The historic waters around St. Augustine deliver reliable dolphin sightings year-round, making it one of Florida’s top spots for marine wildlife watching. The Matanzas River teems with bottlenose dolphins, best viewed from several well-run boat tours. My favorite is the Dolphin Bay Wildlife cruise – it combines wildlife spotting with fascinating local history and offers comfortable seating with good viewing angles. For a more intimate experience, I’m impressed with the kayak and paddleboard tours, which allow you to quietly observe these playful mammals in their natural habitat.
The sunset boat tour stands out for its perfect timing – dolphins are particularly active during dusk hours, plus you’ll catch a beautiful Florida sunset. For families, the Fury catamaran tour hits the sweet spot with its stable ride and knowledgeable guides who keep kids engaged.
Let’s look at the top dolphin-watching options in St. Augustine.
Key Points
- The Dolphin Bay Wildlife and Local History Cruise offers a 1.5-hour tour through the Matanzas River to spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
- The Sunset Boat Tour to Dolphin Bay provides a family-friendly adventure with dolphin sightings and sunset views, priced at €35.92 per person for a 1-hour ride.
- The Dolphin Watch & Historical Harbor Tour + Drinks is a 1.5-hour excursion on a 65-foot sailing catamaran, with complimentary drinks and snacks, starting at £33.42 per person.
- The Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour is a 2-hour guided tour from Lighthouse Park shoreline, suitable for all skill levels and priced at €61.45 per person.
- Unique dolphin encounters in St. Augustine include deluxe kayak tours, standup pedal-boarding, and paddle board adventures, as well as the Marineland Dolphin Encounter program.
St. Augustine: Dolphin Bay Wildlife and Local History Cruise
One of the most popular dolphin watching tours in St. Augustine is the Dolphin Bay Wildlife and Local History Cruise. This 1.5-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through the Matanzas River, where they can spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
The knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history and ecosystem, including the local wildlife and coastal ecosystems. Passengers have the chance to witness these majestic creatures as they swim, play, and feed.
The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their fragile environment. With its perfect balance of wildlife viewing and historical education, this cruise offers a truly memorable experience for all who embark on it.
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St. Augustine: Sunset Boat Tour to Dolphin Bay
For visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of St. Augustine, the Sunset Boat Tour to Dolphin Bay is an ideal choice.
The tour offers a family-friendly adventure, with options to see dolphins, enjoy the sunset, or experience the Nights of Lights holiday display. Priced at €35.92 per person, the tour includes a 1-hour boat ride with live narration, passing by iconic sights like the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, it’s easy to book this tour and enjoy the tranquil waters and stunning scenery of St. Augustine from the water.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guests can bring their own boat-friendly snacks and beverages.
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St.Augustine: Dolphin Watch & Historical Harbor Tour +Drinks
The St. Augustine: Dolphin Watch & Historical Harbor Tour +Drinks is a 1.5-hour excursion aboard a 65-foot sailing catamaran named Fury.
Priced from £33.42 per person, this tour offers the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins near Vilano Beach and take in unobstructed views of the oldest city in the U.S.
Complimentary drinks, including sodas, water, beer, and wine, as well as snacks, are provided, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The tour departs from Vilano Beach, behind Beaches Restaurant, and guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring their passport/ID, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
While dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour has received excellent reviews, with customers praising the clean boat, excellent crew, and friendly staff.
Read our full review: St.Augustine: Dolphin Watch & Historical Harbor Tour +Drinks Review
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St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour
Departing from the Lighthouse Park shoreline, the St. Augustine: Dolphin and Manatee Paddle or Kayak Tour offers a 2-hour guided excursion through the waterways of St. Augustine, Florida.
Participants can paddle on stand-up paddleboards or kayaks, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and crabs. The tour provides scenic views of the Anastasia State Park sand dunes and explores the marine life habitats.
Suitable for all skill levels, the experience includes a safety briefing and equipment demonstration.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 78 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.
Priced at €61.45 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
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St. Augustine: Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour
Amid the tranquil waters of St. Augustine, the Deluxe Dolphin-Watching Kayak Tour offers a unique and intimate encounter with the area’s marine life.
Gliding silently through the serene waterways, participants have the opportunity to spot playful dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds. Guided by experienced naturalists, the tour provides insights into the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts.
The double-seated kayaks ensure a stable and comfortable experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.
Whether a seasoned kayaker or a first-time adventurer, this deluxe tour promises an unforgettable experience for all who seek to connect with the wonders of St. Augustine’s aquatic habitats.
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St. Augustine: Standup Pedal-boarding Dolphin Tour
For an unparalleled encounter with St. Augustine’s marine life, the Standup Pedal-boarding Dolphin Tour offers a unique perspective.
Gliding atop the calm waters on a stable pedal-board, participants can easily spot the graceful dolphins that frequent the area. The tour guides provide insights into the local ecosystem and the behavior of these captivating creatures.
As participants propel themselves forward, they’ll have the opportunity to observe the dolphins’ playful antics up close, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.
This tour combines the thrill of standup pedal-boarding with the chance to witness the natural wonders of St. Augustine’s waterways, making it a must-try activity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
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St. Augustine: Paddle Board Dolphin Adventure
The Paddle Board Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine offers a unique way to explore the local waterways and spot the area’s resident dolphins. Participants paddle themselves on stand-up paddleboards, gliding silently through the calm waters.
The tour guides are knowledgeable about the dolphins’ behavior and habitats, providing insights as you search for these playful marine mammals. The experience allows you to get up close to the dolphins while respecting their natural environment.
With a small group size, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized encounter. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced adventure seeker, the Paddle Board Dolphin Adventure provides a memorable way to connect with the natural beauty of St. Augustine’s coastline.
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St. Augustine: Marineland Dolphin Encounter
While the Paddle Board Dolphin Adventure offers a unique perspective, visitors to St. Augustine can also experience the renowned Marineland Dolphin Encounter.
This interactive program allows guests to get up close and personal with these marine mammals. Participants can wade into the shallow waters, touch, and even feed the dolphins under the guidance of experienced trainers.
The Marineland facility boasts a long history, having opened in 1938 as the world’s first oceanarium. Today, it remains a popular attraction, giving people a chance to learn about and appreciate these intelligent creatures.
With its educational focus and engaging activities, the Marineland Dolphin Encounter is a must-do for anyone visiting the St. Augustine area.
Read our full review: St. Augustine: Marineland Dolphin Encounter Review
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Sum Up
St. Augustine offers a variety of dolphin-watching tours that allow visitors to spot these captivating marine mammals in their natural habitat. From boat tours and kayaking trips to stand-up paddleboarding and encounters at Marineland, there’s an option to suit every interest and activity level. Whether you’re looking for a scenic sunset cruise or an up-close-and-personal experience, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty and grace of dolphins in the Florida waters.