some fun facts. They took great care of us at the sandbar, served us great food and drinks and lots of fun!! Thank you!!”

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7.Key West Dolphin and Snorkel Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 334 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $69Best value

Spend about three hours on the water with Sunset Watersports, watching for wild dolphins, snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and returning past Key West’s sunset. Equipment, life jackets, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks for ages 21 and older are included. Captains and crew members such as Owen, Noah, Kevin, and Stephanie have been praised for friendly help.

“I had a wonderful time! Kevin and Michael were fantastic! It ended up being too cold to go in the water (though they did offer wet suits), I still very much enjoyed the time on the water. We saw lots of dolphins and learned a lot about the area!”

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