Best Dolphin Watching Worldwide — Our Top 5

1.Tagus River Cruise to the Ocean & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,019 reviews · from $38Our pick

Cruise from Estação Fluvial Sul e Sueste past Lisbon’s riverfront landmarks, Christ the King, Belém, and the Atlantic coast. Guides such as Anna, Barbara, and Telma share local stories while you look for wild dolphins. Wine, beer, sangria, and soft drinks are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“If you want to see dolphins then don’t bother. On the other hand if you want to enjoy a very relaxing boat trip with excellent commentary and a couple of drinks then this is the trip for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon and the crew were lovely.”

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2.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,052 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Top rated

Cruise Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands and the Banana River with a captain and naturalist guide such as Diane or Rusty. Expect a relaxed, narrated 2-hour eco-tour with mangroves, dolphins, manatees, birds, onboard restrooms, and wheelchair access. Wildlife sightings vary with weather and season.

“Fantastic experience on the mangroves, managed to see multiple dolphins and manatees plus an abundance of different birds including osprey and ibis. Guides were extremely informative and answered our many questions. Highly recommend to anyone and I will definitely book another trip when I return. Thank you!!”

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3.Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 5 hours · from $129

Join Dolswim LTD from Grande Riviere Noire for a five-hour speedboat trip with dolphin swimming, whale watching, and reef snorkeling. Guides explain safe, respectful wildlife rules, provide fins and masks, and serve water and soft drinks. Whale swimming is not allowed.

“It was the best tour we have ever had! We saw first whale very far, then we moved to a different location and we saw extremely close and that was magical! Swimming with dolphins was beyond our imagination! It was such a great tour, I recommend not to everyone!”

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4.90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 321 reviews · from $63

Join Port River Cruises at 1 McLaren Parade for a 90-minute ride through Port Adelaide’s dolphin sanctuary, Ships’ Graveyard, and bird sanctuary. Skippers such as Alex, Jim, Naomi, and Jacob share local stories, help spot dolphins, and return you to the starting point.

“The tour is very informative about the local ship wrecks and history of the port river. Unfortunately we didn't to get to see any dolphins, which was fine as thebcruise was still great and peaceful.”

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5.Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 279 reviews · 6h 30m · from $74

From Flic en Flac, a small speedboat group heads to dolphins, Crystal Rock, and Île aux Bénitiers. You get snorkeling gear, a three-course BBQ with drinks, and beach time. Guides speak English and French, with dolphin welfare taking priority when sea conditions or other boats make swimming unsafe.

“We had to wait for boat for a while at start but rest of day was perfect. My daughter swam with dolphins - a dream come true for her! I loved the snorkelling and the island”

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