Looking for the best dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama? Honestly, there are many…because the Alabama Gulf Coast features a variety of dolphin tours that offer different experiences. Want to be surrounded by bottlenose dolphins? Hop in a kayak or on a jet ski. Prefer dolphin sightings from a greater distance? Board a fishing boat or a leisurely sailboat. Interested in seeing marine life, too? Opt for a glass-bottomed boat.
Alabama dolphin cruises have a lot to offer your Gulf Shores or Orange Beach vacation. Coasting through warm gulf waters, inlets, and back bays with a captain and crew who know where to find playful dolphins or paddling on your own adventure with friendly dolphins swimming within reach are fantastic ways to get outside, reconnect with nature, and make memories with family and friends! Browse our top Alabama dolphin tours, find your best match, and book your awe-inspiring experience today.
Take a closer look at Alabama dolphin cruises!
Wild Native Tours | Kayaking with Dolphins
Departing from Oyster Bay Marina in Gulf Shores, AL, Wild Native Tours features The Dolphins & Wildlife Kayak Experience. Get an up-close look at Gulf Shores bottlenose dolphins, coastal wildlife, manatees, and seagulls while paddling in a kayak — the least intrusive way to spend time with these majestic sea mammals. It’s an eco-tourist dream!
Cold Mill Fleet Dolphin Cruises | See Dolphins Surf!
Jumps, flips, and splashes are what you can expect from lots of dolphins playing on the double surf cruise offered by Cold Mill Fleet Dolphin Cruises! In a nutshell, two 50-foot boats cruise side by side, creating waves that attract dolphins to play — guaranteeing you’ll see dolphins every time. This fleet offers daytime dolphin voyages, private dolphin tours, and gorgeous sunset cruises in Orange Beach.
Gulf Island Charters | Dolphin Cruise Combos
Offering dolphin cruises and combo excursions, Gulf Island Charters features a variety of options in Bear Point Harbor. Take a 1-3 hour dolphin cruise or opt for a package deal. You can watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels dip and dive in the sky and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins before anchoring on a shallow sandbar. Or plan an adventure with the whole family — shelling, fishing, hanging out at an island, and spotting dolphins!
The Fun Boats! | Sea Life Experiences & Water Fights
Another fun Orange Beach dolphin cruise can be enjoyed on The Fun Boats! Dolphins aren’t the only ones smiling on this 2-hour boat tour. Between meeting your new sea friends, blast water cannons at your family and friends — and even the captain and crew! You’ll also get to hold marine life, including a blue crab and shrimp, and learn more about ocean critters on The Fun Boats dolphin cruises.
Cetacean Cruises | Educational Eco Tours
With Cetacean Cruises off The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, you’ll spot dolphin pods and learn about local wildlife — including alligators, herons, and other estuary residents. Caribbean music adds to your boating experience. Private, sunset, and sailing cruises are offered on the 52-foot Hawaiian catamaran. The fun-loving crew can point out specific dolphins by their dorsal fins. And the kids in your group can become junior co-captains!
Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises | Parasailing & Jet Ski Tours
Along with traditional dolphin cruises aboard The Southern Rose — a double-deck cruiser with a snack bar — you can spy pods of dolphins from the air while parasailing or zoom among them on a jet ski dolphin tour! Southern Rose dolphin trips depart from Happy Harbor Marina in Orange Beach, AL.
Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises | Handicap Accessible Ramp
Glimpse puffs of air and sea spray as dolphins take breaths at the surface of the water while on a dolphin tour aboard The Sunny Lady in Orange Beach. Departing from The Wharf, this family-owned and -operated double-decker cruiser offers a relaxing experience along the Gulf Coast. Plus, you can grab snacks and drinks at the concession stand, and this boat is handicap accessible.
Cruise Orange Beach | Throw Your Partner Overboard!
Explore the scenic Gulf of Mexico while searching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with Cruise Orange Beach, another family-friendly excursion. Featuring space for up to 75 passengers, the 52-foot boat welcomes large groups, and passing boats often spark fun water battles! Dolphins tend to surf behind the boat, and the deckhands often reel up a crab pot to see what’s for dinner. Did we mention you can toss your partner overboard?!
Orange Beach Cat Boat Tours | Steer Your Own Adventure
For up-close dolphin encounters, you can hop on a catboat in Orange Beach. After a safety briefing, helm your own catboat, keep up with the tour guide, and spot dolphins left and right. You can even bring snacks and drinks, and there’s a dry box for personal belongings you don’t want the ocean to claim…
Wild Hearts | Sail Around Perdido Key, FL
Anchored in Orange Beach, Wild Hearts offers 3-hour sailing cruises with wild dolphin experiences. Board the open-ocean yacht, lounge on the sundeck, grab a cocktail from the onboard bar, and see beautiful dolphins from Gulf Shores, Alabama, to Perdido Key, Florida! Options include morning, afternoon, or sunset dolphin cruises plus corporate and family sailing tours. Plus, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling off Robinson Island!
Caribe Marina | Tiki Boat Dolphin Cruise
All aboard the covered pontoon boat at the Caribe Marina — aka a floating tiki boat — for a dolphin cruise with Captain Larry! Tropical music plays as you depart and float into the dolphins’ natural habitat. You’re welcome to ask the deckhands any questions about bottlenose dolphins or maritime life. Complimentary water bottles are provided. And private dolphin cruises are available as well.
FAQ — Dolphin Cruises
What is the best time of year to see dolphins along the Alabama Gulf Coast?
Late spring through late summer between midday and sunset is probably your best bet, but dolphins can be spotted year-round morning, noon, and evening off the coast of Alabama!
How much is a dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores, Alabama?
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores dolphin cruises range from $30-400, depending on the size of your group, the ages of passengers, and the type of experience you want.
How long is an Alabama dolphin cruise?
Dolphin cruises in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, typically range from 1½-3 hours.
Can I swim with the dolphins?
While you can’t get into the water with wild dolphins on a dolphin cruise, there are dolphin encounters available in the Gulf Shores area.
Spot Dolphins at Your Beachfront Vacation Rental
Between family fun, sightseeing, and spotting dolphins in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, unwind at your beach vacation rental with Alabama CFY. Walk to the white sandy beaches, suntan every day, make sandcastles, and splash in the waves. Enjoy relaxing moments on your balcony — and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins — lounge by the resort pool, toss burgers on the sizzling grill, and host movie nights with the big screen TV before curling up in your king suite. Plan your memorable getaway with your partner, the whole family, or your best friends today!
Chosen the best dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for YOU? Book your stay, pack your waterproof camera, and go!