WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING SAILS IN THE USA

The 15 Whale and Dolphin Watching Sails in the USA We Would Step Aboard

41 sailings  ·  from $35 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 whale and dolphin watching sails in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its verdict from the people who sailed it, and the one thing to know before you commit.

Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran - The Hawea Catamaran and the Sailing Return
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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

1.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

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

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. The crew provides snorkel gear and guides you to turtles, tropical fish, reefs, octopus, and starfish. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with snacks, drinks, and a sailing ride along Waikiki included.

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

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Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure - Turtles, fish, and the luck of the day
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Moana’s Waikīkī Grand Guided Turtle Snorkel & Sailing Adventure

2.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 guided family snorkel with provided gear, certified lifeguards, and a secured raft for children and beginners. You may see turtles, tropical fish, starfish, octopuses, dolphins, or even a monk seal. The first drink from the premium bar is included.

“Such a great experience even with 2 kids.We saw 2 turtles and tons of fish. Everyone who worked the boat was very knowledgeable and sweet. One even swam down and brought up a sea urchin for my son to hold. Great adventure!!”

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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran - Boarding a 52-foot catamaran
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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

3.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

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

Sail the Gulf of Mexico from Panama City Beach aboard the 52-foot Privateer catamaran for about two hours. You get one drink, tropical music, sunset views, and a chance to spot dolphins, deer, and sometimes sea turtles. Captain Mike, Lamar, Chelsea, Teagan, Jess, and Jeff are among the crew members you may meet, depending on the evening.

“The captain and crew were really hospital and lively. I enjoyed the dolphins and energy during the cruise. The sunset was beautiful and calming.”

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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas - Passing Mallory Square and Key West’s western shore
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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

4.Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

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

Sail from Key West’s Historic Seaport on a catamaran with Captain Daniel, John, Jordan, Gracie, and other rotating crew members. Look for wild dolphins, pass Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key, then settle in for sunset with wine, champagne, beer, and tapas including shrimp cocktail. Dolphin sightings and sailing under wind are not guaranteed.

“Best couple hours during our entire vacation. Sunset, dolphin, drinks, snacks, romantic,, picture perfect.”

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Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea - Hāwea, a catamaran built for the job
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Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

5.Waikiki Beach: Turtle Snorkeling and Sailing on Hāwea

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

Board Hāwea behind the Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Turtle Canyon trip. You’ll snorkel with green sea turtles and reef fish, then sail along Waikiki with Diamond Head views. The crew provides gear, safety help, non-alcoholic drinks, and morning cold brew with Anahola Granola.

“Wonderful crew made for a very relaxing and exciting time snorkelling. Felt safe and saw plenty of fish and luckily had a large turtle surface right next to us and watched young ones being cleaned by the local fish. Great time and worth the money. Highly recommended.”

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Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor - What the non-narrated format really means
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Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

6.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 84-foot Schooner Pride, a real sailing ship that uses wind power when conditions allow. The crew raises the sails, answers questions, and may let you help with the lines. Look for dolphins, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge. Snacks are welcome, but drinks must be purchased on board.

“It was so fun! They really give you the experience you signed up for. We saw dolphins and they provided drinks and a few snacks as well.”

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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran - The Footloose catamaran and where to sit
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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran

7.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran

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

Join Paradise Adventures at the Bluegreen Bayside Golf & Spa Resort for a 90-minute sunset sail aboard the 40-foot Footloose catamaran. You’ll cruise the Gulf of Mexico, look for dolphins, enjoy tropical music, and receive one complimentary beverage. Recent crews have included Ryan, Lamar, Gordon, Dale, Mike, and Trevor, though staff may vary.

“We had such a great time. It was absolutely beautiful! Saw several dolphins. The staff were amazing!”

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Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins - Downtown Charleston from the harbor
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Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

8.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $499 whole boat, up to 6

Set sail from Ashley River Marina on a private 2.5-hour yacht charter for up to six people. Your captain and first mate handle the sailing while you enjoy Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, dolphins, and sunset views. Bring drinks and snacks, or request catering.

“Brian and Austin were amazing captains and gave us an incredible and memorable experience to culminate our trip to SC. The sunset sailboat trip was as informative as it was relaxing and the vibe was very chill. They took amazing family photos for us as well. The sunset was the best we’ve ever seen. Would recommend 1000%.”

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West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch - Setting out from Waianae toward Makaha
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West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

9.West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 320 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Cruise Oahu’s Leeward Coast aboard a catamaran with Hawaii Nautical, watching for spinner dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales before snorkeling over coral reefs. Captain Jessie, Ian, Nick, Nicole, and other crew members have earned praise for helping families and nervous swimmers. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, gear, restrooms, and optional pickup are included.

“No breakfast, but fun trip just got sea sick. In the description it said there would be breakfast with fruit and a biscuit but there was none, couldn’t wear shoes so deck was hot, fun trip though”

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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch - Pulling away and raising the sails
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Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

10.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the captain and crew of the three-masted Schooner Pride for a 1.5-hour sail from Aquarium Wharf. You can help raise sails reaching 84 feet, drift past Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and watch for dolphins. This is mainly a quiet harbor sail, not a narrated sightseeing tour, with drinks available to buy onboard.

“We really enjoyed sailing on the schooner, the captain and his crew were wonderful and were willing to answer any questions we had. We had a fantastic afternoon sailing in the harbor and would highly recommend that tour.”

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Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki - Turtle Canyon, Turtle Town, and the search for honu
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Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki

11.Sail and Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · from $99

Spend two hours aboard Three Tiki Sailing’s stable trimaran, cruising from Waikiki to a turtle-snorkeling site. Swim with fish and honu when conditions allow, or relax under the large shaded canopy. Crew members including Chad, Jack, and Austin focus on safety, comfort, and friendly help for first-time snorkelers.

“My family's first time snorkeling and it was a great experience. We saw turtles and all sorts of different fishes. It was like being in the Nemo movie is what my family kept saying.”

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Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach - Comfort on the Howling Owl
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Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

12.Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $64

Join Captain Randy and the crew of the Howling Owl for a 75-minute catamaran sail on Daytona Beach’s Halifax River. With room for only six people, the ride feels personal and calm. You’ll have shaded and sunny seating, bottled water, soft drinks, a bathroom, music, and a chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and pelicans.

“Great relaxing boat ride! Captains were very nice. We saw a few dolphins and got to just relax and enjoy the beautiful weather out on the water.”

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Dolphin Adventure Sail in Cocoa Beach - When the sails go up
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Dolphin Adventure Sail in Cocoa Beach

13.Dolphin Adventure Sail in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Sail from Merritt Island through the Banana River Lagoon and nearby waterways on a small catamaran with up to six people. Captains such as Andrew, Bryan, Kris, Don, and Chris guide the trip, pointing out dolphins, manatees, pelicans, ospreys, and mangroves. Soda and water are provided, but bring snacks.

“Fantastic engaging, knowledge and friendly crew. Superb sailing experience with full sails and scenic waterways with both Dolphins, Manatees and Pelicans. Both Speedy and Captain Andrew made it a memorable Saturday afternoon in the beautiful Florida Sunshine.”

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Key West's Favorite Afternoon Dolphin Sail - Sunset Key and the scenic return
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Key West’s Favorite Afternoon Dolphin Sail

14.Key West’s Favorite Afternoon Dolphin Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 136 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Set sail from Key West’s Historic Seaport aboard a comfortable catamaran for about two and a half hours. You’ll cruise past Sunset Key, watch for wild dolphins, and enjoy included beer, wine, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Crew members such as Dan, John, Grace, and Jordan have helped make recent trips lively and relaxed.

“Great time, so much fun and beautiful ride. Saw about 7 dolphins it was a great experience! Brandon and Gary were so fun and made the experience that much better.”

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Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran - Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay, and Gulf views
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Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran

15.Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 131 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Best value

Sail Grand Lagoon and possibly St. Andrews Bay or the Gulf of Mexico aboard a 52-foot catamaran. Captain and crew search for dolphins in their natural habitat, with Shell Island views, an onboard bar, snacks, and drinks such as Privateer Punch. Mike, Jacob, Lamar, Ashley, and Conner are among the crew members praised for friendly service.

“We had a blast! The staff was awesome! The drinks were great. Just an all around great experience. We will do again.”

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