Sailing trips · WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING SAILS IN THE USA

The 15 Whale and Dolphin Watching Sails in the USA That Earn Their Price

22 trips  ·  from $40 a head

The 15 best whale and dolphin watching sails in the USA you can book today, with what each costs per person, how long it runs and how much of it happens under sail. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Dolphin Watching Works Best When You Treat It as Wildlife Viewing
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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

Sail from Panama City Beach aboard Island Time’s broad, stable catamaran, with time to search for wild dolphins, snorkel at Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay, paddleboard, swim, or use the waterslide. Captain Heath, Clay, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members have earned strong praise for friendly service and practical help on board.

“This was absolutely so much fun, such an amazing group of staff. Soooo cool- saved it for our last little extravaganza & it was absolutely worth it.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - Why Stellwagen Bank matters
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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

2.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Long Wharf, you’ll ride a high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank with a naturalist guide, watching for humpback, fin, minke, and pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Expect about 3.5 hours on the water, indoor seating, restrooms, and snacks for purchase.

“Saw a humpback blow and dive several times, including one up close. The narrator was great and enthusiastic.”

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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed - Waikiki and Diamond Head from the water
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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

3.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the 40-passenger Honu Lani. Snorkel with green sea turtles under crew guidance, then enjoy lunch and drinks on the midday trip. Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, and other crew members have earned praise for calm, attentive service.

“Great experience!! Joey and crew did a great job giving us the turtle/snorkeling experience! Hawaii on a catamaran is definitely a must!! Get out there with them and experience this thrilling adventure! The dolphins were also so beautiful! My tik tok will definitely be awesome with these shots! 100% guys!!!”

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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points at a glance
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

4.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran from Panama City Beach. Cruise Grand Lagoon, watch for dolphins near St. Andrews State Park, enjoy sunset views, music, and drinks from the onboard bar. The crew, including Captain Clay and Cristo, may also invite you to dance and play games at the dock.

“This is an incredible experience! Crew was excellent and friendly! Dolphins and sunset was amazing. Highly recommend!”

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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran - Snorkeling gear and crew support reduce the fuss
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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

5.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Join the Hawea catamaran from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Waikiki sail and snorkel at Turtle Canyon. You’ll get gear, flotation support, snacks, drinks, and guidance from crew such as Jenna, Julia, Claire, and Kapono. Swimming ability is required, and the group can reach 45 people.

“The crew made this an awesome, safe, and fun experience! The bar onboard was a great bonus after snorkeling :-)”

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Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed - What the two-hour schedule feels like
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Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

6.See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Join Oahu Catamarans for a two-hour catamaran trip from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon. Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish while guides such as Lucy, Shannon, and Krash help in the water. The boat carries no more than 28 people, with gear, drinks, snacks, and turtle sightings included.

“Very exhilarating experience - thecrew - Greg, Shannon & Haley - were wonderful!! Would definitely recommend’”

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Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran - Boarding the spacious Quicksilver catamaran
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Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

7.Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise Maalaea Bay with Quicksilver Charters from December through April. Your captain and crew explain whale behavior while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, spy-hops, mothers, and calves. The double-deck catamaran has open and shaded seating, restrooms, drinks, and underwater hydrophones.

“The tour was wonderful! We saw so many whales. Worth the $$. Dave was amazing and super attentive. The Captain (forgot his name but an Aussie and fr New Zealand) was very informative and the perfect host. There was a 3rd gentleman on the tour who was at the bar. Also, great!”

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Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure - Why the crew support matters for beginners
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Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure

8.Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 936 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76

Sail from Kewalo Harbor to Turtle Canyon for a 2.5-hour guided snorkel with provided gear, certified lifeguards, a secured raft, restrooms, cushioned seating, and a complimentary first drink. Early departures can bring calmer water, sunrise views, and more time with the crew.

“We had a lovely trip as two families together, 9 total people. 4 adults and 5 kids. The crew was great. They made all of us feel comfortable. The experience was exactly as advertised. The right amount of time. We saw lots of cool underwater sea life, enjoyed the boat ride and some cocktails on the way home.”

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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona - Breakfast with Kona views
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Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

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

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

Set out from Kailua Pier on Body Glove’s large catamaran for about two hours at Red Hill, not Kealakekua Bay. You’ll get snorkeling gear, breakfast, BBQ lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, dolphin watching, a 20-foot slide, a 15-foot jump platform, floating toys, and attentive crew support.

“First class all the way. Crew was excellent, ship was excellent, and the location was perfect. Couldn’t ask for a better trip.”

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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran - A relaxed two-hour route across the Gulf
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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

10.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 709 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Sail from 4114 Jan Cooley Drive on the 52-foot Privateer catamaran for two hours along the Gulf of Mexico. Expect sunset views, possible dolphin sightings, one included drink, tropical music, and an onboard bar. Captain Mike, Lamar, Teagan, and other crew members are known for keeping the ride friendly and lively.

“It’s a fun time you enjoy the ocean life the crew is very nice you have a good experience with everybody my family really enjoyed the time on the ocean”

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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas - Dolphin watching without false promises
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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

11.Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 699 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Key West Historic Seaport for a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise with dolphin watching, wine, beer, champagne, and chef-selected tapas. Expect views of Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key. Crew members such as Captain Daniel, John, Gracie, Jordan, and Brandon have been praised for friendly service, though dolphin sightings depend on nature.

“Captain Daniel and John were outstanding and very accommodating. The tapas were exceptional, much more than we anticipated and would give the chef 5 stars!”

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Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea - Hāwea, a catamaran built for this coastline
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Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

12.Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 656 reviews · 2h 30m · from $84

Join Waikiki Sailing Company for a 2.5-hour trip from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue to Turtle Canyon. Snorkel with green sea turtles and reef fish, then sail along Waikiki aboard the hand-built catamaran Hāwea. Morning trips include ARVO cold brew and Anahola Granola bars.

“Fantastic experience ! Everyone was super helpful and would redirect you if needed to see the turtles. Also got some fun facts from Claire. Would recommend!”

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Shell Island Inflatable Adventure Park & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour - Setting out from Panama City Beach
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Shell Island Inflatable Adventure Park & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

13.Shell Island Inflatable Adventure Park & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 523 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Cruise Grand Lagoon aboard the 52-foot Privateer, watch for dolphins, then spend time on Shell Island’s bay side with unlimited inflatables, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling. The boat carries up to 78 people and returns to the Panama City Beach dock after about three hours.

“It was everything that I imagined. The teenagers enjoyed it as well as the 10 years old boys. Amazin”

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Maui: Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel - Leaving Maalaea Harbor for Molokini Crater
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Maui: Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel

14.Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Spend about five hours aboard Pride of Maui’s modern yacht with Captain Justin and crew. Snorkel at Molokini and Turtle Town when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, a grilled lunch, warm showers, and an open bar. The boat welcomes ages 8 and up and carries no more than 40 people.

“Awesome boat and crew, but cancelled 2 days in a row due to bad weather. On third day we finally went but never went to Molokini crater or turtle town due to wind and water conditions. Snorkeling was below average in a protected cove along shore.”

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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran - The dolphin search along Panama City Beach
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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran

15.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 442 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40Best value

Set out from Bluegreen Bayside Golf & Spa Resort aboard the 40-foot Footloose catamaran for a 90-minute Gulf cruise, sunset views, tropical music, and a complimentary drink. The crew may include captains and mates such as Ryan, Lamar, Gordon, or Dale, with dolphins often part of the search.

“Absolutely seamless and wonderful! The catamaran was cozy and clean, the staff were friendly and phenomenal, and the view was unbeatable!”

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