1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

Tampa , United States

1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

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(540 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Did you know that Tampa Bay is home to over 600 Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins? On this 1.5-hour cruise, your captain and guides will teach you have to spot dolphins making you an expert by the end. You can choose from morning or afternoon departures to fit your schedule.

Available options

2pm Departure

2pm departure; 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise

11am Departure

11am departure; 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise

What's included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Professional guide

1.5-hour sightseeing cruise

Live commentary on board

Detailed itinerary

After boarding your cruise, you'll travel out in the bay to see pods of friendly Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins. Your captain will bring you to areas where these dolphins spend their day feeding, playing and raising there young. Just outside Tampa's downtown is the nursery for Tampa Bay's dolphin population where mothers and calves frolic the day away.

Your guide will explain the daily life and habits of the dolphin on this 1.5-hour cruise. When your guides spot the pods of dolphins, the boat will stop within 30 feet (10 meters) or less as the guides have ways to get them to come right to the boats. Keep your cameras ready as you will see dolphins closer than you ever thought. You will be a master of dolphin spotting by the end of your cruise!

After seeing the dolphins you'll head back to to downtown Tampa, cruising the channels and river and learning about the great city of Tampa.

Our tours are a once in a lifetime experience. The captains spot the dolphins every trip. Keep your cameras at the ready as the dolphins will be closer than you ever thought. Your tour starts out taking you past the homes of the rich and famous on you way to the bay were the dolphins live.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

DVD (available to purchase)

Parking in front of building (parking charges apply)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

397 reviews

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241

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Tripadvisor 3.8

143 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Covid-19 Health operation for our tours. We have lowered the capacity of our vessels from 45 to 15 to allow for social distancing of each group on the boat. Our boats will be sanitized between each departure. ALL guests are required to wear a face covering (nose and mouth) at all times. Boarding will be refused to any guest not wearing a face covering without a refund. We care about your and our staff's health. So Thank You for your cooperation it is appreciated.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive
Board the blue boat with yellow top

Important notes

• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port

DEPARTURE POINT
PWT3 - History Center/Amalie Arena
Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) behind the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street. Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive Board the blue boat with yellow top

About Tampa

Tampa is a vibrant city on Florida's Gulf Coast known for its beautiful beaches, diverse cultural attractions, and thriving food scene. With a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, it offers something for every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is a world-renowned theme park featuring thrilling roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live entertainment. It's a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers.

Theme Park Full day Moderate to Expensive ($80-$120 per person)

Tampa Bay History Center

This museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Tampa Bay area, from its early indigenous inhabitants to its modern development. It features interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($15-$20 per person)

Ybor City

Ybor City is a historic neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and historic cigar factories. It's a great place to experience Tampa's diverse history and cuisine.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (dining and attractions vary)

Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile paved path along the Hillsborough River, offering beautiful views of the city skyline and access to various attractions, parks, and restaurants.

Scenic 1-2 hours (walking) Free

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a popular destination known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free (parking and activities vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuban Sandwich

A classic Cuban sandwich features ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed and grilled to perfection.

Lunch Contains pork and gluten

Grouper Sandwich

A popular seafood dish in Tampa, featuring fresh grouper fish on a bun, often with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.

Lunch Gluten-free options available

Key Lime Pie

A tangy and sweet dessert made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, served in a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Stone Crab

A Florida specialty, stone crab is served chilled with a mustard-based dipping sauce. The season runs from October to May.

Dinner Gluten-free and low-carb

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Ziplining Skydiving Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit Tampa, with pleasant weather and fewer rain showers. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.

15-27°C 60-80°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Tampa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps

Getting there

By air

Tampa International Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Tampa Union Station

By bus

Tampa Downtown Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

HART operates a network of buses covering the Tampa area. The system is affordable and covers most major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Tampa Ybor City Channelside Hyde Park SoHo (South Howard Avenue)

Day trips

St. Petersburg

35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day

St. Petersburg is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and vibrant downtown area.

Clearwater

30 km (18 miles) • Half day to full day

Clearwater is a popular beach destination known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Sarasota

70 km (43 miles) • Full day

Sarasota is a charming city known for its beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene.

Festivals

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival • March Tampa Bay Beer Week • March Guavaween • October

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season (June to September) for fewer crowds and lower prices, but be prepared for hot and humid weather.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions.
Try local specialties, such as the Cuban sandwich, stone crab, and key lime pie.
Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system, including buses, streetcars, and bike shares.
Stay in a central location, such as Downtown Tampa or Channelside, for easy access to attractions and amenities.