Travelers seeking dolphin encounters in Clearwater Beach have several excellent options. The top-rated Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise ($28.99) is a solid value for a 1.5-hour experience. Families particularly love the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, a one-hour tour that consistently delivers with its impressive 98% recommendation rate. For guaranteed sightings, the Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour is the safest bet. Adventure seekers should consider the Dolphin Jet Ski Tour, which accommodates up to three people per watercraft.
The most memorable tours combine dolphin watching with extras like swimming stops and shelling opportunities. Local naturalist guides offer insightful commentary about the marine life and coastal ecosystem.
Let’s explore the best dolphin-watching tours Clearwater has to offer.
Key Points
- The Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise is a highly-rated 1.5-hour tour priced at $28.99 per person, offering a 94% recommendation rate.
- The Clearwater Island Hop and Dolphin Watch Boat Tour provides a 2-hour adventure including swimming and dolphin watching, priced at $59.99 per person.
- The Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on the Intracoastal Waterway can accommodate up to 120 travelers and offers scenic views.
- The Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise is a 2-hour tour that guarantees dolphin sightings and includes a 30-minute swim stop, priced from $28 per person.
- Private party boat experiences in Clearwater can accommodate up to 20 guests and include a guided scenic cruise and dolphin watching.
Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach With Free Ice Cream
The Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach offers a family-friendly experience for visitors.
Operated by Dolphin Tour Adventure Clearwater Beach, the tour boasts a 4.7 rating from 432 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate.
Sailing along the scenic shoreline, participants can enjoy free ice cream sundaes while spotting dolphins, seabirds, and fish.
The tour departs from the Clearwater Municipal Marina and lasts an undisclosed duration.
While the tour is accessible for strollers and allows service animals, it’s not wheelchair-friendly.
Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the fun atmosphere, though some have reported issues with cancellations, sound quality, and ice cream quality.
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Clearwater: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise
While the Dolphin Boat Tour offers a family-friendly daytime experience, the Clearwater: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise provides a more serene and romantic option for visitors.
This 1.5-hour tour takes guests along the picturesque shores of Clearwater Beach, offering the chance to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy mesmerizing sunset views.
With a limited group size of 10, the cruise provides a personalized experience led by an expert captain. Priced at $28.99 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, though food and drinks aren’t specified.
Positive reviews highlight the crew’s helpfulness and the quality of the overall experience.
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Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach is a popular 1-hour tour that offers visitors a chance to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Travelers climb aboard the tugboat-style boat, Little Toot, which creates a big wake that attracts playful dolphins. The tour features lively commentary from the captain about the local wildlife and boasts a 98% recommendation rate from previous guests.
With multiple tour times available and a maximum capacity of 50 people, the adventure is a must-do for families and couples visiting Clearwater.
Positive reviews highlight the friendly crew, memorable experiences, and the thrill of seeing dolphins up close in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Clearwater: Island Hop and Dolphin Watch Boat Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive Clearwater adventure, the Clearwater: Island Hop and Dolphin Watch Boat Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
Priced at $59.99 per person, this 2-hour tour includes marine life viewing, a secret swimming spot, and dolphin watching.
Departing from Paddle Pub Dolphin & Party Tours Clearwater Beach, the tour accommodates up to 20 guests with onboard amenities like a bathroom, coolers, and a BYOB policy.
Reviewers highlight the fun atmosphere, friendly crew, and opportunities to swim and dance.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and memorable way to explore the waters of Clearwater.
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Clearwater Encounters With Dolphins Tour
The Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the graceful movements of these captivating marine creatures.
With a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 1.5-hour tour provides guests with dolphin sightings, marine life exploration, and a comfortable ride.
The tour departs from the Clearwater Beach Marina, with a maximum of 38 travelers per trip. Guests can enjoy swimming, shell collecting, and commentary from the knowledgeable crew.
While disappointments due to rough waters or missed sightings are rare, the tour offers a complimentary re-ride if no dolphins are seen.
With its family-friendly atmosphere and focus on safety and comfort, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Clearwater.
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Clearwater Evening Cruise and Dolphin Watching, BYOB
Setting out on a memorable Clearwater Evening Cruise and Dolphin Watching adventure, guests can enjoy a 2-hour excursion that combines the thrill of spotting dolphins with the tranquility of a scenic sunset boat cruise.
Priced from Kč 1,606 per person, the BYOB tour departs from Paddle Pub Dolphin & Party Tours Clearwater Beach, taking up to 20 passengers on a catamaran with an onboard restroom.
The experience includes 1 hour of dolphin watching and sightseeing, followed by 1 hour of sunset cruising with music and party lights.
Guests can bring their own food, drinks, and ice, while the friendly crew provides a live English tour guide.
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Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach
One of the most popular dolphin-watching tours in Clearwater Beach is the Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat. This 1-hour tour offers a 91% recommendation rate and 4.5-star reviews.
Travelers can expect to see dolphins, including babies, while enjoying the clean and spacious boat and the crew’s information and entertainment.
However, some guests have reported issues with customer service and timing. Visitors should arrive 30 minutes early, consider nearby parking options, and bring cash for tips, snacks, and beverages.
Despite the occasional negative feedback, the Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat remains a beloved activity for families and dolphin enthusiasts in Clearwater Beach.
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Clearwater Beach: Donuts and Dolphins
Clearwater Beach offers more than just dolphin-watching tours.
After a day at sea, visitors can indulge in the local delicacy – Clearwater Beach donuts. These fluffy, freshly-fried treats are a must-try for any sweet tooth. Vendors line the beachfront, offering a variety of toppings, from classic powdered sugar to creative options like chocolate-dipped and sprinkled.
Guests can savor their donuts while strolling along the white sand, keeping an eye out for dolphins frolicking just off the shore. The combination of sweet pastries and marine life sightings makes for a truly unique Clearwater Beach experience.
Whether you’re refueling after a tour or simply craving a sugary snack, the Clearwater Beach donuts are a delightful way to cap off a day in this coastal paradise.
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Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours
The Tropics Boat Tours’ Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting cruise offers visitors a chance to witness the playful antics of these marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The tour departs from Clearwater Bay, providing scenic views of celebrity mansions along the Intracoastal Waterway. Aboard the double-decker catamaran, a live commentary by the captain educates guests on the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast.
With multiple departure times and snacks/beverages available, the 4.4-star rated tour accommodates up to 120 travelers. Positive reviews highlight the friendly crew, informative commentary, and ample dolphin sightings, making it a great choice for families and groups.
While a few report missed sightings, the tour’s guarantee allows for a return visit.
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Clearwater: Dolphin Jet Ski Tour – 1 SKI FOR UP TO 3 PEOPLE
For adventurers seeking an exhilarating way to explore Clearwater’s pristine waters, the Dolphin Jet Ski Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness these marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The 2-hour guided tour takes participants around Honeymoon Island and Caladesi State Park, where they’ll have the chance to see dolphins and manatees up close.
The tour includes jet ski rental, life jackets, and an experienced guide, and is suitable for families and adventurers of all ages.
With stunning scenic views and perfect photo opportunities, this tour is a must-try for those looking to combine adrenaline-fueled fun with wildlife sightseeing in Clearwater.
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Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach
One of the top-rated activities in Clearwater Beach is the Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat.
This 93% recommended tour offers a boat ride, dolphin watching, and a souvenir shelling experience for $28 per person. Families enjoy the kid-friendly activities, like searching for shells and shark teeth.
Travelers may spot dolphins, manatees, and stingrays during the tour. While most reviews praise the engaging crew and wildlife sightings, some note rough rides and unhelpful staff.
The tour departs from Mega Bite Tour Boat, runs for an unspecified duration, and isn’t wheelchair-accessible, though strollers and service animals are allowed.
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Clearwater: Cruise With Guaranteed Dolphin Sightings
This 2-hour cruise in Clearwater, Florida, offers a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
For $37.15 per person, guests can enjoy a relaxing journey on the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The tour includes live narration by knowledgeable guides and a peek at celebrity homes along the route.
Drink packages are available for purchase. The cruise departs from Clearwater Bay and sails through Clearwater Pass.
Parking is available at the marina, with a daily code provided at the ticket booth.
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Clearwater Island Hop and Dolphin Watch With Swimming
The Clearwater Island Hop and Dolphin Watch with Swimming tour offers a chance to explore the stunning waters of Clearwater, Florida.
Operated by Paddle Pub Clearwater Beach, this 5-star rated activity takes travelers on a memorable journey, with a 100% recommendation from previous guests.
For $59.99 per person, you’ll enjoy a cruise with a friendly crew, an onboard cooler, and the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
The tour departs from and returns to a convenient meeting point, catering to most travelers.
With positive reviews highlighting the fun atmosphere and great dolphin sightings, this tour is a must-try for those seeking an unforgettable Clearwater experience.
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Private Party Boat With Island Hopping, Dolphin Watch, +Swim
Paddle Pub Clearwater Beach offers a private boat experience that allows groups of up to 20 to explore the stunning waters of Clearwater.
Priced at Kč 17,862 for up to 16 people, the 2-hour tour includes a guided 40-minute scenic cruise and dolphin watching. Guests can also opt for a swim and beach walk on a nearby shallow island.
The tour provides music, coolers, and a Bluetooth sound system, while guests can bring their own food and drinks.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on customer feedback, this private party boat experience is a fun and flexible way to enjoy Clearwater’s natural beauty.
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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin and Island Sandbar Boat Tour
For a fun and memorable afternoon on the waters of Clearwater, the Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise offers an exciting 2-hour adventure. Priced from $28 per person, this tour guarantees dolphin sightings and a 30-minute swim stop at a secluded island.
Onboard, you’ll find amenities like a restroom, coolers, and even free ice cream for the kids. With a 4.7/5 rating from 221 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its value and transportation.
Guests can expect scenic views of the Gulf, expensive homes, and the Church of Scientology. Be sure to bring your swimwear, sun protection, and water shoes for an unforgettable experience.
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Clearwater Private Boat: Sunset Cruise + Dolphin Watch
Clearwater Private Boat offers an enchanting 2-hour sunset cruise and dolphin watching experience for groups of up to 16 people.
Priced at $747.93 per group, this private tour departs from Paddle Pub Dolphin & Party Tours Clearwater Beach.
During the cruise, guests can expect to spot dolphins in the bay and enjoy stunning sunset views.
The comfortable catamaran boat comes equipped with a Bluetooth sound system and restroom.
Passengers are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks.
With a 5-star rating based on a single review, this intimate group tour promises memorable moments for friends and families.
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Sum Up
Clearwater offers a variety of dolphin-watching tours, from sunset cruises to island-hopping adventures. Visitors can choose from boat tours that include free ice cream, swimming opportunities, or private charters. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly excursion or a more personalized experience, Clearwater has a dolphin-watching option to suit your needs.