
Where and how to meet dolphins in Florida?
- Plantation Key: 29 Miles / 41 min
- Marathon: 10 Miles / 15 min
- Key West: 60 Miles / 80 min
- Fort Laurdable: 130 Miles / 2:30 hours
Where to see adorable sea turtles in Florida?
Where to experience sea turtle nesting in Florida
- Coastal Connections 1006 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach 32963
- Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park 6503 N. ...
- Sebastian Inlet State Park Fishing Museum 14251 N. State Road A1A, Vero Beach, 772-388-2750
- Barrier Island Sanctuary 8385 S. ...
- Sea Turtle Preservation Society 111 S. ...
- John D. ...
- Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge , S. ...
When is the best time to see a dolphin?
The best time to spot dolphins is right around sunset, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Many tourists come here in hopes of seeing one of the most captivating creatures of the...
Where to see wild alligators in Florida?
Wild Florida
- Airboat Tour – Travel out onto the lake on an airboat and see alligators in the wild. ...
- Crusher Alligator Show – Watch as a worker at Wild Florida steps into the enclosure with Crusher a very large alligator. ...
- Gator Feeding Times – Take some time to watch large alligators as part of a feeding time with the keepers! ...

Are there dolphins on the Gulf side of Florida?
The bottlenose dolphin is the only species found in all Gulf coastal habitats. There are an estimated 10,000 bottlenose dolphins in these coastal waters although the exact number is unknown. In most cases, the other species live far from land in deep Gulf of Mexico waters.
What beach in Florida has the most dolphins?
Panama City Beach is the perfect place to swim with dolphins in Florida. Besides the abundance of wild dolphins in the area, Panama City is also home to marine parks with dolphins who are just as excited to see you, as you are to see them!
Where can you see dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico?
Great for more than just fishing, the Gulf State Park Pier is a wonderful place to observe sea animals. With almost 2 miles of rail space from which to watch sea life, the pier is a local favorite for family outings. Dolphins can often be seen in the warm waters of The Gulf of Mexico just off shore near the pier.
When can you see dolphins in the Gulf?
From late spring to the end of summer, female dolphins from other areas flock to Destin when mating season rolls around. As such, this time of year is perfect for dolphin watching.
What part of Florida has the most dolphins?
Sarasota. Sarasota is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins that live in the bay throughout the year, making spottings a common occurrence.
What time of year are dolphins in Florida?
When is the Best Time to See Dolphins in Florida? You may see the most dolphins from late May through perhaps early August. During that time, you're most likely to spot them between 10 a.m. and noon, and then from 2 p.m. till it gets dark.
Are there dolphins in Gulf Shores?
Dolphin Sightings are Guaranteed A dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach comes with the guarantee of multiple dolphin sightings on each tour.
Can you see dolphins in Destin Florida?
The Gulf of Mexico is home to a number of different dolphin species, but the most commonly spotted here in Destin is the bottlenose dolphin. While many amusement park attractions have dolphin exhibits, there's nothing more wonderful than seeing these animals in their natural habitat.
How do you find dolphins at the beach?
Look for the Splash, Look for Lots of Splashes Look for something different checking the water for a disturbance. When you see lots of splashes together, chances are it's either: Birds (like this pelican) diving down from the sky and feeding on bait fish.
What's the best time to see dolphins?
Mid-morning, between 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to sunset are the best times of the day to spot dolphins.
Is it better to see dolphins in the morning or afternoon?
3 answers. Though there is no rule, typically, the water is calmer in the morning. As far as the number of dolphins you will see and what mood they will be in, it is unpredictable.
What time are dolphins close to shore?
— The best times of day to spot dolphins are around sunrise, mid-morning (between 10 a.m. and noon), and mid-afternoon (between 2 p.m. and sunset). — Please do not feed or attempt to touch our friends. This is illegal, and it also poses a threat to the dolphins themselves.
Gulf World Marine Park
At Gulf World Marine Park, the park’s Bottlenose Dolphin show features music and acrobatics from the dolphins and trainers. Unless you want to get wet, beware ofthe first 10 rows – that’s the splash zone. For an additional fee, after each show families can have their pictures taken with the dolphins and sea lion.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visitors can see places featured in the movies "Dolphin Tale" and sequel "Dolphin Tale 2," both filmed at the aquarium. Located along the waterways of Clearwater, the aquarium is one of the state’s most-visited attractions. You’ll find the star of the aquarium, Winter the Dolphin, in the Winter Zone upstairs.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Just south of St. Augustine and not far from Palm Coast you’ll find Marineland Dolphin Adventure, a great place to see dolphins in Florida. The park’s Touch and Feed program allows families to do both with Florida dolphins. It’s an up-close experience that happens daily and welcomes visitors ages 3 and up.
Miami Seaquarium
At the Miami Seaquarium, hop in the water with these lovable mammals and get to know them in an up-close and personal setting. The Dolphin Odyssey program lets visitors experience the behaviors of the dolphins with kisses, feeding techniques and training methods used by staff members.
Discovery Cove
Imagine the thrill of touching a dolphin: feeling its rubbery skin, gazing into its intelligent eyes or even sharing a kiss with it. Imagine speeding through the water being pulled by one. You don’t have to imagine. You can enjoy this mind-boggling adventure at Discovery Cove in Orlando, a private, all-inclusive, full-day resort.
Southern Star
Dolphins leap in the boat’s wake, spontaneous, graceful and powerful. They toss fish to each other. Sometimes, they seem to be laughing. They even respond to the encouraging claps and cheers of their admiring audiences.
Holiday Water Sports
Your 90-minute dolphin adventure tour via WaveRunner with Holiday Water Sports of Fort Myers Beach takes off with a rip-roaring, water-spraying ride through the Gulf of Mexico, led by a knowledgeable guide. The pace will slow and you’ll putter into Estero Bay to explore its pristine islands.
1. Key West: Fury Water Adventures
Meet dolphin in their native habitat: wild and free in Key West's back country with Fury Water Adventures. On the tour, knowledgeable guides dole out fun facts about dolphin lifestyles as you watch them frolic in the boat’s wake. The tour also includes a chance to snorkel the Keys’ famous coral reefs.
2. Key West: Dancing Dolphin Spirit Charters
Be the dolphin on Capt. Victoria’s Dolphin Day for Humans charter. Specializing in “children of all ages,” the wilderness boat tour includes a snorkel tow on a “dolphin water massage board.” Wild dolphin often join “human dolphin” on their voyage into dolphinity.
3. Islamorada: Theater of the Sea
One of the highlights to this all-day Islamorada dolphin destination is a short boat ride on a “bottomless boat,” where dolphin perform in the open water at the boat’s center while passengers applaud from seats around the arena.
4. Marathon: Dolphin Research Center
Paint with a dolphin? The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon adds an artistic twist to the dolphin experience.
5. Marathon: Hawks Cay Resort
Stay where dolphin live at this seaside resort. The Dolphin Connection has designed programs for kids and adults to interact with a pod of friendly bottlenose dolphins in the resort’s ocean fed lagoon.
6. Key Largo: Island Dolphin Care
No child is left out from the dolphin experience in Key Largo, and Island Dolphin Care makes sure. It was developed specifically so kids with special needs could undergo the healing pleasure of a dolphin’s company. Programs range from half-day meet-and-greets to five-day “Dolphin Time-Outs.”
7. Key Largo: Dolphins Plus
Tiny tots can enjoy the dolphin experience at Dolphins Plus. Participants ages 3 years and up and at least 4 feet 6 inches tall can participate on their own (if they do not meet the height requirement, they must have a participating adult to hold them in the water).
Where to see dolphins in Okaloosa?
What a perfect occasion for dolphin watching! The best places to spot dolphins are The Okaloosa Island Pier, Crystal Beach, Eglin Beach Park, Miramar Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. Dolphins are most active in the morning, and after 2 p.m.
How many dolphins are there in Florida?
Besides watching dolphins in the wild, visitors can go swimming with dolphins or take a snorkeling trip into dolphin habitat. With about 40,000 dolphins living in the Gulf of Mexico, there is a lot to see.
Where to watch the Dolphin Tale?
The warm and sheltered Clearwater is perfect for all sea mammals, which makes it one of the most famous dolphin watching spot in Florida. By the way, Clearwater is the hometown of Winter the Dolphin, star of the blockbuster Dolphin Tale. Clearwater Marine Aquarium was featured in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2.
What is the name of the aquarium in Dolphin Tale?
Clearwater Marine Aquarium was featured in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. One of the most visited attractions offers dolphin shows and swimming with the dolphins. Dozens of cruises depart every day out of Clearwater Harbor.
Where to see dolphins in Florida?
Besides a dolphin tour boat, one of the best places to view dolphins in their natural habitats is Turtle Beach. The warm waters and reef-like rocks offshore are home to many fish dolphins love to eat. In fact, all of our beaches have the potential to be a great dolphin sighting spot, since these beautiful creatures live in and around our warm Gulf waters all year long. However, if you want to be sure to see dolphins during your visit to the Florida Gulf Coast, your best choice is to make a stop at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Our dolphin rehabilitation program is a fun way to see dolphins and be educated on how amazing they are.
When do dolphins feed?
Like many marine animals, dolphins tend to feed at dawn and dusk, making them more visible from the shoreline at these times. That’s why we recommend searching for dolphins while you’re viewing a great sunset along the shore or on a boat.
Can you see dolphins in Siesta Key?
Like all wild animals, dolphins are elusive and there are no guarantees that you’ll see one during your stay in Siesta Key. A great way to increase your chances of spotting a few dolphins to join an excursion like Siesta Key Aqua Adventures or Kokomo Charters.
April 21st 2021
YouTube Panama City Beach, Florida, is the perfect vacation destination for beaches, boating, and bottlenose dolphins! It’s not uncommon to see one of America’s sweethearts (the dolphin) frisk and frolic in their natural habitat.
About the Local Dolphins
Panama City Beach and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico is home to a vast array of marine life, which is just one of the many reasons people love exploring the Gulf Coast.
Where to Swim with Dolphins in Florida?
Pictured above is a group snorkeling on a dolphin swim tour in Panama City Beach with Water Planet
What to Know Before You Go
When it comes to swimming with dolphins, it is almost impossible to fight the urge to dive in and grab a fin like in the movies. You must fight this urge, however, for both the dolphin’s safety, and yours. To make swimming with dolphins the most magical and memorable experience it can be, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Where to see dolphins in Florida?
You are going to be on the east coast, but if you don't mind a little day trip, travel over to Marco Island and I can ALMOST guarantee you will see dolphins from Caxambas Pass (at the south end of the island). Marco is just below Naples and across Tamiami Trail from Miami. Speaking of Naples, the Naples pier is usually a great place to see them as well. If you have the time, it is worth the trip in that the west coast is vastly different than the east coast. Whichever you prefer, it's fun to see and experience the differences. The west coast is WAY more laid back!!!
Where can I see manatees?
The TECO power plant is a great place to see manatees and last year when it was so cold dolphins, sting rays and even sharks too! They have webcam, so go over and check it out ;-)
Can you see dolphins in the same place?
Wild dolphins are not necessarily going to be in the same place day after day. The only place you are guaranteed to see them is in a tank. But the ethics of some dolphin encounter places is questionable.

How to See Dolphins on The Gulf Coast
No Guarantees
- Like all wild animals, dolphins are elusive and there are no guarantees that you’ll see one during your stay in Siesta Key. A great way to increase your chances of spotting a few dolphins to join an excursion like Siesta Key Aqua Adventures or Kokomo Charters. While no charter company can truly promise a dolphin sighting, they can get you out into deeper waters where you’re more likel…
Best Times
- Like many marine animals, dolphins tend to feed at dawn and dusk, making them more visible from the shoreline at these times. That’s why we recommend searching for dolphins while you’re viewing a great sunset along the shore or on a boat. It’s rare that dolphins will come close enough to shore to interact with people, but it has been known to happen. If you choose to go into the w…
Best Locations
- Besides a dolphin tour boat, one of the best places to view dolphins in their natural habitats is Turtle Beach. The warm waters and reef-like rocks offshore are home to many fish dolphins love to eat. In fact, all of our beaches have the potential to be a great dolphin sighting spot, since these beautiful creatures live in and around our warm Gulf ...