Key West Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour: Small Group, 95% Sightings

Six People, Twenty Years of Water, One Boat That Finds Dolphins

You board a 25-foot boat with a maximum of five other people and a USCG-licensed captain who has worked these waters for two decades. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a visit to sandbars where you can wade in turquoise water, and a 95% track record of dolphin sightings. You get fresh water showers, onboard refreshments, and free parking at the marina: all the logistics handled so you just show up and get in the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and snorkeling tour

• Board small group boat
• Observe wild dolphins
• Snorkel with sea life
• Visit hidden sandbars
• Relax on white sand

The experience

The boat holds six. That's the whole thing: no crowds, no fighting for the rail, no guide who doesn't know your name by the time you're back at the dock. The captains here have been working these waters for two decades, and it shows in the 95% dolphin sighting rate. You're not paying for a guarantee (wild dolphins don't work that way), but you're paying for people who know where to look and when, and who've built a reputation solid enough to land the #1 spot on Google Maps for Key West dolphin tours and a feature in National Geographic Travel.

The boat itself is a 25-foot Four Winns or Robalo, comfortable, not cramped. Full rooftop shade if you want it, an open bow if you'd rather sit in the sun, and an onboard restroom so you're not stuck. Snorkeling gear is included, along with noodles and flotation devices if you need them. The captain will take you to sandbars where you can stand in turquoise water up to your waist, and if the conditions are right, you'll see sea turtles, rays, lobsters, and reef fish in colors that don't look real until you're actually in the water. Fresh water shower after, soft drinks and snacks on board. The small stuff that matters when you're wet and tired and happy.

Departures run daily from Perry Hotel Marina on Stock Island, with times shifting seasonally to catch the best conditions. There's free parking, so you're not hunting for a spot or paying extra. The minimum is three passengers. If you can't hit that, they'll either convert it to a private charter (you buy one extra ticket) or reschedule you or refund you outright. No games, no pressure. The whole day is built around the idea that six people in the right boat with the right captain beats thirty people on a big ship, every time.

What’s included

• Your day includes snorkeling equipment and flotation devices, a 25-foot boat with full rooftop shade and open bow seating, a fresh water shower after snorkeling, onboard refreshments (soft drinks, water, juice, rice krispies and crackers), and free parking at Perry Hotel Marina. You can bring your own beverages.
• ice and coolers are available.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Youth (15 to 20 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

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

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dolphin Safari Charters Key West FL

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see dolphins without the crowds and logistics of a larger tour: the six-person limit and the captains' two decades of local knowledge are what make the 95% sighting rate and the sandbar stops possible in a single morning or afternoon.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

130 verified traveler reviews

5 ★118

4 ★4

3 ★4

2 ★2

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 20 years); 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's the dolphin sighting rate?

95%, based on the captains' 20 years of experience. Wild dolphins aren't guaranteed, but the track record is strong.

How many people go on the boat?

Maximum 6 guests. The boat is a 25-foot Four Winns or Robalo, and the small group size means personalized attention and unobstructed views.

What's included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment, flotation devices, noodles, fresh water shower after snorkeling, soft drinks, water, juice, rice krispies and crackers. BYOB is allowed. Ice and coolers are available.

Where do we depart from?

Perry Hotel Marina on Stock Island, Key West. Free parking is included.

What if fewer than 3 people book?

You can convert to a private charter (add one ticket), reschedule, or receive a full refund.

Is snorkeling experience required?

No. The tour is suitable for experienced snorkelers and beginners alike. Kids of all ages are welcome.

What time do tours depart?

Times vary seasonally for optimal water conditions. Check when you book.

Is there an onboard restroom?

Yes, there's a restroom on the boat.