Fort Walton Beach, with its calm, clear waters and abundant marine life, stands out as a prime spot for dolphin watching tours on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Unlike busier nearby destinations, Fort Walton offers a more relaxed, personal experience on the water, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone who appreciates authentic encounters with nature. The region boasts a variety of tours—ranging from sunset sails to high-energy jet ski rides—that showcase playful dolphins and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you’re after a peaceful sunset cruise or an adrenaline-fueled jet ski adventure, Fort Walton provides options that balance fun, scenery, and wildlife observation.
If you’re contemplating which tour best fits your style, you’ll find that each offers something distinct: some focus on sunset scenery and storytelling, others on snorkeling or speed and thrills. Here’s a look at the five best dolphin watching tours in Fort Walton Beach, with practical insights to help you choose the perfect one.
Quick Overview of the Best Dolphin Watching Tours
Our list includes sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, and jet ski adventures, each with unique features. The Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide offers a relaxing 2-hour sail with stunning views. Meanwhile, the Emerald Coast: Afternoon Snorkel & Dolphin Tour combines wildlife watching with underwater exploration. For mornings, the Fort Walton Beach: Morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel Stop provides an active start on the water, featuring dolphin sightings and snorkeling. For a high-speed experience, the Destin: Crab Island Dolphin Watching Jet Ski Tour takes you close to dolphins on a powerful jet ski. Finally, the Fort Walton: Dolphin Discovery and Snorkeling Cruise blends dolphin spotting with underwater adventure in the Gulf of Mexico.
1. Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide
This 2-hour sunset cruise on a 45′ Corinthian Catamaran is a scenic highlight. Starting at 189 Brooks St SE, the tour sails along the calm waters of Florida’s Emerald Coast, giving travelers a chance to see dolphins in their natural environment while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. The boat is new and comfortable, with plenty of space for relaxation and photography.
What makes this cruise stand out is the combination of educational narration and scenic beauty. Your guide shares insights into the local ecosystem, adding context to your dolphin sightings. Reviewers consistently praise the crew’s personable attitude, with many noting how close they get to the dolphins—”We saw numerous dolphins and sharks,” one said, highlighting how interactive and lively the wildlife can be. The cruise’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for families or couples looking for a romantic evening on the water, and the included bar adds a casual vibe.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back yet engaging sunset experience with lots of wildlife opportunities, this cruise offers great value for its moderate price of $41. It’s best suited for those who want scenic views paired with wildlife spotting without the rush of a longer tour.
2. Emerald Coast: Afternoon Snorkel & Dolphin Tour
This 3-hour afternoon adventure combines snorkeling with dolphin watching on a spacious 45′ catamaran. Starting at 189 Brooks St SE, it targets travelers eager to explore beneath the surface as well as above. The captain guides you to prime snorkeling spots where you can see colorful fish, shells, and perhaps a sea turtle or two. On the way, dolphins are often seen swimming alongside the boat, making this a multi-sensory experience.
What makes this tour distinctive is its balance of marine wildlife viewing and underwater discovery. Reviewers note how the crew, including captain and first mate, are both knowledgeable and friendly, with many describing their dolphin sightings as lively and frequent. The snorkeling can be less active during cooler months, but overall, the trip offers good value at $47 per person, especially considering the multiple activities involved.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a half-day maritime experience that combines dolphin sightings with snorkeling. It’s especially good for families and active travelers who want to spend quality time in the water.
3. Fort Walton Beach: Morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel Stop
Starting at 189 Brooks St SE, this morning 3-hour cruise is tailored for those who prefer an early start. It offers the chance to spot dolphins and snorkel before the day heats up. The tour is on a 45-foot catamaran designed for comfort and stability, making it a good choice for families or first-timers.
What sets this trip apart is its focus on morning marine activity. Guests often see multiple dolphins swimming close to the boat, and the crew’s local knowledge helps optimize dolphin sightings. Snorkeling is included, with many reviewers enjoying the chance to see fish and crabs, sometimes even sea turtles. The price is $42, offering good value for a well-rounded experience.
According to reviews, “We saw a lot of dolphins and a sea turtle,” making it clear that early mornings can be especially fruitful for wildlife. The shorter duration makes it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those wanting to fit multiple activities into their day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for early risers and families, this cruise offers a good chance of dolphin sightings and underwater fun in a compact, friendly package.
4. Destin: Crab Island Dolphin Watching Jet Ski Tour
For those seeking adventure and speed, this jet ski tour is hard to beat. Starting at Crab Island, a popular local spot, the 2-hour tour is designed for adrenaline lovers who want a close-up experience with dolphins. The tour price is $227 per group (up to two people), making it a great value if you’re traveling as a couple or small family.
The highlight here is the personalized thrill of riding a jet ski, with guides leading you to where dolphins are often seen swimming near the surface. Reviewers mention seeing a family of dolphins and enjoying the breeze in their hair. It’s an active tour that combines scenery, wildlife, and action, ideal for those who want a fast-paced experience.
However, be aware that this tour is less about lounging and more about speed and proximity. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with watercraft and looking for a high-energy day. The limited reviews suggest it’s a newer or less frequently booked option, but the feedback so far is very positive.
Bottom Line: This trip is perfect if you want a high-octane dolphin encounter on a jet ski, combining fun, speed, and wildlife in one go.
5. Fort Walton: Dolphin Discovery and Snorkeling Cruise
This 3-hour Gulf cruise from Okaloosa Island blends dolphin sightings with snorkeling. Starting at the local dock, it provides an intimate look at the marine environment of the Emerald Coast. The tour focuses on discovery and education, with crew sharing insights about local marine life as they navigate past Destin Harbor and Okaloosa Island.
What makes this tour compelling is its combination of wildlife observation and underwater exploration. Reviewers highlight how often they see dolphins swimming right alongside the boat, and the snorkeling stop offers a chance to see fish, shells, and even hermit crabs. The $50 price point offers good value considering the scope of activities and the friendly crew, including a captain and first mate who are attentive and knowledgeable.
Many travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to see multiple marine animals, including dolphins and sea turtles. The tour is suitable for families, couples, or groups wanting a relaxed but engaging experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded trip that combines dolphin watching and snorkeling with educational commentary, this cruise is an excellent choice.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dolphin Tour
When selecting a dolphin watching tour in Fort Walton Beach, consider your budget, timing, and interests. For example, if you’re after a romantic sunset and scenic views, the Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise is ideal. Families or those who want a morning adventure might prefer the Morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel Stop, which offers dolphin sightings early in the day. For thrill-seekers, the Dolphin Watching Jet Ski Tour provides speed and excitement.
If underwater discovery appeals to you, the Afternoon Snorkel & Dolphin Tour and the Dolphin Discovery and Snorkeling Cruise combine marine life sightings with snorkeling. Budget travelers should note that prices range from $41 to $50 per person for most tours, with the jet ski option priced per group.
Booking early in peak season (spring through early fall) is advisable, especially for popular tours like jet skis or sunset cruises. Check availability and consider your preferred activity—relaxing scenic sailing, active snorkeling, or high-speed jet ski fun—to make the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Fort Walton Beach offers a diverse set of dolphin watching experiences, whether you want a peaceful sunset cruise, an active snorkeling adventure, or an adrenaline-pumping jet ski ride. For a balanced experience, the Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise is hard to beat. Families may prefer the morning Dolphin Cruise with Snorkel Stop, while thrill-seekers should consider the Jet Ski Tour. Whichever you choose, early booking and clear expectations will help you make the most of your time on Florida’s beautiful waters.