The 15 Best Snorkeling with Dolphins in the USA

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Spend about three hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s roomy catamaran, watching for wild dolphins, snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay, and playing at Shell Island. Captain Clay, Heath, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members have helped make the trip lively and easygoing, with drinks, music, paddleboards, and a waterslide onboard.

“Great boat, very comfortable, easy to see marine life. Great crew, very attentive, lots of really good information. Perfect spot for exploring Shell Island and alittle snorkeling. Drinks were amazing. Whole afternoon was relaxed and great fun. Book Island Time for sure!”

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2.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Ride from Waikiki to Waianae Harbor, then cruise West Oahu waters with a crew that may include Captain Dani, Tyler, Lauren, or Brendon. Look for wild spinner dolphins, snorkel near Hawaiian green sea turtles, and use the slide, kayaks, and paddle boards before lunch and hula.

“All of our family had a great time. Lovely experience. Excellent crew felt so welcomed, were very friendly and caring. Excellent captain and turkey sandwich was delicious. I would definately do this again with Dolhins and You.”

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3.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Join a captain such as Noel, Megan, or Dave for a two-hour cruise from Tierra Verde Marina Resort. Search for dolphins and manatees in Boca Ciega Bay, then visit Shell Key for beach snorkeling, shells, and shallow-water wildlife aboard a comfortable 25-foot pontoon boat.

“We had an amazing time. Our tour Captain was Noel and he was very knowledgable of the area. We saw many dolphins which also the captain was able to have follow us behind our boat. Love it!”

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4.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Join guides such as David, Chip, Sage, or Danielle for a fast Zodiac ride along Kona’s coast. You’ll snorkel at Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, visit sea caves and lava tubes, and enjoy pineapple and water in a group of up to 18.

“Danielle and David took us to where Finding Nemo and Moana got their inspiration and we can see why. The water was so calm and pristine, our best camera couldn't capture the beauty of it. You just have to be there truly. They were rather knowledgeable and told lots of stories and history tidbits about the region. My parents came to visit from China and don't swim very well. They were beyond patient and kind making us feel comfortable. This was the highlight of our 10 day Hawaiian trip honestly. PS: If David's mother is reading this, David is a terrific captain and really great at his job!!! 🌴”

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5.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping for guided snorkeling. Gear, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki pickup are included.

“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”

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6.Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,163 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Join Fury Water Adventures from 631 Greene Street for a three-hour catamaran trip with dolphin watching and a 45 to 60 minute shallow-water snorkel. The crew provides instruction, flotation gear, soft drinks, and beer or wine after swimming. Dolphin sightings are common, but the Gulf snorkel is not a colorful reef trip.

“My first time snorkelling at the age of 52! I was alone because my husband and daughter get motion sickness. I needn’t have worried. Nicole and Lauren were absolutely great. Really clear instructions and safety and knowledgeable. We saw lots of dolphins and then the snorkelling was fab and they helped me identify the fish I saw. The drinks after were fun and I enjoyed meeting another couple.”

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7.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Join captains and guides such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, or Chad for a four-hour boat trip from Lahaina to two Maui and Lanai snorkeling sites. Expect reef fish, turtles, possible dolphins and sharks, whale watching from December to April, snacks, drinks, flotation gear, and a maximum of 26 people.

“Some of the info the guide told us was incorrect, but entertaining. The family enjoyed seeing sharks that staff coaxed out of a nook.”

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8.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Spend about 4.5 hours aboard Body Glove’s accessible catamaran from Kailua Pier. Watch for dolphins and whales, snorkel for about two hours near Red Hill, enjoy breakfast and a BBQ lunch, then use the slide, high jump, paddleboards, and floating mat.

“If you are looking to snorkel and see dolphins along the way and depending on the time of year, see whales, this is the trip for you! The crew was amazing and the 4 hours was well worth the money!!”

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9.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise west Oahu with a small crew of lifeguard-certified naturalists and marine biologists. You may see spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, turtles, reef fish, and seabirds, then snorkel from a 32-foot boat. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and gear are included on the early tour.

“Alexa and Jalan worked hard to find us dolphins. I was thrilled to be in the middle of a big bunch of dolphins!”

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10.Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Cruise Key West’s Gulf waters on a 45-foot power catamaran, watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, then snorkel in the Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Liv, Lisa, Ally, and Nicole provide calm instruction, local insight, and attentive help. Late afternoon trips may add a sunset and champagne.

“We had an AMAZING time! Our guides were phenomenal! Shared so much great information about the area and about the dolphins. They were so nice and friendly and we saw lots of dolphins! Definitely with it! Thank you for the best time!”

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11.Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Head from Waikiki or Ko Olina to Waianae for a three-hour wildlife cruise with Dolphin Excursions Hawaii. Marine biologists and naturalists guide you toward wild dolphins, winter humpback whales, sea turtles, and reef fish, with snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and hotel transport included.

“I loved everything about it. The guides and employees were wonderful. The boat was so fun and not crowded at all. Saw so many dolphins and some turtles. I made sure we were able to see the marine wildlife. I highly recommend this activity.”

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12.Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Meet the crew at SQUID in Key West for a four-hour small-group trip aboard a quiet catamaran. Look for wild bottlenose dolphins, then snorkel a calm sponge garden, coral area, or reef with patient instruction, snacks, water, and marine-life guidance included.

“Highly recommend. Traveling with family, kids are teenagers & we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We learned a lot too. Saw dolphins in their natural habitat & then went snorkeling & saw a wide variety of marine life. Guides were helpful & very conscientious of keeping everyone safe. Extra bonus was the delicious, healthy snacks we enjoyed during & after the tour.”

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13.Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Spend three hours aboard Sunset One searching for wild dolphins, snorkeling near Cottrell Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, and watching sunset over turquoise water. English-speaking guides such as Kevin, Kylie, Madison, John, and Sparkles have earned praise for clear safety help and friendly service.

“If there is one activity not to be missed in Key West, it is this one !! thank you very much it was magic”

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14.Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 465 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

Set out from Key West Bight Marina aboard the 14-passenger Catamaran Echo. You will look for wild dolphins, snorkel above a reef, wreck, or sponge garden, then sail back with fruit, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Crews such as Sandy, Deb, Aiden, and Victoria are known for attentive help.

“Great way to spend the day. Unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins because of the wind but the crew was great and we had a blast doing everything else”

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15.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50Best value

Spend about three hours aboard the Footloose catamaran, snorkeling and beachcombing at Shell Island before searching for dolphins in the Gulf. Snorkel gear, one complimentary drink, shaded seating, a restroom, and an onboard bar are included. Captains and crew such as Marcy, Gordon, Jamie, Ryan, and Lamar help keep the trip relaxed and family-friendly.

“Such a fun afternoon! Great guides, with great suggestions, and so fun seeing dolphins. Would recommend!”

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