SNORKELLING · SNORKELING WITH DOLPHINS IN THE USA

Snorkeling with Dolphins in the USA: The 15 Best Trips

45 trips  ·  from $17 per person

Good snorkeling with dolphins in the USA fill up in high season and the small boats go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Searching for dolphins in open water
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Spend about three hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s stable catamaran from Panama City Beach. Watch for wild dolphins, explore Shell Island, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, or use the waterslide. The crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Captain Clay on recent trips, keeps the outing relaxed and social.

“We had a fantastic time and were able to find beautiful shells on the beach. We saw 20+ dolphins in the wild. It was phenomenal”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch - Snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles
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Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

2.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Ride from Waikiki to Waianae for a dolphin-watching cruise with snorkeling, Hawaiian green sea turtles, lunch, hula, kayaks, paddle boards, and a 20-foot slide. The crew, including Captain Dani and photographers such as Tyler and Bennett, keeps the day lively. Dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed.

“All of our family had a great time. Lovely experience. Excellent crew felt so welcomed, were very friendly and caring. Excellent captain and turkey sandwich was delicious. I would definately do this again with Dolhins and You.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key - Leaving Tierra Verde for Boca Ciega Bay
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Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

3.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out from Tierra Verde Marina Resort on a 25-foot pontoon with up to six people. Your captain, often Noel, Megan, or Dave, looks for dolphins and manatees in Boca Ciega Bay before taking you to Shell Key for beach snorkeling, swimming, and shell collecting. Water, gear, ice, and parking are included.

“Had a wonderful time! Our guide was great and informative and he really seems to enjoy what he does. We got to see dolphins and manatees.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves - Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
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Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

4.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, where you’ll snorkel coral reefs near the Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history, point out lava tubes, and watch for dolphins and whales. The trip lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes and carries no more than 18 people.

“Wonderful tour. Beautiful bay full of fish and calm water to snorkel. On return, visited caves and landmarks. Captain was super knowledgeable about Hawaiian history. Highly recommend and would book again!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - Searching for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales
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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

5.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Board the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran at Ko Olina for a half-day cruise along Oahu’s west coast. Your captain and crew look for dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping at a snorkeling site. Gear, instruction, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki transportation are included.

“SO GOOD! Great atmosphere, fantastic crew. Over all wonderful experience. Saw 2 kinds of dolphins but no turtles. But that's ok. Wildlife can't be controlled by man's wants and needs!! Loved the entire thing and the food...mmmmm good!!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour - Eco Adventure - The backcountry snorkel is a nursery, not a reef wall
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Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

6.Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour – Eco Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,163 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

From 631 Greene Street, Fury Water Adventures takes you by catamaran to Key West’s Gulf backcountry, where you watch wild bottlenose dolphins and snorkel for about 45 to 60 minutes. The crew supplies masks, fins, flotation gear, and instruction. Beer and wine come after snorkeling, with soft drinks available throughout.

“What an amazing day! It started off a lil rough, but before we knew it there were dolphins all over playing in the water. The captain made sure we were in the right position to view them. The crew were very accommodating, had water, sodas and alcohol of we wanted it. I highly recommend doing this.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter - First snorkel stop: Lanai’s reefs and sea cliffs
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Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

7.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Set out from Lahaina at 9:00 a.m. with a crew such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, or Chad for two snorkel stops near Lanai and Maui. You may see spinner dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, octopus, and, from December through April, humpback whales. Gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, drinks, and snacks are included.

“This was so amazing! Great to see dolphins swimming right next to our boat. Saw turtles and sharks while snorkeling!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Leaving Kailua Pier along Kona’s Gold Coast
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

8.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

From Kailua Pier, Body Glove Cruises takes you along Kona’s Gold Coast to the Red Hill snorkeling area. Expect about two hours in the water, dolphin watching, breakfast, a BBQ lunch, paddleboards, a 20-foot slide, a high-jump platform, and attentive crew support. This is a lively family boat day, not a Kealakekua Bay reef trip.

“The crew was great. Very attentive and made sure to stop by to see if anything was needed. The food was good and there was plenty of it. The snorkel gear was in very good shape. It was nice to not have to bring your own gear. My family had a great time and would consider this tour again if we were looking for a snorkel tour on the Big Island.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu - Searching for spinner dolphins off Oahu
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Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

9.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise west Oahu with marine biologists and lifeguard-certified crew on a 32-foot boat limited to about 15 people. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, sea turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel at a calm reef. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and gear are included, with wetsuits and GoPros available for an extra fee.

“Alexa and Jalan worked hard to find us dolphins. I was thrilled to be in the middle of a big bunch of dolphins!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour - What the 45-foot catamaran adds
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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

10.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 757 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Cruise Key West’s Gulf waters on a 45-foot power catamaran with Fury guides such as Lisa, Ally, and Nicole. Look for wild bottlenose dolphins, snorkel in the Key West Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy beer, wine, soda, or seasonal champagne on the ride home. Sunset departures add a memorable finish.

“We had an AMAZING time! Our guides were phenomenal! Shared so much great information about the area and about the dolphins. They were so nice and friendly and we saw lots of dolphins! Definitely with it! Thank you for the best time!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae - Getting aboard the 32-foot boat
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Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

11.Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Ride a 32-foot motorboat from Waianae with a small group, searching for wild dolphins and winter humpback whales before snorkeling with turtles and reef fish. A marine biologist or naturalist leads the trip, with hotel transport, snorkel gear, drinks, and a deli-style lunch included. Dolphin swimming depends on animal behavior and sea conditions.

“This was such a fun trip! The guides were super nice and knowledgeable. We had great luck seeing a bunch of whales, swimming with dolphins, and awesome snorkeling”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling - Watching dolphins without turning them into a show
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Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

12.Biologist Owned & Operated: Dolphin Watching & Guided Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $143

Spend about four hours aboard Honest Eco’s small catamaran, watching wild bottlenose dolphins and snorkeling over sponges, coral heads, or reef. Guides such as Heather, Bryan, Wade, and Captain Patrick offer patient instruction and marine-life facts, though a biologist is not guaranteed on every departure. Snacks, water, gear, and a bathroom are included.

“Highly recommend. Traveling with family, kids are teenagers & we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We learned a lot too. Saw dolphins in their natural habitat & then went snorkeling & saw a wide variety of marine life. Guides were helpful & very conscientious of keeping everyone safe. Extra bonus was the delicious, healthy snacks we enjoyed during & after the tour.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise - Cottrell Key and the National Wildlife Refuge
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Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

13.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Join Sunset Watersports Key West for a three-hour cruise aboard the Sunset One. An English-speaking guide explains the route as you search for wild dolphins, snorkel near Cottrell Key, and return with a draft beer as the sun sets. Crews have included Captain Madison, Captain John, Kevin, Kylie, and others.

“Excellent adventure & fantastic staff! Snorkeling, watching a pod of dolphins playing, and a breathtaking sunset. Great memories!!!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West - Searching for dolphins in their natural home
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Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

14.Shallow Water Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 465 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

Meet the Echo catamaran at Key West Bight Marina for a small-group cruise with wild dolphin watching, shallow-water snorkeling, sailing, snacks, fruit, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The crew, including captains and mates such as Sandy, Deb, Aiden, and Bailey, provides gear and instruction. Expect a maximum of 14 people, with no children under five.

“Great experience! The snorkeling was great and we were lucky enough to see about six dolphins on our way back in. Carly and Sandy were amazing and made the trip so fun!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose - The ride to Shell Island
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Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

15.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Join Paradise Adventures aboard the Footloose for a three-hour catamaran trip from Panama City Beach. You’ll snorkel or beachcomb at Shell Island, then search for dolphins in the Gulf. Captains and crew members such as Gordon, Lamar, Jamie, Ryan, and Marcie keep the outing friendly and easygoing. Snorkel gear and one complimentary beverage are included.

“It was so fun, relaxing and beautiful! The captain and host were so kind and patient! Me, hubby and our 3 boys really enjoyed it.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

New in Snorkeling with Dolphins in the USA

★ 5.02-Hour Dolphin Watching and Double Reef with Snorkel in HawaiiFrom $9723 reviews
★ 5.0Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Dolphin WatchFrom $1,500 per boat (seats 12)23 reviews
★ 5.04 Hour Big Island Dolphin Watch Boat Tour, Snorkeling & BBQ LunchFrom $15044 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin, Sea Cave, Captain Cook, Kealakekua Bay Reef SnorkelingFrom $8947 reviews
★ 4.7West Oahu: Turtles, Dolphins, and Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $139130 reviews
★ 4.8Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise w/ Luau Style BuffetFrom $17110 reviews
★ 4.5Swim with Wild Dolphins Oahu Speedboat Snorkeling Adventure!From $19949 reviews
★ 4.2Miami to Key West Shuttle: Dolphin, Snorkeling & MoreFrom $1710 reviews
★ 4.7Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin TourFrom $20411 reviews
★ 4.5Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch with LunchFrom $17298 reviews
★ 4.0Madeira Beach: Egmont Key Snorkeling and Dolphin CruiseFrom $9116 reviews
★ 4.3Dolphin & Reef Snorkel Trip with Sunset OptionFrom $7650 reviews
★ 4.5Kailua Kona: Dolphin, Sea Cave and Captain Cook Snorkel TourFrom $11514 reviews
★ 4.7Dolphin Watching & Turtle Snorkeling with WaterslideFrom $19073 reviews
★ 4.7Wild Dolphins Swim Turtle Snorkel Tour & WaterslideFrom $19983 reviews

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Reef Snorkeling131Snorkeling with Turtles167Private Snorkeling Charters202Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises116Island Hopping Snorkeling Trips163Beach and Snorkeling Day Trips181
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