Dolphin Watching in St. Augustine, Florida

The inter-coastal waterway in St. Augustine transports visitors to the region’s flourishing estuaries filled with marine animals like dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Plan a dolphin-watching cruise in St. Augustine to be immersed in the natural beauty of the North Florida city.

Recognized as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and 17th-century Spanish architecture. The quaint and historic town is nestled right on the coastline, making it the perfect place for outdoor water activities almost all year round.

Here's all you need to know about dolphin watching cruises, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in St. Augustine.

What are the best dolphin watching tours in St. Augustine?

Dolphin and wildlife cruise

Book a dolphin and wildlife cruise in St. Augustine for a relaxing tour along the North Florida coastline. This excursion begins at a local marina where you’ll meet your naturalist guide.

After boarding a pontoon boat with your group, you’ll begin you trip through the estuaries situated along the coast. You’ll pass by some of St. Augustine’s most impressive landmarks like the Lighthouse, the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth.

While on your cruise, keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and various bird species. Enjoy an open bar of refreshments and snag plenty of photos before heading back to the marina.

Dolphin Encounter at Marineland

For a much closer look at the incredible aquatic mammals, opt for a visit to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine. This tour allows you to meet dolphins and interact with them personally in a shallow pool.

You’ll have the chance to participate in hands-on activities and even touch the magnificent creatures. An expert animal trainer will provide fascinating information on the dolphins during this 30-minute adventure.

Dolphin-watching kayak tour

For a more active dolphin watching experience, choose a kayaking tour through the St. Augustine Salt Run. You’ll begin your trip with selecting either a single or double kayak. Then, you’ll sit for a quick tutorial and safety presentation with your naturalist guide.

Gear up in a life jacket and board your kayak to start your adventure. The group will launch at the beginning of Salt Run by the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and paddle for 6,500 meters through the lagoon.

You’ll see tons of marine life like dolphins, manatees and sea turtles while enjoying the stunning natural landscape. Your guide will explain the history of St. Augustine, as well as the ecology of the region. Take a break on a sandbar or beach before heading back.

Paddleboarding dolphin adventure

Explore the dolphin-filled waters of St. Augustine on a stand-up paddleboard adventure along the coastline. This tour combines the physical strength of paddle boarding with the natural beauty of the North Florida oasis.

Your excursion will begin with a paddle-boarding basics course where you’ll learn the techniques and safety protocols for operating the board with ease. Once your tour begins, you’ll pass by the beautiful beaches and ancient sand dunes of Anastasia State Park while gazing at the incredible marine life below.

Enjoy views of the various monuments that are visible from the water before heading back to land.

How much do dolphin watching tours in St. Augustine cost?

Dolphin watching cruises in St. Augustine cost around US$40 per person, and include refreshments while on board and information from an experienced crew.

Special dolphin encounters at Marineland that allows you to interact with the animals firsthand cost about US$150 per person for a 30-minute experience.

Dolphin watching and kayaking tours through Salt Run typically cost about US$80 per person, with the kayak, life vest and paddle included.

Stand-up paddleboarding adventures through the St. Augustine lagoon cost around US$70 per person and include a beginner’s tutorial from a professional guide.

What is included?

Dolphin watching cruises in St. Augustine typically include an open bar, a live guide providing commentary and free parking at the marina. The pontoon boat ride includes sightseeing the major landmarks in St. Augustine, as well as the flourishing marine life along the coast.

Dolphin encounters at the St. Augustine Marineland Dolphin Adventure include admission to the park, a life jacket and a 30-minute encounter with the aquatic mammals. Photos of the encounter can be purchased at an additional cost.

Both kayak and paddleboard dolphin tours include a life vest, wet bag, paddle, a kayak or paddleboard, and professional pictures of the day. You’ll also learn the basics of the activity and interesting facts about the historic town.

Where does it start?

Dolphin watching cruise tours in St. Augustine begin at a marina, while the dolphin encounter kicks off at the Marineland Dolphin Adventure park. Kayaking and paddle-boarding tours typically meet on the beach and begin on a boat ramp that leads to Salt Run.

How long does it last?

Dolphin watching tours in St. Augustine last somewhere between 1 and 3 hours that involve a pontoon boat, kayak or paddle board. A swim-with-dolphin encounter in St. Augustine runs about 30 minutes, but guests are advised to arrive an hour before the tour begins.

When is the best time for a dolphin watching tour in St. Augustine?

The best time for a dolphin watching tour in St. Augustine is springtime when the temperatures are mild and the weather is the driest. Summer brings sweltering heat in North Florida, while winter can drop to around 4 degrees Celsius.

Fall is another good option for mild temperatures, though hurricane season can bring frequent rain and in-climate weather.

Travel tips

• Most dolphin watching tours will operate regardless of rain, so dress for all weather conditions.
• Wear a bathing suit and pack a towel with a change of clothes for kayak and paddle board tours.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect from the Florida sunrays.