Clearwater Beach: Dolphin Speed Boat Tour & Guaranteed Sightings

Summary

Clearwater dolphin speed boat tour with Gulf views and wild dolphins

You’ll feel salt spray on your skin as dolphins leap beside the Sea Screamer off Clearwater Beach. Watch waterfront mansions glide by, hear stories from locals, grab a cold drink onboard, and catch guaranteed dolphin sightings in just an hour — but those moments stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you see that one flip?" the kid behind me yelled, and honestly, I almost missed it — we’d just hit open water off Clearwater Beach, spray in my face and the engine humming underfoot. The Sea Screamer isn’t shy about its name; it’s big, yellow, and goes faster than I expected (over 20 knots, our captain said). There’s a weird thrill in holding onto the rail as the wind tangles your hair and suddenly there are dolphins — real ones — weaving right in our wake. Our guide grinned like he never gets tired of this part.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. The crew had this easy way of pointing out celebrity homes along Clearwater Harbor (“That pink one? Apparently owned by someone from TV, but don’t ask me which show”) and then switching gears to talk about local history or how dolphins love chasing the waves behind us. At some point I tried to buy a beer but fumbled my cash — the bartender just winked and said “You’re not the first.” It smelled like sunscreen and salty air everywhere. There are bathrooms onboard (a relief after all that water), and plenty of space to move around even with families snapping photos every second.

The best bit was when three dolphins started leaping together right next to us — close enough that you could hear their splash over the engine. I still think about that moment; it felt almost staged except there’s no way you could plan something like that. The whole thing lasted just about an hour but honestly, time gets weird when you’re grinning at wild animals doing their thing. If you’re anywhere near Clearwater Beach and want a dolphin tour that’s more fun than fancy, this is it. Just remember to show up early (marina construction means lines can get confusing), but after that? You’re out on the Gulf before you know it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Clearwater dolphin speed boat tour

• Arrive at Clearwater Harbor
• Board Sea Screamer speed boat
• Enjoy 1-hour dolphin watching tour
• View celebrity waterfront homes
• Explore Gulf of Mexico waters
• Observe dolphins swimming and jumping
• Purchase drinks onboard if desired
• Return to harbor and disembark

Top questions

How long is the Clearwater Sea Screamer dolphin tour?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour from departure to return.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this speed boat tour?

Yes, dolphin sightings are guaranteed during the tour.

What times do tours depart from Clearwater Beach?

Tours depart daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.

Is there food or drink available on board?

Bottled water, Coke products, beer, and hard seltzer are available for sale onboard.

Are there bathrooms on the Sea Screamer boat?

Yes, there are two bathrooms available for passengers during the tour.

Is this dolphin speed boat tour suitable for children?

Yes, it is safe for all ages and suitable for families with children.

Do I need to book ahead or can I walk on?

You can book a few hours before departure or walk on if space allows; reservations are recommended.

Where does the Sea Screamer depart from?

The boat departs from Clearwater Beach marina; arrive 45 minutes early due to construction.

What’s included

Your trip includes a one-hour guided speed boat ride from Clearwater Beach with guaranteed dolphin sightings along the Gulf coast. There are two bathrooms onboard for comfort; bottled water, sodas like Coke or Sprite, beer, and hard seltzer are available for purchase throughout your dolphin adventure before returning to shore.