Looking for the best things to do in Navarre Beach, Destin, and Pensacola Beach? Dolphin cruises usually rank high on every visitor's bucket list. From calm sound-side cruises in Navarre to lively harbor tours in Destin and top-rated scenic outings in Pensacola Beach, this stretch of Florida coastline offers some of the best dolphin encounters in the Southeast.
Best dolphin cruises Navarre Beach, Destin, and pensacola beach
Beyond exploring the pristine beaches and indulging in fresh Gulf seafood, one of the best things to do in Navarre Beach, Destin, and Pensacola Beach is hopping on a dolphin cruise, where you and your vacation crew can spot wild and captivating dolphins swimming alongside your boat.
Since this is a very popular attraction on Florida's Gulf Coast, many tour operators have popped up. For a truly special, hassle-free experience, choosing a top-rated operator makes all the difference. But I get it — sorting through reviews can be time-consuming. Below, I'll help you spend less time scrolling and more time planning the perfect escape to the Sunshine State.
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
- Navarre Dolphin Cruise: Classic 1.5-hour sound-side dolphin watching with sunset options.
- Lazy Lizard Tours: Scenic dolphin cruises paired with snorkeling and paddleboarding.
- Coastal Dolphin Tours & Cruises: Guided boat tours exploring emerald-water bays and wildlife.
- Destin Dolphin Cruise: Harbor-to-Gulf dolphin tours with frequent sightings and engaging crews.
- Southern Star Dolphin Cruise: Narrated dolphin watching with glass-bottom views and sunset options.
- Destin's Original Sea Blaster: Lively, family-friendly cruise with music and active dolphin spotting.
- AJ's Water Adventures: Daytime and sunset dolphin cruises aboard SeaQuest with fun commentary.
- Crab Island Dolphin Tours: Pet-friendly pontoon dolphin tours near Crab Island.
- Wave Cutter Dolphin Tours: Highly rated scenic bay dolphin cruises with seasoned captains.
- Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise: Peaceful sailing-based dolphin tours, including sunset sails.
- Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Cruises: Versatile dolphin cruises with snorkeling and private charter options.
At Gulf Coast Getaways, we offer a handpicked selection of vacation rentals along Florida's Gulf Coast, and we like to think we know the area as well as anyone. Our destination blog is full of helpful posts, from beach day tips to where to grab the best craft beer and even a bit of local history.
In this guide, we've rounded up the top dolphin tours across Navarre, Destin, and Pensacola Beach, complete with what makes each experience stand out and the specific tour options they offer.
Ready to get on board? Let's dive right in!
Best dolphin cruises Navarre Beach
Navarre is quieter than its neighbors, which means calm waters, smaller crowds, and relaxed wildlife encounters. Dolphin tours here often explore Santa Rosa Sound, where bottlenose dolphins feed and play in protected waters.
1. NAVARRE DOLPHIN CRUISE
A local favorite for dolphin watching in the Santa Rosa Sound and nearby waterways. They offer 1.5-hour cruises with experienced captains and options for sunset dolphin tours, giving families great chances to see wild dolphins and coastal birds in action — truly one of the best things to do in Navarre Beach if you're a nature lover.
What they offer:
- Standard 1.5-hour dolphin cruises.
- Sunset dolphin cruises with golden-hour views.
- Wildlife spotting, including coastal birds.
- Family-friendly atmosphere.
- Knowledgeable captains who track dolphin activity.
- Sunset tours are especially popular for their soft lighting and smoother conditions.
2. LAZY LIZARD TOURS
Highly rated locally for boat tours that combine dolphin watching with breathtaking sunset cruises, plus opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the calm sound waters. Lazy Lizard's tours are relaxed rather than focused on offshore speed. It's a great option for families or couples looking for something slow and extremely scenic.
What they offer:
- Dolphin watching cruises.
- Sunset cruises.
- Snorkeling stops.
- Paddleboarding opportunities.
- Scenic sound-side routes.
- Locally considered one of the best dolphin cruises Navarre Beach.
3. COASTAL DOLPHIN TOURS & CRUISES
Based just outside Navarre in Gulf Breeze, Coastal Dolphin Tours offers boat tours and dolphin-spotting cruises exploring the emerald water routes for marine wildlife. This is a great pick if you're open to short travel for a guided tour. Captains navigate prime dolphin corridors in the sound and bay systems, often providing marine education along the way.
What they offer:
- Dolphin-spotting cruises.
- Scenic bay and emerald-water routes.
- Guided wildlife commentary.
- Small-group outings.
Dolphin cruises Navarre Beach Prices
Dolphin cruises Navarre Beach cost vary depending on boat size and whether you choose a standard or sunset cruise, but generally:
- $30–$45 per adult.
- $20–$35 per child.
- Private charters can range from $300–$600+ depending on duration and vessel size.
Snorkeling add-ons or specialty tours may increase pricing slightly.
Dolphin cruise Destin, FL
Destin is one of the Gulf Coast's dolphin capitals. With its busy harbor, Crab Island, and access to open Gulf waters, tours here often combine sightseeing, marine wildlife, and a lively atmosphere.
4. DESTIN DOLPHIN CRUISE
One of Destin's most popular dolphin tours, with thousands of excellent reviews. Guests frequently say there are "plenty of dolphin sightings," knowledgeable crews, and a comfortable cruising experience. The tours typically last ~1–1.5 hours through the harbor and into the Gulf, with opportunities to see not only dolphins but also stingrays and sometimes even manatees.
What they offer:
- Harbor-to-Gulf dolphin cruises.
- Frequent dolphin sightings.
- Views of stingrays and occasional manatees.
- Comfortable cruising vessels.
- Engaging crew commentary.
5. SOUTHERN STAR DOLPHIN CRUISE
A Destin classic and long-standing choice for dolphin watching, the Southern Star is also known for excellent sighting success and sunset options. Its narrated tours (including glass-bottom views) combine marine wildlife education with scenic Gulf and harbor cruising, ideal for families or sunset photo ops.
What they offer:
- Narrated dolphin cruises.
- Glass-bottom viewing.
- Sunset dolphin cruises.
- Harbor and Gulf routes.
- Marine wildlife education.
6. DESTIN'S ORIGINAL SEA BLASTER
A fun, lively cruise option where the crew actively scouts the water for playful dolphins. It's a well-reviewed choice for families who want energy and entertainment alongside wildlife viewing. Guests usually highlight how friendly the staff is, as well as the good frequency of dolphin sightings.
What they offer:
- Music and entertainment onboard.
- Active scouting for dolphin pods that builds delightful anticipation.
- Family-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Frequent dolphin sightings.
7. AJ'S WATER ADVENTURES
AJ's is a well-established tour operator that offers dolphin cruises as part of its comprehensive fleet of water experiences. You can enjoy daytime or sunset dolphin cruises on the SeaQuest boats, and the crews are known for engaging commentary and creating fun moments for everyone on board.
What they offer:
- Daytime dolphin cruises.
- Sunset dolphin cruises.
- Engaging crew commentary.
- Scenic harbor and Gulf routes.
8. CRAB ISLAND DOLPHIN TOURS
Highly rated by travelers, Crab Island Dolphin Tours combines dolphin sightseeing with visits to Crab Island, one of Destin's must-visit attractions. The cool thing about them? They have pet-friendly pontoon boats, so your furry friend can also tag along for beautiful moments on the water with you.
What they offer:
- Pet-friendly pontoon dolphin tours.
- Small-group outings.
- Dolphin viewing near Crab Island.
- Relaxed cruising style.
- Close-up wildlife viewing.
- Smaller vessels that allow for quieter observation and a more personal atmosphere.
How Much Do Dolphin Tours in Destin Usually Cost?
Destin pricing is slightly higher due to harbor access and demand:
- $35–$55 per adult.
- $25–$45 per child.
- Specialty cruises (sunset, Crab Island combos) may run $50–$75 per person.
- Private charters can range from $500–$1,200+
Best dolphin cruise Pensacola Beach
With calm bay systems and highly rated operators, Pensacola Beach also ranks high when it comes to dolphin cruise experiences. Here are some of the most popular Pensacola dolphin cruise options:
9. WAVE CUTTER DOLPHIN TOURS
Wave Cutter is one of the most popular dolphin tour operators in Pensacola Beach, known for frequent sightings, friendly crews, and scenic bay routes that take you through Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound in search of wild dolphins.
What they offer:
- Scenic dolphin cruises through Pensacola Bay.
- Santa Rosa Sound exploration.
- High dolphin sighting success.
- Friendly, knowledgeable captains.
10. JOLLY SAILING & DOLPHIN CRUISE
With Jolly Sailing, you can embark on family-friendly sailing and dolphin cruises that regularly spot playful dolphins near the shoreline. What sets them apart is that the sailing element adds a quieter, more peaceful dynamic to dolphin spotting, which families usually love.
What they offer:
- Dolphin cruises under sail.
- Scenic bay tours.
- Sunset dolphin experiences.
- Family-friendly atmosphere.
11. FRISKY MERMAID DOLPHIN CRUISES
A versatile option offering multiple types of water adventures, Frisky Mermaid's spacious 52-foot vessel takes you not only to spot captivating dolphins but also on snorkeling adventures and other scenic boat trips in the region.
What they offer:
- Dolphin cruises aboard a 52-foot vessel.
- Sunset dolphin tours.
- Snorkeling excursions.
- Pontoon and tritoon rentals.
- Private charters.
How Much Do Dolphin Tours in Pensacola Beach Usually Cost?
Pensacola Beach pricing typically falls between Navarre and Destin:
- $30–$50 per adult.
- $20–$40 per child.
- Sunset sailings may cost slightly more.
- Private charters generally range from $400–$900+
Tours with snorkeling or longer durations can increase pricing.
What to Expect on Gulf Coast Dolphin Tours
Across Navarre, Destin, and Pensacola Beach, most dolphin cruises share a few similarities:
- Bottlenose dolphins are the primary species spotted.
- Tours typically last 1–1.5 hours.
- Early morning and late afternoon departures often yield the best sightings.
- Sunset cruises provide the most scenic lighting.
- Captains adjust routes based on dolphin activity.
- Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed, but these areas are known for strong success rates.
Dolphin & Sunset cruise Navarre Beach, Destin & Pensacola Beach: Extra Tips Before You Book
- Reserve Early: Spring and summer departures sell out quickly.
- Check Weather Conditions: Calm waters improve visibility and comfort.
- Choose Your Atmosphere: Prefer quiet and scenic? Choose sailing or small-group tours. Want lively and energetic? Opt for harbor-based cruises.
- Ask About Add-Ons: Some tours include snorkeling, Crab Island stops, or private charter upgrades.
- Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a light layer for sunset trips.
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