Whale and Dolphin Cruises in the USA: the 13 Worth Booking

1.Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Our pick

Spend 90 minutes on Charleston Harbor with a licensed English-speaking guide, passing Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Guides such as Denny, Vicky, Vic, and Russell have been praised for lively storytelling. Dolphins may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Very nice cruise on the water and a very knowledgeable guide. We even saw some dolphins. Well worth the time and money.”

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2.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly quiet sail around Charleston Harbor. The crew raises the sails by hand, points out Fort Sumter, Patriots Point, USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge, and may let you help with the lines. Bring snacks, buy drinks on board, and watch for dolphins.

“The crew is pleasant and outgoing. It was really a nice experience especially for my wife who is not a friend of water.”

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3.Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 423 reviews · from $58

Set out from 316 Harbor Boulevard on Screaming Eagle Sports’ small, shaded speedboat for a 45 to 60 minute cruise through Destin Harbor and the Gulf. The crew watches for dolphins, stingrays, and other marine life, while music, jokes, and bursts of speed keep the ride lively. Children may take a turn as captain when requested.

“Just really enjoyed talking to the captain and they ride the dolphin employees were being kinda slack lol but had a great time”

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4.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the captain and crew aboard the three-masted Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail. You can help raise sails reaching 84 feet, pass Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and watch for dolphins. This is mainly a peaceful boat ride, not a fully narrated history tour. Drinks are sold on board.

“The crew was very personable and the ship was perfect. They raised sail as soon as the ship was away from the dock. Well priced and worth it.”

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5.Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 184 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Join PWF Eco Adventures for a two-hour whale watch from Ma'alaea Harbor, led by certified Marine Naturalists. Watch for breaching humpbacks, mothers with calves, and competing males, then listen to underwater songs through hydrophones. Kids can join the Jr. Naturalist program, and every cruise includes a free return trip if no whales are seen.

“Very professional and animal-sensitive. Highly educational. Qualified ship captain and educated and qualified tour guide.”

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6.Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 172 reviews · from $63

Board the Screaming Eagle at Destin Harbor for a small-group sunset ride with a captain and crew who look for wild dolphins, share local tips, and take photos. The 45-minute cruise returns to the same dock. Expect music, quick turns, open sunset views, and a maximum of 14 passengers.

“Nice experience and the crew was great they did there best to make sure we seen dolphins and were successful.”

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7.Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Spend 90 minutes on Cap'n Fish's Cruises exploring Boothbay Harbor, its islands, coastline, two lighthouses, and seal rocks. A live English-speaking guide explains Maine's lobster industry while the crew hauls a trap. Choose padded indoor seating, the upper deck, or the galley with its 360-degree view. Food and drinks cost extra.

“being on the water and seeing the animals in the water”

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8.St. Augustine Dolphin Watch and Historical Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42Top rated

Board a roomy catamaran at 250 Vilano Rd for a 90-minute cruise through St. Augustine’s historic harbor. The crew looks for wild bottlenose dolphins and points out sights such as Castillo de San Marcos, the lighthouse, and the Great Cross. Beer, wine, soda, snacks, shade, and a restroom are included.

“Excellent and very friendly Captain and Crew! We were able to see a few dolphins and have a few cocktails. Great time!”

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9.St. Augustine: Dolphin Watching Harbor Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 41 reviews · 1h 30m · from $42

Cruise from Vilano Beach aboard Fury’s catamaran for dolphin watching, harbor views, and sights of St. Augustine. You’ll have sodas, water, beer, wine, snacks, and nautical bathrooms on board. Captain Andrew and crew member Riley have earned praise for their friendly, family-friendly style, though dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“A perfect day out on the water! Lovely clean boat, excellent young crew, and great views all around. This is a wonderful way to get to know the area; highly recommended!”

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10.Sea Lion Kayak Tour – Santa Barbara Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $70

Paddle from Santa Barbara’s harbor toward the green buoy, where sea lions often gather. Your local guide, such as Megan, Sienna, Jeff, Ceanna, Lydia, or Daphne, leads the way, shares wildlife and local history, and helps beginners feel at ease. Expect birds, boats, harbor views, and a chance of dolphins or migrating gray whales.

“Best way to see Santa Barbara and learn some interesting facts while also seeing the sea lions up close. Excellent staff. Awesome Guides.”

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11.Thriller Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $55

Meet at Pelican Adventures in Destin for a one-hour sunset cruise aboard the 55-foot Thriller cat boat. The 880-horsepower vessel races through the harbor, heads into the Gulf when weather allows, and searches for dolphins near Choctawhatchee Bay. The captain and co-captain keep the ride friendly and lively.

“Great experience! The captain and co-captain were so friendly and fun! I’ll definitely be back again!”

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12.Anacortes: Full Day Whale/Wildlife Tour; Friday Harbor Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 6h 30m · from $279

From Anacortes, Captain Tyler guides a small group of up to six through the San Juan Islands aboard a heated, semi-covered boat. You will search for orcas, humpbacks, gray and minke whales, then enjoy two hours in Friday Harbor for lunch and shopping. Bring layers, snacks, and a camera.

“This was a great (and successful) small group whale watching experience. We went out in a semi covered boat which allowed us to move easily. Tyler, our guide, was very interactive and knowledgeable. We were out for ~6/7 hours, including a stop in Friday Harbor. We were able to see sea lions, seals, minke whales and followed a small pod of orcas, as they split up, came back together and had a little “bite for lunch” (our “National Geographic” moment). I would highly recommend this tour.”

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13.One Hour Harbor Shared Tour with Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30Best value

Join Destin Pontoon Charters for a one-hour shared cruise around Destin Harbor. Your captain provides background on the harbor and nearby businesses while you watch for dolphins. The boat carries up to 18 people, includes a restroom and bottled water, and returns to the starting point.

“Exceeded my expectations! What an enjoyable adventure with loads of dolphin sightings - so thankful!!! Highly recommend.”

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