Dolphin & Sunset Cruises in Destin: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Glass-bottom boat, dolphins in the Gulf, Crab Island and the Emerald Coast in 90 minutes

A 1.5-hour narrated dolphin cruise departing Destin travels through the harbor, through East Pass into the Gulf of Mexico, and into the bay near Crab Island to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat includes a glass-bottom viewing area, snack bar, restrooms, and climate-controlled cabin. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route.

The experience

The boat leaves Destin Harbor and moves through East Pass into the Gulf, where dolphins often surface to feed and play. The glass-bottom viewing area lets you watch the water column without leaving your seat, and the air-conditioned cabin keeps you comfortable if the sun gets strong or the wind picks up. Concessions on board sell light snacks and drinks, so you can bring nothing and still have a cold water or coffee in hand while scanning the water.

Timing depends on the season: early morning, midday and sunset departures all run, and each one changes what you see. The narrated route stays the same: harbor, East Pass, bay, and the waters around Crab Island, a reef system where dolphins hunt and rest. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome. Restrooms are on board, and the whole cruise runs 1.5 hours, so the day does not vanish into travel time.

What’s included

• Life preserver.
• glass-bottom viewing area.
• snack bar with light refreshments and beverages.
• air-conditioned and heated cabin.
• restrooms.
• live narration in English.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30, from US$ 39 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 144

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 (15 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

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 effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Olin Marler Charter Boats

Is this one for you?The glass-bottom cabin and climate control mean you watch dolphins without fighting sun or wind, and the snack bar removes the need to pack or plan a meal. The whole route and timing are set, so you show up and the narrated tour unfolds.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

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 time of day are the dolphin cruises available?

Dolphin cruises run in early morning, noon, and sunset departures depending on the season, so you can choose the time that fits your schedule and what you want to see on the water.

Will I actually see dolphins on this cruise?

The cruise travels through Destin Harbor, East Pass, the bay and the waters near Crab Island where dolphins live and feed in their natural habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed on any given departure.

What's the glass-bottom viewing area like?

The glass-bottom section lets you watch the water below without going outside, so you can see what moves beneath the surface while staying dry and sheltered.

How long is the cruise?

The narrated cruise runs 1.5 hours and covers the harbor, East Pass, the bay and the Gulf of Mexico near Crab Island.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

The boat has a snack bar on board selling light snacks and beverages, so you can buy what you need during the cruise instead of packing your own.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, restrooms are on board, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.