10 Best Dolphin Tours Tampa To Take In 2024
READY TO BOOK YOUR DOLPHIN TOUR FROM TAMPA?
You’ve come to the right place as I’ve visited Tampa and taken a dolphin tour– and I loved it so much I’ve been back 3 times since to take even more tours!
Dolphins are amazing animals, they’re so intelligent and fascinating to watch. There’s no better way to see them than in the wild.
And taking one of these dolphin tours from Tampa is the best option for doing so.
But I know how hard it can be to find the right tours.
I’ve visited Tampa lots of times and taken lots of tours, so I know how important it is to have a good tour for such an unforgettable experience as seeing wild dolphins.
That’s why I created this list of the best Tampa dolphin tours.
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🏆EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!
My Top 3 Picks: Dolphin Tours Tampa
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa
✔️ Dolphin hotspots
✔️ Snorkelling in Gulf of Mexico
✔️ Key Shell Preserve
#2 PICK
1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa
✔️ From Downtown Tampa
✔️ Dolphin hotspots
✔️ Sail along the Tampa River
#3 PICK
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach
✔️ Best Florida dolphin tour
✔️ Over 4200 5 star reviews
✔️ Special wave to attract dolphins
✖️ 1 hour from Tampa
Best Dolphin Tours Tampa
The excitement of spotting a dolphin and having it swim alongside the boat, jumping out of the water and performing trips is indescribable. It’s amazing to me how much these animals enjoy life, and how they’re always willing to have fun with humans- despite being completely wild. Honestly, taking one of these dolphin tours in Tampa will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
1. Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (185+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3-3.5 hours |
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My favourite dolphin tour which leaves from Tampa itself is the Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa, with over 185 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews!
Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa is a fantastic opportunity to see dolphins, go snorkelling in the Gulf of Mexico, and collect some unique seashells on the shore.
One of the best aspects of this boat cruise is that it visits Key Shell Preserve, which is a 1,800-acre natural preserve area that is home to all kinds of species – including dolphins, manatees, birds, hermit crabs, and lots of different fish.
As a nature-preserved area, Key Shell Preserve is known for being a dolphin hot spot, so there is a high chance of seeing dolphins swimming around on your trip here. Additionally, Key Shell Preserve is only accessible by boat and so this tour is the perfect way to get there.
This tour is also unique as it offers the opportunity to go snorkelling, with snorkel gear included. Not many dolphin tours offer this experience.
If you picture yourself snorkelling through the Gulf of Mexico’s crystal clear water on a warm summer day – then this is the perfect tour for you. Just imagine if you spot a dolphin too!
The boat will also dock to allow you to look for some unique seashells, which make for great souvenirs from Florida!
This tour departs from Madeira Beach, which is just a short drive from downtown Tampa. Super convenient.
After the tour, enjoy drinks at the Cambria Hotel Rooftop bar with ocean views. I also recommend checking out Johns Pass, which is an area next to Maderia Beach that has some great seaside shops and restaurants.
All in all, if you want the best dolphin tour which leaves from Tampa, book the Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa.
2. 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa
⭐RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (295+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours |
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Another very good tour which leaves from Tampa is the 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa. Again, it’s very highly rated with a 4/5 average after nearly 300 reviews.
1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa is the perfect option to see dolphins from a tour departing directly from downtown Tampa.
The Tampa dolphin tour leaves from the heart of downtown Tampa and will take you along the picturesque Tampa River before entering the bay. The Tampa River is a scenic part of the downtown and will provide great city views. Two tours for the price of one!
Your tour will then venture into the bay, which is a popular spot for dolphins to swim and play with their young. The guides are experts at looking for dolphins, and as soon as they spot some, they will pull the boat up within 30 feet so that you get a great view!
It’s worth saying that the tours on this list are all eco tours and dolphin-friendly, and do not harm the dolphins in any way. In fact, the dolphins actually really enjoy swimming through the waves the boats create.
This tour is an awesome option for anyone staying in downtown Tampa, as the meeting point is centrally located off the Tampa Riverwalk and nearby other popular downtown spots like Sparkman Warf, The Tampa Bay History Center, and the Amelia Arena.
It is also perfect for those with only a limited amount of time in Tampa, as this 1.5-hour tour will take you out into the bay to see dolphins without taking up your entire day.
If you want a tour that leaves right from the centre of Tampa, then 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa is the tour for you.
While the above Tampa dolphin tours are great options for those staying in downtown Tampa, there are even more options available in nearby Clearwater.
Clearwater is located only about a 45-minute drive away from Tampa, and if you have the time, I highly recommend spending the whole day there.
Not only do the best dolphin tours leave from Clearwater, but you can also spend some time at one of Florida’s most popular beaches, Clearwater Beach. Getting from downtown Tampa to Clearwater is also pretty easy, as you can rent a car or take an Uber there.
Personally, I much prefer the tours from Clearwater, and even if you only visit for the dolphin tour, it’s still worth making the drive in my opinion.
3. Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (4200+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.25 hours |
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By far the best dolphin tour on this list is the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach. It has over 4000, yes 4000, 5-star reviews. It’s my favourite dolphin tour in the whole world- I’ve also taken dolphin tours in Lisbon and a few other places.
When booking a tour, no matter what tour it is, I like to go with the tried and tested option. Seeing a tour with thousands of reviews instantly tells me this is the best and most popular tour. It’s actually the first dolphin tour I ever took in Florida too, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach is a fantastic dolphin tour option, as the Little Toot is an adorable tug boat that creates a particular type of wave behind it. The best part about this special wave is that the dolphins actually like to play in it. Therefore, with this unique dolphin tour, you have the possibility of seeing the dolphins swim right up and jump and dive right behind the boat.
This dolphin tour is on a smaller boat, and since it is a smaller group of people, that means there is a better chance of getting an awesome view of the dolphins swimming. The views of the dolphins swimming behind the boat’s wake are incredible, making this tour well worth it.
This little tug boat is also a kid-friendly option, making it an ideal choice for families looking to take their kids on a dolphin tour. This dolphin tour is an incredible way to see dolphins for kids and adults.
This tour is a fantastic choice for anyone that wants to see the dolphins swimming and jumping in the water, as the special wave created from the boat makes the perfect environment for the dolphins to swim up close in.
To summarise, Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach is the best dolphin tour from Tampa and Clearwater combined. You are guaranteed to have an amazing tour.
4. Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1800+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours |
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Another incredibly highly rated dolphin tour is the Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour with over 1800 5-star reviews. People really love their dolphin tours from Tampa and beyond!
Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour is a fantastic option for those looking to see dolphins swimming up close while also spending some time on a small island in the Gulf of Mexico.
Swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico is an amazing experience to have on your Florida vacation. The water is perfectly warm and clear year-round and is great for some snorkelling. Combine this with seeing dolphins and you have one of the best days of your life!
This tour will allow you a mix of both a boat ride, as well as some time on Compass Island. Compass Island is a very small island that is only accessible by boat tour. Once on the island, you will be provided snorkel gear to do some snorkelling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Don’t worry, it’s not mandatory. If you prefer, you can also explore the white sand beach for seashells. Either way, you will surely have a fantastic time on this tour.
On the boat ride to and from Compass Island, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins playing and swimming in the beautiful blue waters.
Dolphins typically swim in groups, meaning you have a good chance to see several of them at once. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture some great pictures!
For a dolphin tour that offers even more than just dolphins, check out the Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour.
5. Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (700+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.75 hours |
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Another really solid option is the Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour which offers a traditional dolphin tour with lots of dolphin hotspots visited throughout the tour.
There is no better way to spend a warm, sunny Florida day than out on the water watching the dolphins! Enjoy the warm sea breeze with a drink in hand on a double-decker Catamaran ride while watching dolphins swim and play in the Gulf of Mexico on Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour.
Dolphins typically swim in pods of 10-30, but they can be in groups of up to 1,000 at a time. So, you will surely see plenty of dolphins on this fantastic tour. I will say though, I’m yet to hear of many people getting to see 1,000. There’s a chance though!
When I have taken dolphin tours, I usually see around 10-20 or so dolphins across the course of the tour depending on the day. I’ve been lucky enough to see dolphins every time- it’s not a guarantee because the animals are wild at the end of the day, but the chances are extremely high in this amazing part of the world.
Dolphins can be seen year-round, but if you are travelling in spring or early summer, make sure to be on the lookout for seeing baby dolphins – they are extremely cute and adorable!
In addition to seeing dolphins up close, this tour will take you around the intercoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The captain will tell you more about the popular Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins as well as point out some famous celebrity mansions that are located along the shores. Pretty cool to see I have to say.
For a simple dolphin tour where you’re as close to guaranteed to see dolphins as possible, book the Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour.
6. Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (250+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour |
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If you want a mega dolphin tour of Tampa, look no further than the aptly named Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach which has quite a unique selling point.
That unique selling point is that the tour takes place on a boat that is decorated as a shark – the only shark in the Tampa Bay area that dolphins love to be around! There are sharks at Clearwater Beach, but don’t worry, you are very very unlikely to see one…except this boat!
This cool boat produces an interesting wave behind it that encourages dolphins to come close to the boat and jump and swim in the wave. It pretty much guarantees your chance of seeing the elegant animals in the wild.
Which makes Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach one of the best ways to see dolphins up close in their natural habitat, as the wave produced by the boat is fun for them to swim in, so you have a good chance of seeing lots of dolphins flip and jump in the crystal clear water.
This tour is perfect for all ages, but kids especially may enjoy the shark-themed boat. Or adults too- who doesn’t love sharks?! The boat also has a comfortable shaded area with padded seats, making it the perfect place to sit back and relax while you watch the dolphins at play.
And if you’re short on time in Tampa, the tour is also only 1 hour long, making it the perfect short tour, but you still get to see dolphins swimming up close. It is an excellent option for those who want to see the dolphins but have a busy itinerary or want to spend the rest of the day relaxing at Clearwater Beach.
…Or for those who want a dolphin tour on a super cool shark boat! If any of these are you, be sure to book the Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach.
7. Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (230+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours |
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Want to combine seeing dolphins in the wild with delicious FREE ice cream? Then Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream is the tour for you.
This family-friendly dolphin boat tour is the perfect option for those travelling with kids. On this tour, not only will you get to take a boat cruise through the Gulf of Mexico while watching the dolphins, but you’ll also enjoy a tasty ice cream treat whilst on board.
Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream is the best dolphin tour for kids as it is designed with safety in mind so that kids can be on the boat having fun and looking at the dolphins. Though that is not to say that the other tours are unsafe- all of these tours are extremely safe and thousands upon thousands have taken these tours.
The boat is shaded, keeping it cool from the warm Florida sun. It also has seats with backrests, making it a comfortable ride for the whole family. Riding in style while seeing dolphins, what a combo!
There’s no doubt that kids will love looking for the dolphins on this tour. Additionally, there is the possibility of seeing other Florida wildlife, such as different seabirds and different kinds of fish. If you’re an animal lover, you will fall in love with this tour. This is a dolphin tour that is perfect for the whole family!
To combine your love for dolphins and ice cream, book the Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream.
8. Clearwater Beach Dolphin Speedboat Adventure with Lunch & Transport From Orlando
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (230+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |
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If you are staying in Orlando, Clearwater Beach Dolphin Speedboat Adventure with Lunch & Transport From Orlando is the tour you have been looking for. It takes you from Orlando to see dolphins and back to Orlando.
Are you planning to visit Disney World or Universal Studios in Orlando but also want to see dolphins swimming in the ocean during your Florida trip? Well, since there are no beaches in Orlando then this is the perfect option for you, as it includes relaxing roundtrip transportation from Orlando to Clearwater and back.
This awesome day trip will take you to the beautiful Clearwater beach, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the crystal clear water. Take a swim in the warm ocean water, build a sand castle, or even hit the shops along Clearwater’s boardwalk.
A delicious lunch is also included at one of the authentic beachside restaurants. Then, for the best part, you’ll board a narrated 1-hour speed boat tour to see some Dolphins! This adventurous boat tour will take you along the shores of Clearwater to spot Dolphins in their natural habitats.
This tour is the best option for those visiting Orlando but are also looking to experience more of Florida by seeing dolphins and going to one of Florida’s famous sandy beaches. It is a highly rated and perfectly planned day trip, allowing you to explore more of Florida outside of Orlando. The Orlando to Tampa drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It takes all the hassle of getting from Orlando to Clearwater – which is the best part of Florida for spotting dolphins – and it’s so convenient and stress-free. You really can’t go wrong with the Clearwater Beach Dolphin Speedboat Adventure with Lunch & Transport From Orlando tour.
9. 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (330+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours |
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If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love sunsets. Imagine a world where you see dolphins jumping through the waves at sunset. 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida does exactly that. It’s a dream come true.
This 2-hour sunset cruise is a perfectly relaxing way to end a day in the Tampa Bay area. Board the boat and relax as you enjoy a 2-hour cruise through the tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at sunset, as well as the option to purchase other drinks on board. It is the perfect way to end your day. Sunsets in Tampa are stunning, and there is no better way to experience sunset than out on a boat cruise.
While on the boat tour, there is an opportunity to see dolphins swimming about, as this area is known for having large numbers of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins year round.
Even though this tour is not a specific dolphin tour, many travellers have reported seeing dolphins and there is a good chance that you will also see some. The review above is a perfect example.
There are so many amazing experiences you can have in Florida. From seeing dolphins in the wild to experiencing the bioluminescence at Cocoa Beach, to visiting Disney, even visiting Kennedy Space Center and more. You can see why it’s so popular to visit!
To see dolphins playing against a beautiful red and orange backdrop, book the 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida.
10. Sunset Cruise from Clearwater
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (480+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.75 hours |
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Last but by no means least of these dolphin tours in Tampa is the Sunset Cruise from Clearwater. It’s still very highly rated, with an average 4.5/5 rating after nearly 500 reviews. It’s insanely good for being the tour in “last” of the best tours.
Looking to experience one of Tampa Bay’s incredible sunsets? If so, this tour is perfect for you. There is no better way to experience the sunset than out on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Just like the last tour, there is also a chance of seeing dolphins on the Sunset Cruise from Clearwater as well. Imagine seeing dolphins swimming around while the sunset fills the sky with hues of orange and purple, it’s unreal! Truly unreal. It’s hard to find the words to describe something so spectacular and so mesmerising.
This boat tour will be on a double-decker Catamaran, giving you incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. It will also include a nice glass of champagne so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the best way possible.
Once again, this tour is not specifically a dolphin tour but there is still the opportunity to see many dolphins, as the tour goes in the same area as many of the other dolphin tours. Being honest, the chance of seeing dolphins is pretty high.
The main difference with a sunset tour is that seeing dolphins isn’t the main focus of the trip, but it is an awesome bonus nonetheless. Especially if you are looking to see dolphins on a trip to Tampa.
So if you want to see dolphins while enjoying a relaxing evening out on the Gulf of Mexico, book the Sunset Cruise from Clearwater for an unforgettable experience.
🏆EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
Dolphin Tours Tampa: FAQ
Below are some questions related to Tampa dolphin tours, along with my answers.
The best months to see dolphins in Florida are from May to September. During these months, female dolphins flock to have their babies off the west coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. This is when you will see the most dolphins, but it is possible to see dolphins all year round.
Yes, there are many dolphin tours from Tampa which take you on a boat trip to the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins in the wild. It’s an amazing experience getting to see these elegant animals in the wild. Sometimes you can even see dolphins in the Bay itself!
Yes, there are dolphins in Tampa Bay. It’s possible to see dolphins looking out into the bay, but it’s nowhere near as common as seeing dolphins in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Taking a dolphin tour from Tampa or Clearwater almost guarantees seeing dolphins.
Dolphin Tours Tampa: Conclusion
And there you have it, a complete guide to the best dolphin tours from Tampa.
Remember, the best tour from Tampa itself is the Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa, which has a 5/5 rating.
But the best overall dolphin tour is the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach which has thousands and thousands of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews.
No matter which of these Tampa dolphin tours you take, you are guaranteed to have a great tour and lifelong memories of dolphin watching.
Enjoy your trip to Tampa, and most importantly, enjoy your dolphin tour!
