Dolphin Watching Cruise John's Pass: The Big Blue Boat

John's Pass back bay waters where dolphins and manatees surface while you stay comfortable on the largest boat in the fleet

A narrated dolphin watching cruise departing from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass aboard the Big Blue Boat, the largest and most stable vessel in the Tampa Bay area. The 90-minute tour covers calm, protected back bay waters where dolphins, manatees, seabirds and nesting islands are common sights. Restrooms and an onboard snack bar are available throughout. All tours are fully narrated by a live English-speaking guide and the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard certified.

The experience

The Big Blue Boat leaves Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass and heads into the calm, protected back bay waters of Tampa Bay: the kind of sheltered route that keeps the ride smooth and lets you focus on what's moving in the water instead of holding on. Dolphins are the draw, but the narrated tour also covers manatees, seabirds, bird nesting islands, a commercial fishing village and the homes along the shoreline. Bring a camera and binoculars. The guide will point out what to watch for and explain what you're seeing as the boat moves through the bay.

Comfort matters on a 90-minute cruise, and the Big Blue Boat is built for it: the largest and most stable dolphin watch vessel operating in the Tampa Bay area, with comfortable seating, restrooms onboard, and an onboard snack bar stocked with cold drinks, beer, chips, candy and snacks. Reference books on sea life, wildlife and history are available in the gift shop if you want to read up before or after the tour. The vessel is U.S. Coast Guard certified, and every tour is fully narrated and designed to be both informative and enjoyable.

What’s included

• 90-minute narrated dolphin watching cruise.
• live English-speaking guide.
• restrooms onboard.
• onboard snack bar with cold drinks, beer, chips, candy and snacks.
• access to reference books on sea life, wildlife and history in the gift shop.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 13:00, 15:00 and 11:00, from US$ 35 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday: 13:00 and 15:00Friday: 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 76

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 (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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 Hubbard's Marina

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want the largest, most stable boat in the Tampa Bay area: the size and weight keep the ride smooth in the back bay, which is what lets you focus on dolphins and manatees instead of the motion of the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 kind of wildlife will I see on the dolphin watching cruise?

Dolphins are the primary focus of the tour, and manatees are also common sightings in the back bay waters. You'll also see lots of seabirds, bird nesting islands, and the commercial fishing village and waterfront homes along the route.

How long does the cruise from Hubbard's Marina take?

The tour lasts 90 minutes, departing from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass and staying in the calm, protected back bay waters of Tampa Bay.

What's included on the Big Blue Boat?

Restrooms are available onboard. An onboard snack bar sells cold drinks, beer, chips, candy and snacks. Reference books on sea life, wildlife and history are available in the gift shop. The tour is fully narrated by a live English-speaking guide.

Is the Big Blue Boat suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The boat has restrooms onboard and comfortable seating, though you'll want to confirm accessibility details with the operator before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

Where do I meet the boat, and is parking available?

The cruise departs from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass. Public transportation options are available nearby. Parking fees are not included in the tour price.