USA · DOLPHIN & MANATEE TOURS

The 15 Best Dolphin & Manatee Tours in the USA

75 tours  ·  from $28 a head

Crystal River is the one place you may legally swim with manatees, and the season runs through winter. These 15 compare the Florida and Gulf departures on price, boat size and what the operator does when nothing shows up.

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach - What the 75-minute route feels like
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Clearwater

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach

1.Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,594 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37Our pick

Board the tugboat-style Little Toot at Clearwater Beach for a narrated 75-minute cruise through Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The boat’s broad wake often attracts wild dolphins, which may swim, leap, and play close behind the vessel. Choose sun or shade, walk around onboard, and enjoy commentary from the captain and crew.

“Beautiful boat ride of the bay, even if we had not seen dolphins. Luckily, at the end we did and that great video of them jumping over waves behind us playing with the boat. Only complaint is that although everyone on the crew was nice, the woman narrating the Tour had a heavy accent and was speaking in a melodic voice, so I could not understand half of what she was saying. Perhaps it was a problem with the microphone. Maybe too close to her mouth?”

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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Watching wild dolphins from a sailing catamaran
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Sailing, Snorkeling, Shark & Manta Ray Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Panama City Beach

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

2.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57

Sail from Panama City Beach on Island Time’s spacious catamaran to Shell Island, watching for wild dolphins along the way. At the island, use provided snorkel gear and paddleboards, ride the waterslide, or walk the beach for shells. A crew including Captain Clay, Heath, Sarah, Emma, and Carter may vary by departure.

“The captain, Keith and his crew were very informative and helpful. Their goal was to help us have a wonderful trip and it met our expectations and more. The attention to detail including doing everything to assure we saw loads of schools of dolphins up close! It was a cold and windy day and they offered us to stay below deck to keep the wind and cold blocked as much as possible! If their were 10 stars we would rate them 10 out of 10! We highly recommend this trip!”

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Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide! - Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River refuge
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Crystal River

Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!

3.Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,782 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

Spend about three hours near Crystal River’s wild manatees with a guide in the water beside you. Fun 2 Dive supplies your wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and float noodle, while guides such as Neal, Storm, and Zachary explain manatee manners and take photos. Expect a calm boat ride, variable water clarity, and a possible post-tour hot chocolate.

“Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable. All around fun time. The guide and captain. Were fantastic. Great gift shop as well”

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Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour - What the 90-minute route feels like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Naples, Wildlife

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

4.Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,590 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Set out from Port of the Islands Marina for a 90-minute wildlife cruise with a Coast Guard-certified captain. Boats carry up to six people, and guides such as Paul, Becky, Chris, Andi, and Storm know where manatees gather. You may also spot alligators, crocodiles, bull sharks, herons, pelicans, and jumping fish.

“The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the water neighborhood, wildlife, habitat, vegetation and behavior of the seaborne and land animals. He even talked about the hurricane damages around the area..”

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The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer - What happens at River Ventures before you board
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Guided, Photography Sessions, Snorkeling, Shark & Manta Ray Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Crystal River

The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

5.The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,539 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

River Ventures takes you through Kings Bay and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to find wild manatees. You receive a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, safety briefing, and an in-water guide who helps you float calmly near the animals. Guides such as Piper, Maleah, Natalie, and JJ have earned praise for their care and clear instruction. Photos are sold separately.

“If you want a friendly service that believes in the conservation of Manatees, who take you in magical tours and are caring and kind then use River Ventures. So organised and professional....but mainly fun.”

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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - Summer dolphin trips and coastal views
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Rafting & Ziplining, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui, Whale Watching

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

6.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Lahaina, you’ll ride a small zodiac raft for whale watching from December to April, or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. Guides such as Captain Jack, Jess, Mark, and Olivia explain marine life while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs. Expect a friendly small-group ride, ocean spray, and no guarantee of close wildlife encounters.

“This was an absolutely amazing experience! There are so many places to choose from, but we were told this one was highly recommended and we now see why. Small group, in a boat low to the water so we could easily maneuver to be safely near where the whales went — obviously keeping a distance to not interfere with them. The tour was fun, safe and informative. Truly a highlight of our visit to Maui. Captain Darryll was awesome! We also had an opportunity to meet one of the owners the day before, and were very impressed with her knowledge.”

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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach - Circling the island beneath seven bridges
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

7.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Explore Daytona Beach’s calm bay by paddleboard or kayak, passing seven bridges, a yacht club, canals, and wildlife areas. Guides such as Brock, Dallas, Cam, and Spencer provide patient instruction for first-timers. The 8:30am and 10:30am departures usually offer cooler weather and better animal activity.

“An amazing spur of the moment activity. We were first timers and the tour guy, Ryan, was excellent with teaching us and showing us a great time; especially in windy conditions. A must do! They’ve totally encouraged a new activity into lives. Thank you.”

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Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer - The boat ride through the refuge
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Crystal River

Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

8.Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,300 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend about three hours exploring Kings Bay on a US Coast Guard-certified boat, then snorkel with wild manatees in Crystal River. Explorida provides wetsuits, gear, float noodles, water, and an in-water guide who also takes photos. Small groups, usually up to 10 or 11 people, keep the outing personal.

“Captain Rhonda and guide Faith were exceptional. We saw almost a dozen manatees and the trip was totally awesome. I will definitely return with friends for this excursion. Going to do their scallop diving tour this summer.”

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Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours - Watching dolphins in their own territory
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

9.Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,242 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend about 90 minutes aboard a covered boat with captains such as Pablo, Troup, Paul, or Eric, watching for bottlenose dolphins around Jekyll Island. You’ll cruise salt marshes, the Intracoastal Waterway, and wild beaches while learning about island history, dolphin behavior, shrimp boats, birds, and other local wildlife.

“Competent guides, worked hard to give guests the best view of the dolphins. Saw dolphins feeding and actually sat in the middle of a pod of dolphins. Get there early for the best choice of seats. We were there 20 minutes before departure time and the boat was full. You are allowed to bring food and drinks aboard. We also had two dogs on board with us.”

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Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour - Clearwater Harbor from a useful angle
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Clearwater

Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

10.Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,185 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Cruise Clearwater Harbor on a 40-foot Coast Guard-inspected boat with a captain sharing local facts and wildlife notes. Watch for bottlenose dolphins, then stop 20 to 30 minutes at Compass Island, a tidal sandbar where you can swim and collect shells. The crew may include Sierra or Katlyn, both praised for their warm, engaging approach.

“Great time! I went with my best friend and we had a good time. We saw dolphins which was so fun. Although we only saw a few the captain gave us all a free ride to get a chance to see more dolphins and that we can use the Free Ride ticket anytime! Great people fun times”

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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers - Moving through mangroves and open bay water
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Fort Myers

Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

11.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

This two-hour paddleboard tour from Bonita Springs takes you through Fort Myers waterways and around mangroves, with guide Eric or another Three Brothers guide leading the way. You’ll learn basic paddleboard skills, look for dolphins and manatees, hear local history, and stop at a white-sand beach for shells. No previous experience is required.

“Our tour guide Eric was great and full of knowledge. We were lucky to be able to watch the dolphins play for a while.”

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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Panama City Beach

Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

12.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Join Island Time Sailing at 5201 N Lagoon Drive for a 2-hour sunset catamaran cruise through Grand Lagoon. Look for dolphins near St. Andrews State Park, enjoy music and sunset views, and buy drinks from the onboard bar. The cruise ends with games and dancing at the dock, weather permitting.

“My daughter and I went and had so much fun watching the dolphins! I’ve been on a lot of tours with different companies and Christo was the best at getting us wonderful views of dolphins jumping out of the water. It was absolutely incredible! The girls working were so attentive making sure everyone on the boat was well taken care of. Thank you Sara and Audra for taking pics and getting our drinks! And yes, even “fishing” something out of the water that a guest dropped. We will book with them again!”

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Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston - Meeting at Pier 21 in downtown Galveston
Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston

13.Baywatch Dolphin Tours – Pier 21 Galveston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,860 reviews · 40 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $32Best value

Board BayWatch Dolphin Tours at Pier 21 for a 40 to 45-minute cruise through Galveston Harbor. Captain Adam may guide you toward dolphins, passing ships, harbor sights, and local landmarks while adding history and humor. Enclosed, heated boats with 360-degree views are available, and every seat offers a good look at the water.

“Booking the trip was easy and signing in took just a few seconds to do. If you have any trouble figuring out the app to sign in there is someone in the booth to help get you signed in as well.”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - November to March: the strongest season for manatee sightings
Canoes & Kayaks, Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Crystal River

Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

14.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Choose a two-hour clear kayak tour from Kings Bay Park. From April 1 to November 14, paddle toward Three Sisters Springs and swim in its clear water. From November 15 to March 31, focus on manatees gathered in the warm springs. Guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami add local wildlife knowledge along the way.

“This experience was fun! My friend and I traveled off season but we did see some manatees! We saw a baby and mom manatee as well! It’s a pretty and scenic experience!”

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3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg - Riding out from Pete’s Pier into Kings Bay
3-Hour Experiences, Dolphin & Manatee Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Crystal River

3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

15.3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,692 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join Go Local Manatee Tours for a three-hour, six-person trip from Pete’s Pier in Crystal River. Your captain searches Kings Bay for wild manatees, then an in-water guide leads you through a respectful snorkel encounter. Wetsuits, gear, bottled water, defog, and photo and video files are included. Guides may include Josh, Walter, Christina, Lindsey, Derek, or Stephanie.

“It was cold outside, but the water was warm and the experience of seeing SO many manatees kept our mind off of the weather. The guides were amazing too, being locals with so much information about area and yeh manatees!”

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