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Sailing catamaran used for dolphin tours, on the river with the sun sparkling on the water
Dolphin & wildlife tours

Dolphin and Wildlife Tours in Jacksonville

Our dolphin tours use quiet, stable boats, which are best for spotting dolphins, ospreys and roseate spoonbills. Every tour is private, with a licensed captain who knows where to look.

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  • Calm, stable catamarans
  • Morning or late afternoon
  • Kids welcome
  • From $399
Best boats for dolphin and wildlife tours

Pick the right boat for your dolphin tour

Every boat is private, with a USCG-licensed captain included. Each pick below says why it suits this trip. We run dolphin tours from Jacksonville Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway and from Fernandina Beach on the Amelia River, where bottlenose dolphins are a common sight. Morning dolphin tours usually have the calmest water, and late afternoon is a close second.

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How to choose

For dolphin tours, a quiet and stable boat is best. Sailing boats glide in with less noise, and a catamaran stays level, so everyone can stand at the rail.

Best overall
Under sail at sunset on the Intracoastal Jacksonville Beach 1 / 5

35-foot Catamaran

1 to 6 Passengers

Nature sailing on the Intracoastal from Palm Cove Marina.

Charter rates
  • 2 hours$495
  • 3 hours$695
  • 4 hours$875
  • 5 hours$1,075
  • 6 hours$1,275
  • 7 hours$1,695
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Best value
A sailing catamaran at anchor Fernandina Beach 1 / 2

37-foot Sailing Catamaran

1 to 6 Passengers

The Amelia River from Fernandina Harbor Marina, for up to 6.

Charter rates
  • 2 hours$399
  • 3 hours$499
  • 4 hours$599
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Bigger group
44-foot Sea Ray yacht at anchor near Jacksonville Jacksonville Beach 1 / 12

44-foot Sea Ray Yacht

1 to 12 Passengers

Up to 12, with a cabin and a restroom.

Charter rates
  • 2 hours$1,035
  • 3 hours$1,619
  • 4 hours$2,074
  • 6 hours$3,025
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Prefer to sail
Under sail on a private charter Fernandina Beach 1 / 3

33-foot Sailboat

3 to 6 Passengers

Another quiet option, and dolphins are common on the Amelia River.

Charter rates
  • 2 hours$275
  • 3 hours$399
  • 4 hours$425
  • 6 hours$549
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Good to know

Plan the perfect dolphin tour

A few things our captains tell every group before the trip. Dolphin tours reward a little patience, so your captain slows down in likely spots and gives everyone time at the rail. Keep a camera or binoculars ready for when the dolphins surface.

Dolphins all year

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live around Jacksonville year-round. Sightings are common, though never guaranteed.

Best time of day

Calm water makes dolphins easier to spot, so mornings are usually best, with late afternoon a close second.

Watch responsibly

NOAA asks boaters to stay at least 50 yards away and never feed or chase dolphins.

Great for kids

The catamarans are stable and calm. Bring a properly sized life jacket for little ones.

Questions

Dolphin tours: your questions, answered

Read the full guideDolphin tours in Jacksonville: where, when and how
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Are there dolphins in Jacksonville year-round?
Yes. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live in the waters around Jacksonville all year, according to the National Park Service. Sightings are common on the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns River and the Amelia River, although wildlife is never guaranteed.
What is the best time of day for a dolphin tour in Jacksonville?
Calm water makes dolphins far easier to spot, so a morning trip is usually best. Late-afternoon and sunset trips are also good once the sea breeze settles.
How much do private dolphin tours cost?
A 2-hour private trip starts at $399 on the 37 ft sailing catamaran in Fernandina Beach and $495 on the 35 ft catamaran in Jacksonville Beach, for up to 6 guests. The price covers the whole boat and your captain, plus sales tax.
Where do your dolphin tours leave from?
The 35 ft catamaran and the 44 ft Sea Ray leave from Palm Cove Marina in Jacksonville Beach and cruise the Intracoastal Waterway. The 37 ft sailing catamaran and the 33 ft sailboat leave from Fernandina Harbor Marina and sail the Amelia River, where dolphins are common.
How close can we get to the dolphins?
Your captain follows the NOAA Fisheries marine life viewing guidelines and keeps the boat at least 50 yards away. Dolphins move on their own schedule, so on our dolphin tours we watch from a respectful distance and let them come and go.
What should we bring?
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water and a camera or binoculars. Soft-soled shoes are best on deck, and if you are bringing little ones, pack a properly sized life jacket for each child.
Can we swim with the dolphins?
No. Federal guidelines from NOAA ask boaters to stay at least 50 yards away and never feed or chase dolphins. Watching from the boat is the safe and legal way to enjoy them.
Are dolphin tours good for kids?
Yes. The catamarans are stable and calm, which suits young children. Kids are welcome, so just bring a properly sized life jacket for little ones.
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Testimonials

From our clients’ experience

Every trip is private, with a licensed local captain. Here is what recent guests said.

★★★★★5-star reviews on Google
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Pamela Heidelberg Posted on Google
★★★★★
“We had a grand time!! We absolutely loved our Captain, Jason.”
aarond127 Posted on Google
★★★★★
“Loved it! Great price and friendly staff”
Joshua Thompson Posted on Google
★★★★★
“Awesome experience and great captain!”
Justin Copeland Posted on Google
★★★★★
“Awesome time, good service, great experience all around. Will book again!”

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Ready to book your dolphin tour?

Private dolphin tours start at $399 for 2 hours. Pick your boat and reserve online in minutes, or call or text us and we’ll help you plan.

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