Sunset Sail and Dolphin Watch: Daytona Beach Catamaran

Catamaran seats that hang over the water, dolphins passing close, the sun dropping over the Intracoastal Waterway

A sunset sail down the Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway in Daytona Beach aboard a catamaran with shaded and open-air seating, where you watch dolphins, manatees, pelicans and eagles in their natural habitat. The boat departs 90 minutes before sunset, runs for about an hour and a half, and includes a cooler stocked with ice, soft drinks and water. You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages (beer and wine only, no hard liquor or red wine). Full restroom facilities and a table seating six are on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset sail and wildlife watching

• Depart 90 minutes before sunset
• Sail down Intracoastal Waterway
• Observe dolphins, manatees, and birds
• Enjoy seating on shaded saloon and decks
• Bring own beverages and catering
• Use onboard restroom facilities

The experience

The catamaran is built for watching wildlife without missing the light. You get shaded seating in the saloon, open-air seats on the forward deck, and the aft deck holds seats that literally extend out over the water: close enough to feel the spray. There are also trampolines just above the waterline if you want to lie back and soak in the view. The boat is the only sailing catamaran operating public excursions in the Daytona Beach area, and it's designed so you can move between sun and shade as the mood or the weather shifts.

The Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway are where the wildlife congregates. Dolphins and manatees are the main draw, but you'll also see pelicans, cormorants and eagles working the water. The timing matters: the tour departs 90 minutes before sunset on the day you book, which means you're on the water during the hour when light is best and animals are most active. A live guide in English narrates what you're seeing and points out the animals as they appear.

Bring your own food and beverages if you want them: beer and wine are fine, but leave the hard liquor and red wine at home. The cooler on board keeps soft drinks and water cold, and there's a table where six people can sit together. Restrooms are available, and the boat works for families with small children, people with service animals, and anyone comfortable on the water regardless of fitness level.

What’s included

• Cooler with ice, soft drinks and bottled water.
• on-board restroom.
• live guide in English.
• shaded and open-air seating throughout the catamaran.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 18:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (under 12)

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Howling Owl Sailing Boat Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour on a catamaran, so you'll sail with other guests rather than having the boat to yourself. The fixed departure time, 90 minutes before sunset, is what keeps the wildlife viewing and the light aligned, so if you want to catch dolphins and manatees during their most active hour, this timing works in your favor.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (under 12).

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 actually see on the Halifax River?

Dolphins and manatees are the main animals you'll encounter, along with pelicans, cormorants and eagles. The guide points them out as they surface or move through the water, though sightings depend on what's active that day.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. You can bring beer, wine, and food to enjoy during the sail. Hard liquor and red wine are not allowed (the red wine stains the deck). A cooler with ice, soft drinks and water is already on board.

What time does the tour actually depart?

The boat leaves 90 minutes before sunset on the day of your tour, regardless of any other advertised time. This timing puts you on the water during the best light for seeing wildlife and the sunset itself.

Is there shade on the catamaran?

Yes. The saloon area has comfortable shaded seating, and there's open-air seating on the forward deck. The aft deck has seats that hang out over the water, plus trampolines near the waterline if you want to sunbathe.

Are restrooms available on the boat?

Full restroom facilities are on board. There's also a table that seats six people, so groups can sit together during the sail.