Daytona Beach: Catamaran Sailing & Dolphin Watch

Sail the Halifax River and spot dolphins from a catamaran built for the water

You board a small-group sailing catamaran (up to six passengers) on the Halifax River and spend the tour watching for dolphins, manatees and other wildlife from shaded seating, open decks, or waterside trampolines. Soft drinks and water are included, and a heated cabin keeps winter tours comfortable. The boat returns to Daytona Beach after the excursion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and watch wildlife on Halifax River

• Board the heated enclosed catamaran
• Enjoy scenic views on Halifax River
• Watch dolphins, manatees, and birds
• Sit in shaded saloon or aft deck
• Relax on forward deck trampolines
• Use onboard restroom facilities

The experience

You're curious what's actually out there on the water, whether you'll see dolphins, what the river looks like from a boat instead of the shore. That pull to get out and look is what this tour answers. The Seawind 1000 is a sailing catamaran, the only one running public excursions in the Daytona Beach area, and it's built to let you sit close to the water without the noise of an engine. You get shaded seating in the saloon if you want it, or seats that hang out over the aft deck if you don't, and there are even trampolines just above the waterline if you want to lie back and feel the occasional splash.

The boat heads out on the Halifax River, where dolphins, manatees, pelicans, cormorants and eagles show up if conditions are right. You're not chasing them: the tour moves at a pace that lets wildlife appear naturally, and your guide knows where to look. Groups stay small, capped at six people, so it doesn't feel crowded. The catamaran sailing experience in Daytona Beach runs year-round, and there's a heated enclosed area in the saloon for winter tours, which matters if you're visiting when the air is cool but the water is still worth seeing. Soft drinks, water and ice are provided, so you're not managing thirst or heat on top of watching for fins.

The forward deck has open-air seating too, and the whole setup (the way the boat sits low, the lack of engine roar) changes how you experience being on the water. You're not sealed in a cabin watching through glass. You're out there, and the river is close enough to feel the difference between a sailing tour and whatever speedboat experience you might have done before.

What’s included

• Your tour includes small-group sailing on the Halifax River (up to six passengers), soft drinks, water, and ice throughout the excursion.
• Restroom facilities are available onboard.
• The catamaran has a heated enclosed saloon for winter tours, shaded seating, open-air decks, and waterside seating areas.
• You return to Daytona Beach after the sailing tour.

Options for this experience

4 options

9:45 amGuide in English · Available from 1 Nov 2027

3:30 PMGuide in English · Available from 1 Nov 2027

11:45 amGuide in English · Available from 1 Nov 2027

1:45 pmGuide in English · 13:45

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 1h 15m, runs Monday to Saturday at 13:45, from US$ 64 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 13:45Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (1 to 12 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Howling Owl Sailing Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see dolphins and manatees on the water without the roar of a speedboat engine: the sailing catamaran and small group size are what make the river feel calm enough for wildlife to appear naturally.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (1 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the Halifax River?

Dolphins and manatees are the main sightings, but the river also has pelicans, cormorants, and eagles. Wildlife appears naturally depending on conditions and season.

What's included in the tour?

The sailing tour includes soft drinks, water, and ice. Restroom facilities are onboard.

Is there a heated area for winter tours?

Yes, the catamaran has a heated enclosed saloon area for winter tours, so you stay comfortable in cooler months.

How many people go on each tour?

Groups are small, capped at six people for a more personalized experience.

Can I book a private sailing tour?

Yes, private sailing excursions are available in addition to public group tours.

What is the Seawind 1000?

It's an Australian-built sailing catamaran with shaded seating in the saloon, seats on the aft deck that hang over the water, open-air seating on the forward deck, and trampolines just above the waterline for sunbathing.

Is there parking or public transportation near the tour departure?

Public transportation options are available nearby. Check locally for parking and transit details when you book.