St. Augustine Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: See Dolphins Playing

Dolphins hunt in front of you, not behind glass or from a distance.

A 90-minute boat tour from St. Augustine with a live naturalist guide, you watch for dolphins, sea turtles and Florida birds while passing the Lighthouse, a historic bridge and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument by water. The guide provides live commentary on the marine ecosystem and local history; free parking and on-board restroom are included. Three vessel options are available, with bar service (beer, wine, snacks) on two of them and BYOB permission on the Island Breeze.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and wildlife boat tour

• Board vessel with naturalist guide
• Pass by St. Augustine Lighthouse
• View beautiful bridge from Pirates View
• See Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Observe Great Cross near Fountain of Youth
• Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and birds
• Enjoy snacks and drinks on board

The Experience

The boat leaves from St. Augustine with a naturalist on board who knows where dolphins are hunting that day. You'll pass the St. Augustine Lighthouse, get close to Castillo de San Marcos from the water, and see the Great Cross at Fountain of Youth—all while watching for dolphins playing and feeding in the estuary. The guide talks through the marine life and the history as you move through the water, and you get the photo angles you can't get from land.

Three vessels run these tours, and the choice changes what you bring and what's waiting on board. The OSPREY and GREAT BLUE HERON have a full bar with beer, wine and mimosas, plus snacks and soft drinks. The Island Breeze lets you bring your own alcohol—no outside drinks on the other two, but you can bring your own food on any of them. All three have a restroom on board and pull into free parking at the dock.

The tour runs in most weather, so dress for the water and the sun. You'll walk about four minutes down to the boat, cross a floating dock on ramps, and step up into the vessel—secured footwear is essential, no heels or flip-flops. Infants can ride in a stroller, and service animals are welcome. The whole thing takes 90 minutes from start to finish.

What’s included

• Live naturalist guide in English providing commentary on marine life and local history.
• free parking at the dock.
• on-board restroom.
• bar service with beer, wine and mimosas on the OSPREY and GREAT BLUE HERON (snacks and soft drinks on all vessels).
• BYOB permission on the Island Breeze.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Florida Water Tours LLC

Is this one for you?Book the Island Breeze if you want to bring your own drinks and keep the cost down; choose the OSPREY or GREAT BLUE HERON if you'd rather order from the bar and not worry about what to pack. All three run the same route and carry the same naturalist guide—the difference is what's on board and what you're allowed to bring.

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Top questions

What dolphins and wildlife will I actually see on this tour?

Dolphins regularly hunt and play in these waters, and you'll watch for sea turtles, pelicans, ospreys and roseate spoonbills as well. The guide brings you to the best locations where wildlife shows up, though nature is never guaranteed—the estuary here supports all of them year-round.

Can I bring my own drinks on the boat?

On the Island Breeze, yes—BYOB is welcome. On the OSPREY and GREAT BLUE HERON, outside alcohol isn't allowed, but both have a bar on board with beer, wine, mimosas and soft drinks. You can bring your own food on any of the three vessels.

How long is the tour and what's the walk like to get on the boat?

The tour runs 90 minutes total. You'll walk about four minutes from the parking area down to the dock, cross ramps to a floating dock, and step up 2-4 steps into the boat with a small gap to cross—secured footwear like sneakers or water shoes is required, and no heels, flip-flops or slides.

What will I see from the water at the St. Augustine landmarks?

You'll pass the St. Augustine Lighthouse and get close-up views of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument from the water while the guide shares history and you watch for dolphins. You'll also see the Great Cross at Fountain of Youth up close for photos, and pass under a historic bridge.

Is there parking and a restroom at the dock?

Free parking is available at the location, and there's a restroom on board the boat for your convenience during the tour.

Who is the guide and what language do they speak?

An experienced naturalist guides the tour in English, providing live commentary on the marine ecosystem, wildlife behavior and local history as you move through the water.