As a city filled to the brim with life and waters crammed with Florida’s unique wonders, it’s only natural that dolphin-watching tours are often a highlight for tourists in the St. Pete / Clearwater area. Not much surpasses spending the day searching for and enjoying these playful ocean creatures on one of the area's best dolphin-watching tours! Below is a list of our favorites. Click on the links to learn more about each of these dolphin watching tours. And be sure to ask them about other services, many will take you snorkeling and swimming too.

The Pelican St. Pete

The Pelican is the only boat tour in downtown St. Pete taking off from St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key! In one hour, let this beautiful 60-foot vessel transport you from the Pier to Paradise. The Pelican holds up to 49 passengers and is available in the evenings for special private charter events like weddings, corporate parties, reunions, birthdays, or sunset cruises. Please call for pricing and availability.

Photo by The Pelican St. Pete - Facebook Page

Island Boat Adventures

For an incredible experience, that the whole family will enjoy, book a trip with Island Boat Adventures! Board the captivating Calypso, a new 45ft. Catamaran, for a great ride! The tour starts with dolphin watching along with beautiful and historic Egmont Key! Watch these friendly creatures in their natural habitat with your family by your side! Go snorkeling and dive on the sunken ruins of Fort Dade! You can even book a private charter for a special occasion, and watch the dolphins at sunset!

Photo by Island Boat Adventures - Facebook Page

Dolphin Landings and Charter Boat Center

Another place in the St. Pete / Clearwater area where you can go dolphin watching is the Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center! Open since 1975; they offer a wide selection of things to keep you and your family entertained! Apart from dolphin watching, they also offer deep-sea fishing, power boat cruising, snorkeling, and more! The dolphin-watching tour is only $50 per person, children receive a $10 discount, and babies under two ride free. Relax on a boat for two leisurely hours as you watch dolphins jump and play in coastal waters. Also, if you have that special someone in mind, Dolphin Landings offers wedding and party cruises as well! Bring the whole family for a fantastic opportunity, and make memories to last a lifetime!

Photo credit Dolphin Landing Facebook

Dolphin Racer

Are you looking for something a little more fast-paced? St. Pete’s Dolphin Racer speedboat will get your motor running! Hop aboard a speedboat as it flies across the water, dolphins, weaving in and out of the foam beside! Enjoy idyllic waterways around the Gulf beaches as your voyage promises an up close and personal view of one of the wonder's greatest creatures! Narration will accompany the ride as you take in the sites around you! Hang on to your hat and be prepared for an exhilarating trip on the Gulf waters, as the dolphins in their natural habitat treat you to an unforgettable show! The Dolphin Racer is part of Starlite Cruises! 

Photo credit Dolphin Racer Facebook

Island Ferry

Another fantastic dolphin watching tour in St. Pete / Clearwater area is brought to you by Island Ferry! Watch as dolphins swim directly up to your boat, giving you an authentic glimpse into the wilds of the water! You can even go snorkeling with dolphins, and shelling at idyllic Shell Key, Island Ferry provides the gear you need. Swim with the dolphins in their natural habitats as you explore the underwater world of Florida's west coast.  Or take a sunset cruise, or maybe you'd like to ride the ferry to Shell Key, where you can spend the day. They also arrange private snorkeling tours. Enjoy a group or personalized boat tour, courtesy of St. Pete’s Island Ferry by clicking their 727area business page for the number to call.

Egmont Key photo credit - Island Ferry - Facebook

Enjoy the natural side of St. Pete /Clearwater by enjoying a fun and informative dolphin tour, or choose from an extensive list of additional services like snorkeling, diving, sunset cruises, and more. We know you will have fun chartering any one of these excellent companies, guaranteed to make your day on the water something unforgettable! Bring your sunscreen, and a hat and don't forget your camera! (Cover photo credit Dolphin Racer / Facebook)