St. Augustine’s coastal waters teem with playful dolphins, making it a prime spot for wildlife watching. Three outstanding tours stand out from the pack: The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure impresses with its 97% satisfaction rate and expert naturalists during its efficient 90-minute outings. For a more intimate experience, the Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour earns perfect marks from visitors who appreciate its small groups and up-close encounters. The highly-rated Guided Tour combines dolphin spotting with sea turtle watching, while teaching visitors about local marine life.
We particularly love the Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure for its reliability in spotting dolphins and the kayak tour for its peaceful, eco-friendly approach. Both deliver excellent value and memorable experiences.
Let’s explore the top dolphin-watching options in St. Augustine…
Key Points
- The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure offers a 1.5-hour eco-tour with a 97% visitor recommendation and a 4.9-star rating from 652 reviews.
- Potential sightings during the tour include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species, with notable landmarks such as the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos.
- The Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour provides a 5.0-rated experience with a 100% recommendation rate, including kayak, life jacket, and guided insights on the natural environment.
- The guided Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation tour offers a 97% recommendation rate and a 5.0 overall rating, focusing on intimate encounters with marine life and educational value.
- Safety and accessibility considerations are in place, with moderate fitness levels required and emphasis on comfort and engagement during the tours.
Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine
The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine is a highly-rated eco-tour that provides visitors with the opportunity to observe dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Located at the Camachee Island Marina, this 1.5-hour tour departs from either Dock A-24 for the OSPREY or Dock A-23 for the ISLAND BREEZE. With a maximum capacity of 25 travelers, the tour is led by knowledgeable naturalist guides who offer live commentary throughout the experience.
Recommended by 97% of visitors and boasting a 4.9-star rating from 652 reviews, the Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure is a popular choice for those seeking an immersive wildlife encounter in St. Augustine.
Potential sightings include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species, as well as landmarks such as the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Priced from $39 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and free parking for guests.
Read our full review: Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine Review
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Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour
Located just a stone’s throw from the main boat ramp, the Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour invites visitors to explore the tranquil waterways of St. Augustine.
With a 5.0 rating from 180 reviews, this tour has earned the trust of travelers, with 100% recommending the experience.
The tour includes a kayak, life jacket, paddle, and bottled water, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped journey.
Guests can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including frequent sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and more.
Led by experienced guides like Gary and Mac, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience, highlighting the local history and environment.
Accommodating a maximum of 10 travelers, the Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour provides an intimate group setting.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals, and infants can join by sitting on laps.
With a focus on safety, the tour isn’t recommended for those with specific health conditions, but most travelers can participate.
Read our full review: Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour Review
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Guided Tour for Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation in Saint Augustine, Florida
Offering an immersive journey through the serene waterways of Saint Augustine, the Guided Tour for Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation invites travelers to witness the vibrant marine life of this coastal paradise.
With a 97% recommendation rate and a 5.0 overall rating, this 88-review tour provides an exceptional opportunity to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Priced at $50 per person for a maximum group of 12, the tour includes essential equipment like kayaks, paddles, and life vests, as well as the expertise of knowledgeable guides.
While not recommended for those with back problems or inexperienced kayakers, the moderate fitness level required ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for most travelers. Guests consistently praise the tour’s educational value, with guides providing insights into the local ecosystems and environmental conservation efforts.
Despite occasional variations in wildlife sightings, the Guided Tour for Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation remains a popular choice for those seeking an intimate and enriching encounter with nature in Saint Augustine.
Read our full review: Guided Tour for Dolphin & Sea Turtle Observation in Saint Augustine, Florida Review
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The Sum Up
Dolphin watching tours in St. Augustine offer unique opportunities to observe these captivating marine creatures in their natural habitat. From guided kayak tours to boat excursions, visitors can get up close with dolphins and other wildlife while learning about the area’s ecology. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, these tours provide a memorable way to connect with the coastal ecosystem of St. Augustine.