4 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In St Augustine

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St. Augustine’s dolphin tours deliver reliable wildlife encounters along Florida’s historic coastline. Among the standout options, the Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure cruise excels for its comfort and educational value.

Nature lovers will appreciate two intimate choices: the Deluxe Kayak Tour, perfect for active travelers seeking a peaceful experience, and the Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure, offering an environmentally friendly way to observe marine life.

We especially like the Wildlife Adventure cruise for its expert naturalist guides and spacious viewing decks. The kayak option wins points for its small group size and ability to quietly glide into shallow areas where dolphins often feed.

Let’s explore these top-rated dolphin watching experiences.

Good To Know

  • The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine offers an award-winning tour with live commentary and the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles along the Intracoastal Waterway.

  • The Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour from Kayak St. Augustine provides a guided kayak experience with a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.

  • The Paddle Board Dolphin Tour allows participants to explore the waterways on a paddleboard and observe dolphins in their natural habitat, with a 100% recommendation rate.

  • The Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure St. Augustine offers a unique pedal board experience for up to 6 travelers, with a meeting point at 446 Ocean Vista Ave.

  • All tours have certain restrictions and recommendations, such as maximum group sizes, accessibility, and physical fitness requirements, so it’s important to consider these factors when choosing the best dolphin watching tour in St. Augustine.

Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine

Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine

The Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine is a must-try tour for nature enthusiasts visiting the city. With 651 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, this award-winning tour offers an immersive experience in the area’s rich wildlife.

Guests will sail along the Intracoastal Waterway, keeping an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Along the way, they’ll enjoy live commentary from a local guide and take in stunning views of landmarks like the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and St. Augustine Lighthouse.

The 1.5-hour tour departs from the Camachee Island Marina, with free parking and pickup available. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied. Operating in most weather conditions, this tour is a convenient and engaging way to explore St. Augustine’s natural beauty.

Read our full review: Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine Review
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Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour

Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour

For those seeking a more immersive experience with the local marine life, the Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity. Boasting 180 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence from Kayak St. Augustine.

Participants will receive a deluxe kayak, life jacket, paddle, bottled water, and a chilled water bottle as they set out to explore the calm, smooth waters. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide information about the area and its diverse wildlife, including the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and more.

With a maximum group size of 10, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns. Infants must also sit on laps during the tour.

Read our full review: Deluxe Dolphin Kayak Tour Review
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Paddle Board Dolphin Tour

Embarking on a Paddle Board Dolphin Tour offers a unique and tranquil experience to witness the captivating marine life in the St. Augustine area. Travelers can expect a 100% recommended tour with a Badge of Excellence. The tour includes a paddle board, life jacket, wet bag, and paddle, all provided by the experienced tour guide who’ll lead the way to spot the playful dolphins.

The tour starts at 8:30 am from the meeting point at 446 Ocean Vista Ave, with ample parking available in the main area, tennis courts, or along the entrance road. The activity lasts until returning to the starting point, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Travelers should arrive 10-15 minutes early and note that the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart/medical conditions.

Read our full review: Paddle Board Dolphin Tour Review
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Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure St. Augustine

Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure St. Augustine

On the Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure in St. Augustine, travelers can pedal their way through the scenic waterways while keeping an eye out for dolphins. This 2-hour tour includes a pedal board, life jacket, and wet bag, as well as gratuities. The meeting point is at 446 Ocean Vista Ave, with parking available in the main area, by the tennis courts, or along the entrance road. The tour starts at 11:00 am and returns to the same location.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Read our full review: Eco Dolphin Aqua Pedal Adventure St. Augustine Review
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The Sum Up

St. Augustine offers numerous dolphin watching experiences to suit various interests and activity levels. From guided kayak tours to pedal-powered aqua adventures, visitors can enjoy the area’s vibrant marine life. These tours provide an up-close look at dolphins in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable eco-friendly outing. Regardless of the option chosen, travelers are sure to delight in the chance to witness the captivating dolphins of St. Augustine.