1.5-Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

See dolphins closer than you ever thought possible

A 1.5-hour guided dolphin sightseeing cruise from Tampa takes you into the bay to watch pods of Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins feeding, playing and raising calves in their nursery grounds just outside downtown. Your captain and guide teach you how to spot dolphins and explain their daily habits; the boat stops within 30 feet when pods are sighted, and you'll cruise back through Tampa's channels and river learning about the city. Soda, water and live commentary in English, Spanish, French or German are included; morning and afternoon departures fit different schedules.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin sightseeing cruise in Tampa Bay

• Board the cruise in Tampa
• Travel past homes of rich and famous
• Spot Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins
• Learn about dolphin habits and life
• Stop near dolphin pods for close views
• Cruise back through Tampa channels and river
• Learn about the city of Tampa

The Experience

Tampa Bay holds over 600 Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins, and this 1.5-hour cruise takes you to the areas where they spend their day. After boarding, you travel out into the bay where your captain brings the boat to the nursery grounds just outside downtown—the place where mothers and calves stay together. Your guide explains dolphin behavior and habits as you move through the water, and when pods are spotted, the boat stops within 30 feet or less. The guides have ways to get the dolphins to approach the boat, so keep your cameras ready; you'll see them closer than you'd expect from the water.

On the return to downtown Tampa, you cruise through the channels and river while learning about the city itself. The whole experience runs 1.5 hours, and you can choose a morning or afternoon departure to fit your schedule. A professional guide leads the tour in English, Spanish, French or German, and soda and bottled water are included. The boat capacity is kept at 15 people to allow space between groups.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish, French or German.
• 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise.
• soda and bottled water.
• live commentary on dolphin behavior and Tampa Bay history.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tampa water taxi

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want to see the dolphins before the afternoon crowds; book the 2pm slot if you prefer a later start and don't mind a busier bay. Either way, the captain finds them on every trip, so you're not gambling on whether the day will deliver.

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Top questions

How close do you actually get to the dolphins on this cruise?

The boat stops within 30 feet (10 meters) or less when dolphins are spotted, and the guides have methods to encourage them to come right to the boat—close enough that you'll see details you can't from shore.

Will we definitely see dolphins, or is there a chance we won't find any?

The captain spots dolphins on every trip, so sightings are not a gamble—the tour is built around reliable access to the pods that live in Tampa Bay year-round.

What times can I book this dolphin cruise?

You can choose either an 11am or 2pm departure, so you can pick the time that works best with the rest of your day in Tampa.

What's included in the price of the cruise?

The 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, professional guide, soda, bottled water and live commentary on board are all included; a DVD of the trip is available to purchase separately.

Is this cruise suitable for young children?

Children are welcome from age 1, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; each child must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I know about health and safety on the boat?

The boat capacity is limited to 15 people for social distancing, vessels are sanitized between departures, and all guests are required to wear a face covering at all times while boarding and during the cruise.