The 4 Best Dolphin Tours In Destin Florida
Among the many magical things about the Emerald Coasts famous seaboard is the fact that those extraordinary sugar-sand beaches backdrop some of the best and most reliable dolphin-watching in the country. We dont reckon there are too many people out there who wouldnt count a sighting of these sleek, speedy, ever-playful marine mammals as one of the top highlights of their visit to the Panhandle shores.
Spend enough time on the beaches around Destin, or boating or paddleboarding the inner waterways, and youve got a decent chance of spotting the dolphins that regularly patrol close to shore. That said, youre best all-around opportunities will come on one of the many dolphin-watching cruises offered in the area: Youll foray through some of the main stomping grounds of the local pods, steered by knowledgable captains with plenty of experience tracking down Flipper and his compadres.
In this roundup, well spotlight some of the top dolphin cruises available on this stretch of Gulf coast. Before we do, though, lets take a brief walk through some Emerald Coast dolphin 101!
The Dolphins of the Emerald Coast
The Gulf of Mexico is a hotspot for whales and dolphins , with nearly 30 species found in these seas. That lineup includes nine species of dolphinnot counting the Gulfs large pilot whales and orcas, or killer whales, which technically belong to the dolphin family .
To spot bottlenose dolphins on your Destin-area getaway, here are four fine options for boat tours!
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All Towns Destin Ft Walton Beach
Power Up Watersports provides a private sunset cruise to enjoy during the season. This cruise is perfect for a small family gathering or even a nice romantic evening out on the water. A certified captain will guide you through the Choctawhatchee Bay while the sun is setting towards the Destin Harbor.
- Watch for dolphins before the sun sets!
- Great for families and couples
- A licensed captain is at the helm so you can relax and enjoy the trip
- You wont find a lower price
- Book with confidenceLive local support via phone
- Live Chat is ready to helpAvailable 7AM-7PM CST
Enjoy a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise on a pontoon boat. See the sparkling water glisten as you mosey along listening to some tunes and appreciating the end of another beautiful day. Have the opportunity to witness dolphins riding the waves or swimming beneath the water. Watch as the sky erupts in a spectacular show of colors. This captained pontoon boat excursion is great for friends and family of all-ages. Dont miss out on this perfect evening getaway, book today!
- 2 Hour Destin, Florida Sunset Dolphin Cruise for up to 6 guests
- Captained pontoon boat excursion is great for friends & family of all-ages
- Get the chance to see dolphins swimming beneath the waves
- Play around in the water, & throw around a frisbee or football
- Listen to your favorite music while floating in the emerald waters
- Watch the colors dance in the sky as the sun sets on the horizon
Duration:2 Hrs.
- Child life vest or floaties
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How Do I Book A Dolphin Cruise
A few of the many Destin dolphin cruise deals offered online with TripShock
With dazzling dolphins jumping for joy against a scenic, coastal backdrop, a dolphin cruise is sure to be the highlight of any beach vacation! And now that you know the best time to take a dolphin cruise, youre probably ready to go ahead and book this unforgettable excursion for yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to book a dolphin cruise, for your convenience.
First of all, it is recommended to check with your vacation rental company/hotel or condo, as many will offer free or discounted dolphin cruise tickets to their guests. Another great place to look for dolphin cruise tickets is by strolling along the local marinas, harbors, and boardwalks. Most dolphin cruises will depart from areas like these, and have activity kiosks for those looking to book tickets on site. Great places to book dolphin cruise tickets in popular beach vacation destinations include the following:
- HarborWalk Village in Destin, FL
- Captain Andersons Marina in Panama City Beach, FL
- The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, AL
- Murrells Inlet MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet, SC
Family Fun You Will Always Remember
No matter how old or how young, everyone from toddlers to senior citizens enjoy time on the waters with one of our dolphin tours in Destin. Children will be delighted and will remember their dolphin cruise experience for a long time to come. Our knowledgeable and friendly ship captains make everyone feel welcome and have lots to talk about when it comes to all there is to see aboard a dolphin cruise.
Everyone enjoys the dolphins as they swim right alongside the boats. You might think that they want to climb aboard with how close they will be. Not only do we have among the best dolphins in the world with our dolphin tours, but we also include some of the best-kept secrets that only the locals know about. You can find out more about that in our Wild Dolphin Tours.
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About Our Fireworks Cruises
One of the top things to do in Destin is a Fireworks Cruise. Venture aboard for a relaxing and memorable cruise experience from either our Destin Harbor or Okaloosa Island locations.
Every seat aboard the SunVenture gives you the best seat in the house to capture every moment of your Fireworks Cruise.
The night sky will burst with colors during the vibrant Destin Harbor fireworks show. The SunVenture is the best place to watch the fireworks over the Destin Harbor as you enjoy a private setting and unobstructed views from the water.
SunVenture Cruises has earned Tripadvisors Certificate of Excellence Award for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018. This award is strictly based on testimonials from our guests about their cruise experiences. Our captains and staff go above and beyond to ensure our guests have unforgettable and stress-free memories on the water.
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Dolphin And Sunset Cruises Schedules And Rates
Sunset Dolphin Cruises
What to Bring on Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
- You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly.
- Make sure to bring your Dolphin & Sunset cruise confirmation printed out or ready on your mobile phone. Double check the address of your correct location.
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase .
- Personal carry-on bags are allowed but they must be able to be stored under your seat.
- Hats and other items may be blown away and are not recommended on board.
- We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items brought on board.
What to Expect on Our Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
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Recharge In A Luxury Condo After Your Dolphin Tour
Stay in a beautiful condo near all of the best tours and beaches around 30A when you book with Your Friend at the Beach! Our condos are perfect for groups of all sizes and are especially perfect for family vacations. All of our properties offer spectacular coastal views and premium amenities like beautiful pools, gym access, and fully stocked kitchens. We also offer an extensive selection of concierge services like private chefs, grocery services, and beach bonfire arrangements so you dont have to lift a finger!
Stay close to the spectacular dolphin tours in Destin, FL, when you book our Villa Coyaba 303 Gulf-front condo. This elegant accommodation is decorated with hand-selected furnishings that reflect the Gulfs natural beauty and features plenty of space for everyone. Whether you choose to soak in the jetted tub or lounge in one of the comfortable king-sized beds after your dolphin tour, youre sure to leave Destin feeling rejuvenated!
If youre ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, book a stay with Your Friend at the Beach today! We look forward to hosting you.
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Sunset Cruise Near Sandestin With Dolphin Cruises
There are many things to see and do while visiting the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida, but none as inviting as a sunset cruise. Sandestin is famous for beautiful sunsets, and it does not take long to see why. The clear, warm waters of the Gulf, and the gorgeous weather, make for some of the most beautiful colors you will ever see when the sun is setting.
Taking a Sandestin sunset cruise should be on your Florida bucket list. Watching a sunset from the beach is fun, but there is something magical about it when you are on the water and experience the setting sun that seems to be all around you. When you cruise with us, it will be a tour you will not soon forget.
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Experience Cruises In Destin
Is there anything more enjoyable when visiting the Emerald Coast than to be out on the Gulf? Those warm, turquoise waters beckon you. The water is bright and clear, perfect for seeing the aquatic life underneath. When the weather is beautiful, there is no better way to spend your time than with our Destin dolphin tours.
Dolphins are such amazing marine animals. They are smart, personable, and love to swim right along with your dolphin boat tour. Dolphins can swim up to 25 miles per hour, so they will have no problem keeping up with the boat. You will learn many other fascinating facts about dolphins when you take a trip with Dolphin Cruises in Destin.
Types Of Sunset Dolphin Cruises
Our Dolphin and Sunset Cruises are one and a half hour evening cruises scheduled regularly around 6 or 6:30 pm. We offer daily Destin Dolphin and Sunset Cruises as well as Dolphin Sunset Cruises from Okaloosa Island. Our two locations are only five miles apart. If you cant find availability at one location, make sure to check out the other one.
We also offer private Dolphin & Sunset cruises for up to 49 guests on each boat . Give your guests an unforgettable day on the water to celebrate a bachelor / bachelorette party in Destin, family reunion, pre- or post-fun after your Destin wedding, girls weekend or anything else! Both boats feature shaded areas, restrooms on-board, state-of-the-art music system, open deck arrangement and deckhands at your service.
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Our Rates Are Affordable
500 Harbor Blvd, #104, Destin, FL 35421Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 am 6:30 pm
Directions:We are located on the South side of US Hwy 98 on Destin Harbor across from Taco Bell at 500 Harbor Blvd.
From EAST of Destin From Destin Commons , drive 4 miles on Hwy 98 West. We have onsite parking at our location. Upon arriving head to the ticket booth.
From WEST of Destin Take Hwy 98 East to Destin over the Destin Bridge. 1/2 mile after the bridge, turn right into our parking lot.
CANCELLATION POLICY: You must CALL at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled trip time to change, reschedule, or cancel your reservation . If you dont call or dont make your reservation time, tickets will not be rescheduled or refunded. There will be a $10 cancellation fee.
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The Best Dolphin Cruises In Destin Fl
While we believe watching dolphins play in the water is best done while relaxing on the beach during Henderson Park Inns included happy hour, we know that there are plenty of visitors to our area that are interested in going on a dolphin cruise in Destin FL to see them a little more up close and personal. Just down the road from the inn remains the largest charter fishing fleet in the country, and here youll find a number of tour options. Still, selecting the cruise that best suits you can be a challenge, so here are five of our favorites with a little information to help you pick the perfect one for your next vacation:
1. Southern Star
Southern Star remains a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recipient for its various options for a dolphin cruise in Destin FL, and its been family owned and operated since 1994. The Southern Star is an 80 double-deck, glass-bottom boat and known to be one of the more comfortable tours in the area. They offer day and sunset dolphin cruises with the sunset option remaining one of the most breathtaking ways to see the best of the emerald coast.
2. Destin Dolphin Cruises
3. AJs Water Adventures
4. Sea Blaster
5. Olin Marlers Dolphin Tours
But, you cant enjoy a dolphin cruise in Destin FL if you dont have a place to stay, so if you havent secured your accommodations yet, head to our Rooms and Rates page now and book yours before we fill up.
About the Area
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Come Enjoy A Dolphin Cruise In Destin Florida
Experience the extraordinary aboard Southern Star, Destins Original Dolphin Cruise! Observe coastal bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on our family-friendly adventure. Experience up-close viewing of dolphins, seabirds, and a variety of marine life.
Cruise the pristine waters of Floridas Emerald Coast while relaxing to the sounds of island music aboard our glass-bottom boat. Our fully narrated eco-tour provides fun for all ages, and evening cruises take in spectacular sunsets. This is a tour you dont want to miss.
Come have fun with us on this unforgettable Destin adventure!
About our dolphin cruises:
- 80-foot glass-bottom boat Destins largest dolphin cruise vessel
- Hot dogs, snacks, sodas, beer, wine
- Gift shop items
Free Water Soda Beer And Wine
Climb aboard Destins ORIGINAL Sea Blaster for a fun and exciting cruise with Capt. Larry. Our boats offer plenty of room to search the Emerald Green waters in the Gulf or Bay around Destin for the most playful dolphins.
Our 73 foot United States Coast Guard approved custom built boats are the Gulfs largest speedboats and are approved to carry more than 100 passengers. Our cruises are family-friendly and offer different adventures including snorkeling and dolphin cruise combination trips, afternoon beach dolphin cruises, and relaxing sunset dolphin cruises, and Destin Harbor firework cruises.
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Sandestin Sunset Cruises Are So Romantic
What a perfect way to enjoy your honeymoon or first date. Even if you are with a group of people in town for vacation, you will feel as if you are the only two people in the world when you enjoy one of our sunset cruises. There really is no better way to spend a romantic evening than aboard our newest catamaran, which sails out of the Destin Harbor. You will have perfect views of the boats in the harbor, and you can view homes of the rich and famous as you cruise along. As you pass through the Luckiest Fishing Village, get ready for nature to paint the skies with an artists palette, sure to awe and amaze you.
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Sunset From The Beach
As we discussed above, the best times to watch the sunset from the beach in Destin is between October and March. Before and after that it will mostly be behind the buildings.
The sky at the beach will still sometimes have beautiful sunset color tones in the summer if there are clouds for the sun to reflect on. You just wont actually get to see the sun dip below the horizon over the water during that time.
The exact placement of the sun will depend when you are in Destin. November-January it will be further out over the water away from land while in March and October it will be closer to the coastline.
You can use a free app called SunCalc to find the exact direction the sun will be where you are in Destin.
Beachfront Restaurants with a Sunset View
Beachfront restaurants in Destin with a great sunset view between October and March include the Back Porch, Crap Trap, and 790 on the Gulf.
Miramar Beach Restaurants with a good sunset view include Pompano Joes, Surf Hut, and Whales Tail.
On Okaloosa Island, the best restaurant options with a sunset view are Rockin Tacos and the Crab Trap at the Boardwalk.
Best Month for Sunset at the Beach in Destin
The map above might have you assuming that December and January are the best months for sunset. We do get some beautiful sunsets those months but I would actually vote for October and November as the best.
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Witness Dancing Dolphins In Destin & Fort Walton Beach Florida
Destin and Fort Walton Beach are both known far and wide for whimsical wildlife, enchanting emerald waters, spectacular sunsets, and scenic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. What do you get when you combine all of these terrific things into one family-fun activity? A Destin dolphin watching excursion, of course!
Destin dolphin tours and cruises are one of the best ways to witness dazzling dolphins in their natural habitat, and see the Emerald Coast from a whole new perspective. Soak in the scenic views as a local and knowledgeable captain and crew lead you to pods of playful dolphins, and provide fun and informative narration along the way. Dolphin cruises are one of the top family-friendly things to do in Destin-FWB, and are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!
Dolphin cruises arent the only way to see these captivating creatures, either! Its not uncommon to see dolphins while soaking up the sun at the beach, or walking on The Island Pier, for example. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island is another great way to experience dolphins up-close, as well as other awesome aquatic animals. However you decide to search for dolphins, its sure to bring a little magic to any Emerald Coast vacation!