Dolphin Tours In Destin, Florida: Everything You Need To Know

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Our family really enjoys taking dolphin cruises whenever we go to the Florida beaches near our home. We all enjoy feeling the warm sun, seeing the blue-green ocean waters, and searching the waterline for aquatic creatures. Destin, Florida, is a phenomenal place to watch dolphins and one of our favorite family vacation destinations. We love taking dolphin tours in Destin, Florida!

As an Airbnb host nearby on 30A, I have a lot of guests who ask me for Destin dolphin tour reccomendations. So, I wanted to write this post to share some great options for highly-rated dolphin tours in Destin. There are several choices with different types of boats, varying amenities, and unique tour structures. I’ll try to cover everything you need to know to choose the best option for your group.

In this post, I’ll cover:

Why Take A Dolphin Watching Tour?
What Might I See On A Dolphin Tour?
Amenities and Special Entertainment
Dolphin Tours: Destin & Fort Walton Beach
Destin Dolphin Tours (FAQ)

Why Take A Dolphin Tour In Destin?

There are many different water activities you can do while in Destin. Of course, on some days, you can see dolphins from jet skis, kayaks, and even the getshore. However, organized dolphin tours in Destin offer the best chances of seeing dolphins.

I can tell you firsthand that the dolphin tours in Destin are great because the guides are local experts in finding dolphins and can navigate you to the best location for dolphin sightings.

Dolphin tours in Destin are a lot of fun because most tours offer snacks, drinks, and sometimes even live entertainment. It truly feels like you’re on vacation during one of these excursions! Be sure to check tour details to learn about what amenities are offered.

These popular tours are also a great way to see and enjoy Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Crab Island. These beautiful places will make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.

These tours are great bonding experiences for the entire family, and everyone will enjoy something about the trip—the gorgeous views, the relaxed sightseeing, the tasty drinks, and, of course, the dolphins!

What Might You See On Dolphin Tours In Destin?

Most dolphin tours in Destin will take you to see a variety of places like Destin Harbor, Harborwalk Village, Crab Island, Choctawhatchee Bay, the gorgeous white sand beaches, and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The exact tour path will depend on the weather that day and how calm the ocean waters are. Private tours can be tailored to your interests, and you are more free to explore wherever you like.

There is also a lot of wildlife in the Gulf, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, schools of fish, sea turtles, pelicans, stingrays, and even sharks. Of course, these encounters are random and unpredictable, so it’s impossible to guarantee seeing wildlife. But every time we have taken dolphin tours in Destin, we have spotted a number of fascinating sea creatures and birds.

Dolphin Tours In Destin: Amenities and Entertainment

Many dolphin cruises in Destin offer an assortment of family activities and entertainment. Most cruises provide snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for a fee, and some provide onboard entertainment like music.

Many cruises have some amount of captain and crew-led narration about the sights, landmarks, and wildlife around you. Some boats have glass bottoms, which allow you to see the water beneath the craft through windows in the hull. Some tours offer group activities like fishing, snorkeling, or Crab Island excursions as part of a package.

Private Dolphin tours in Destin are also available. You can charter a boat for your group for several hours. These private tours have differing levels of amenities available. Like always, be sure to read the tour description carefully to understand what amenities are included.

Highly Rated Dolphin Tours In Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Next, I’ll cover the most popular dolphin cruises in Destin listed on the website Get Your Guide. This is our favorite site for booking activities and excursions around the world. These tours are highly rated by guests and have numerous positive reviews. All the tours I’ve listed are rated at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Dolphin Watching Cruise

This very popular 1.5-hour dolphin watching tour in Destin departs from Destin Harbor and lets you admire the beauty of the harbor on the way out to sea. You’ll pass by homes of the rich and famous and see why this area is called the Emerald Coast. Once you arrive in open water you’ll have the chance to start looking for dolphins in their natural habitat. This 45-foot boat holds as many as 49 passengers. Shade is available on the ship, and you can walk around the perimeter to watch dolphins on all sides. Food and drink are not available. Bathrooms are on board.

Dolphin Cruise Aboard A Glass-Bottom Boat

On this 1.5-hour dolphin cruise departing from Destin Harbor, you’ll be on the Southern Star, a large glass bottom boat. This custom double-decker glass bottom boat holds up to 149 passengers. You can enjoy the view from the open-air upper deck or the climate-controlled cabin with a glass-bottom viewing area. The captain will provide commentary, and you’ll learn about the sights in the area.

You’ll spend time in the Eastern Pass, and if the water is calm, go out into the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins playfully following the boat or darting atop the water in the distance. Native birds often land on the ship, and you can feed them! Souvenirs, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase, and bathrooms are on-board.

Private Charter To Crab Island With Dolphin Sighting

This 3-hour Destin dolphin cruise departs from central Destin Harbor. On this private tour, you have your own pontoon boat with a dedicated captain. You’ll go on a personalized adventure that’s perfect for family fun, privacy, and relaxation. Paddleboards are provided free of charge.

On the tour, you’ll see marine life like dolphins, turtles, and birds. You can tailor your trip and visit places like Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, the open Gulf, and Crab Island. This tour option is perfect for groups who want to book a more personalized and private daytime dolphin watching experience.

Highly-Rated Dolphin Tours In Fort Walton Beach

I also want to include a few dolphin tours in Fort Walton Beach, which is located just west of Destin. Fort Walton Beach has several popular tours where you can dolphin watch, cruise the bay, or even snorkel. If you visit, consider staying at the Island Hotel like we did!

Emerald Coast Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Guide

This 2-hour sunset cruise in Fort Walton departs near the bridge on the west side of Okaloosa Island. During this sunset dolphin cruise in Destin, you’ll be sailing on a new 45-foot Corinthian Catamaran with other passengers. You’ll have the opportunity to see dolphins and admire the beauty of the Emerald Coast. The captain will provide narration, and you’ll learn about the coast, landmarks, and things to do in the area.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to see and take pictures of the beautiful sunset over the Gulf. Drinks and snacks were available for purchase. Water was provided at no cost.

Fort Walton Beach: Morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel Stop

This 3-hour dolphin tour in Fort Walton Beach departs near the bridge on the west side of Okaloosa Island. You’ll sail on a 45-foot catamaran with other passengers to explore the majesty of the Emerald Coast, dolphin watch, and snorkel.

Your captain will take you out onto the water and provide commentary about nearby sights. Listen to interesting facts and learn what makes this area special. You’ll spend an hour at a favorite snorkel spot exploring the wonders beneath the waters. While you snorkel, you might see fish, turtles, and even stingrays. You can rent a snorkel for a small fee. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

Dolphin Tours In Destin: FAQ

I want to cover some practical tips and answer common frequently asked questions about taking dolphin tours in Destin.

What Should We Wear?

Shorts and a T-shirt are usually perfect unless it’s after September when a long-sleeved shirt is also recommended. You may want to bring a hat to keep the sun off your face and neck. I recommend sandals or water shoes as you will be around water. But sneakers are fine on most dolphin tours in Destin because most won’t get you wet or require you to be in the water.

What Should We Bring?

I recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and a small bag to hold personal items. If your dolphin tour in Destin doesn’t provide something to drink as part of the tour, you will want to bring some bottled water. You might consider bringing binoculars or a telephoto lens in order to spot dolphins at a distance.

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What Should We Not Bring?

Don’t bring large items like strollers, oversized bags, or luggage. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals. Many dolphin tours in Destin don’t allow coolers, while some do, so be sure to check the details. Glass containers are not allowed.

What Season Is Best To See Dolphins?

All of them! Dolphins live in the Gulf year-round, so you will have a good probability of seeing them anytime you go. Dolphins tend to aggregate in groups, called “pods,” and are very playful. They’ll often come up to boats and frolic next to the craft, playfully darting around it. It’s also not uncommon to see them swim near people in the water!

Will I Get Wet On Dolphin Tours In Destin?

It really depends on the tour. On the larger boats with a dozen or more people, the size and stability of the craft means you will likely stay dry. Of course, in rough waves or high winds, some waves might come over the deck of the boat and get your feet wet. It’s more likely you’ll get wet while taking a tour on smaller vessels, on a snorkel trip, or in a speed boat.

2 kids playing at the beach in the florida panhandle

Can I Bring An Infant?

It depends. Check the tour details concerning rules around infant passengers. Larger boats usually allow infants, while some smaller boats and private dolphin tours in Destin do not.

Do I Need To Tip?

Yes. If the tour was excellent, we recommend tipping your crew around 20%. Be sure to bring cash for a tip, as many boats can’t process credit card transactions.

Where Should I Park?

It’s just a heads up, but many of the dolphin tours in Destin leave from the western side of Destin Harbor. This area of Destin Harbor is a very busy tourist hub, and parking is only allowed in designated paid lots. As of this writing, Destin Harbor District Parking costs $15 for an all-day pass. There are two lots: the Zerbe Street lot and the Marler Street lot.

Are Glass Bottom Boats Totally Glass?

No. So-called “Glass bottom boats” do not have an entirely glass floor. They have one or more viewing windows on the bottom of the boat, through which you can see into the water. There are no boats in Destin that have an entirely glass bottom.

When Should I Arrive?

Plan to leave your hotel or Airbnb at least one hour ahead of time. The Destin area is busy in peak season, and you will need time to travel and find parking. Most dolphin tours in Destin ask that you arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure.

Are Bathrooms Available On The Boat?

Maybe. Larger boats will likely have bathrooms, but small boats won’t. Check the tour details for specifics regarding bathroom availability.

What type of Dolphins Might I See?

The most common species you will see on dolphin tours in Destin, Florida, is the Bottlenose Dolphin. These playful creatures can be found all over the area. It’s estimated that 10,000 bottlenose dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico. The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin can also occasionally be seen. Other species of dolphin prefer deeper, colder waters and are less likely to be found.

Making Memories On Dolphin Tours In Destin

Dolphin tours in Destin are an amazing way for the entire family to bond over a shared experience. While riding atop the emerald water, feeling the salty wind, and enjoying the amazing scenery, you can make memories together on the Florida coast.

These are all reasons why we love taking dolphin cruises. Destin has so much to offer families with kids of all ages. When you cruise Destin, you see so much wildlife and experience the tropical beauty of this popular stretch of Florida coastline. Destin dolphin cruises are an immersive, active, and engaging way to learn about one of the earth’s most intelligent and fun creatures—dolphins!

READ: Family-Friendly Things To Do In Destin