While Florida is home to an array of diverse wildlife, one of the biggest perks of visiting the Sunshine State is seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s a bucket list experience for many to spot these highly intelligent creatures in Florida’s coastal waters, where you can get an up-close look at the charismatic creatures swimming and frolicking in the waters. From scenic eco-tours and sunset cruises to catch sight of them right off the beach, here are some of the best places to go dolphin watching in Florida.
The Florida Keys
Get off the grid in the Florida Keys, a perfect spot to see wild dolphins frolicking in the waters. Key Largo and Islamorada are hotspots for wildlife watching, while pods are also seen swimming in the waters off the shore at Key West. You’ll find plenty of dolphin-watching tours in the area, where you can combine dolphin watching with sunset cruises and snorkeling adventures. For an educational look at these animals, head to the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon to have a unique one-on-one interaction.
Sanibel Island
Popular for more than just its colorful shells, beachgoers can get up early on Sanibel Island to experience a sunrise on the beach and see groups of dolphins feeding just offshore. These intelligent creatures will be cruising up and down the picturesque beach, while those who want to see them up close can join a tour or hop in a kayak. Take a day trip to explore the unspoiled landscapes in Pine Island Sound and you’ll have a good chance to spot a dolphin or catch a glimpse of them in the surf around Lighthouse Beach.
Fort Myers Beach
An area known for its sun-kissed beaches and historic landmarks, Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to spot some of Florida’s most treasured wildlife. Take a tour through Matanzas Pass into the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here you’ll be able to spot a combination of marine life in their natural habitat, while dolphins playfully swim through the boat’s wake. Kick your vacation up a notch with a waverunner tour in Estero Bay and soak up the pristine beauty of the islands.
Naples
Naples and nearby Marco Island are excellent choices to go on a dolphin-spotting adventure, as they can often be seen throughout the day. Walk the shoreline to get beautiful views of Florida’s diverse underwater marine life in the Gulf. If you’re looking for a day excursion, take a trip to Keewaydin Island and catch glimpses of the dolphins along the way. The island is a secluded slice of paradise, offering you a great chance to observe the playful creatures in complete solitude.
Clearwater
Home to one of the most famous beaches in Florida, Clearwater’s warm waters are a perfect place for dolphin watching, where you can coast through the Intracoastal Waterway or go on a romantic sunset cruise. Head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet dolphins called Winter, the star of the hit movie “Dolphin Tale”, and learn how to feed, interact and keep dolphins healthy. Take a day trip to Sand Key Park to discover that it’s not only a haven for shell collectors but offers a quiet shoreline great for dolphin spotting.
Sarasota
Sarasota is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins that live in the bay throughout the year, making spottings a common occurrence. Sarasota and nearby Siesta Key’s crystal clear waters are perfect for ocean wildlife viewing, where you’ll find an abundance of dolphin-watching tours that include a day of swimming and kayaking. Take a day excursion to Lido Key, where its popular ecotourism philosophy offers plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins in the wild.
Panama City Beach
The perfect excursion for the entire family, take a boat tour in Panama City Beach to see dolphin pods or take a self-paced excursion with a waverunner or jet ski to search for wild dolphins with experienced guides. Head to St. Andrews State Park and take the boat trip to nearby Shell Island, where both kids and adults alike will delight in the strong possibility of encountering a bottlenose dolphin sighting. Gulf World Marine Park offers unique animal encounters, where visitors can meet a dolphin and receive a hug.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is home to an array of excellent dolphin watching spots, as they’re said to be around 400 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area. River cruises are popular, where you’ll cruise past the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, waterfront homes, and local wildlife. Head to the Marine Discovery Center with the kids, where you can hop on two-hour guided dolphin watching tours around the Indian River Lagoon. Watch as the dolphins jump in and out of the water, then spend the rest of your afternoon swimming, fishing, and boating.
Amelia Island
A beautiful experience for wildlife watchers of all ages, seeing wild dolphins frolicking in the waters surrounding Amelia Island and nearby Fernandina Beach is a memory you won’t soon forget. There are plenty of scenic river cruises and charters to choose from, where you can explore historic riverbanks and spot dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and herons. Watch as these gentle creatures glide through the waves on a guided tour, where you can see them from a boat, kayak, or even on a scuba diving or hang gliding excursion.
St. George Island
A picturesque 28-mile-long barrier island, St. George is a blissful scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Outdoor activities reign supreme in this picturesque area and a dolphin excursion offers the perfect time for you and your family to experience the beauty of the Forgotten Coast. Soak up the stunning landscape of the Gulf and learn about the maritime ecology of the area, as seeing pods of these intelligent underwater mammals is considered the icing on the cake to your island experience.
