Dolphin Cruise Gulf Shores: 17+ Amazing Tours You’ll Love

There are so many amazing things to do when you visit Gulf Shores, and one of those things is taking a dolphin cruise! If you’re looking for a guaranteed great time that the whole family will enjoy, then we highly recommend taking a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach, Alabama!

There is just nothing better than relaxing on a boat, while watching dolphins jump from the turquoise waters. With so many different cruise offerings, you’re sure to find the perfect excursion for your crew during your Orange Beach vacation.

Ready to find the best dolphin cruise Gulf Shores has to offer? You’re in luck! Here are 17+ amazing dolphin cruises that we just know you’ll love!

Dolphin Cruise Gulf Shores: 17+ Amazing Tours You’ll Love

ORANGE BEACH DOLPHIN CRUISES

Orange Beach is a beautiful place — and the only thing that makes it better is seeing the dolphins play in the waves! These dolphin cruises and tours are just the adventure you’re looking for.

ORANGE BEACH DOLPHIN & SUNSET CRUISES ABOARD SUNNY LADY

Duration: 1.5 hours

Enjoy a scenic dolphin cruise aboard the Sunny Lady and see dolphins and other wildlife up close. The Sunny Lady is fully equipped with open decks, climate-controlled cabins, and a snack bar. You’ll find plenty of comfy seating spots throughout, so you can relax and take in the beautiful views around Orange Beach.

Feel free to BYOB!

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Read More: 31+ Things To Do in Orange Beach Alabama Locals Love

SOUTHERN ROSE DOLPHIN CRUISE

Duration: 2 hours

Take a dolphin cruise aboard the Southern Rose and enjoy an adventure on the local waterways.

The Southern Rose is a luxurious double-decker cruiser with comfortable seating — including air conditioned seating — and dolphin sightings are guaranteed! You’ll listen to island tunes while soaking up the beauty of Orange Beach.

You can bring your own drinks and snacks, although glass bottles and containers are not permitted. There is a cash snack bar on board that serves snacks, soft drinks, mixed drinks, beer and wine.

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ORANGE BEACH SUNSET SAILING TOUR

Duration: 2 hours

Climb aboard a beautiful 52-foot catamaran, relax, and enjoy smooth sailing and beautiful views on this Orange Beach Sunset Sailing Tour.

Enjoy your favorite beverage and listen to great music while cruising the back bays. You’ll have the opportunity to see dolphins and other marine wildlife. This tour is great for families, couples, or groups, ages 13+. Wine, beer and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Snacks and cold drinks are offered onboard (prices vary).

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CRUISE OB DOLPHIN CRUISE

Duration: 2 hours

Ready to set sail and cruise the back bays of Orange Beach? This dolphin cruise with Cruise OB is it!

On this cruise, you’ll see pods of local Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and watch as they play close to the boat. The boat crew will pull up a crab trap during the cruise, and show you local marine wildlife, like the beautiful blue crab — a great learning experience for all!

Experience the beautiful views around Orange Beach, and on calm days, you’ll journey into the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy the views of the Emerald Coast.

The boat has multi-level seating and a roomy deck for great views. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, or purchase some from the onboard snack bar. This cruise is great for all ages! Children under 3 are free.

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THE FUN BOATS DOLPHIN CRUISE AND SEALIFE EXPERIENCE

Duration: 2 hours

Cruise the back bays of Orange Beach with a daytime dolphin cruise with The Fun Boats!

On this cruise, you’ll relax and look for dolphins, while learning fun facts along the way. And hey — you’ll also get to take part in an epic water fight as you pass by the sister Fun Boat! Or, if you want to stay dry, you can head into the cabin.

There will also be an added opportunity to touch, hold, and learn about blue crabs. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard. No alcohol permitted.

CARIBE CRUISER DOLPHIN TOURS ORANGE BEACH

Duration: 75-90 minutes

Enjoy searching for dolphins in the turquoise waters around Orange Beach from the comfort of a covered pontoon boat.

Perfect for large groups and family outings, this narrated tour is a great way to experience the scenic bay views. Bring your own snacks and drinks (alcohol is allowed). Children 3 and under are free!

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THE FUN BOATS SUNSET DOLPHIN CRUISE & SEALIFE EXPERIENCE

Duration: 2 hours

Water fights, sunsets, dolphins and more await you on this Sunset Dolphin Cruise and Sealife Experience with The Fun Boats!

Watch playful dolphins jump in the sparkling turquoise waters around orange beach, or see pelicans dive for fish — all while witnesses a gorgeous sunset. You’ll also learn interesting facts about other sea life, get to hold and touch local blue crabs, participate in an epic water fight, and so much more! Interior cabin seating is also available. This cruise is full of family-friendly fun.

Feeling the need for speed? Try one of these Orange Beach Jet Ski Rentals – and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins along the way!

DOLPHIN & NATURE DAYTIME TOUR ON THE EXPLORER ORANGE BEACH

Duration: 2 hours

Great for families and young children, hop aboard the Explorer and take in the natural beauty of Orange Beach.

On this Dolphin and Nature Daytime Tour, you’ll learn interesting facts about the area and marine life that call the calm bay water home. Search for dolphins, birds and other local wildlife. And for sure, your kids will have a blast when it’s their turn to drive the boat!

The boat is covered, so you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of shade. Wine, beer, alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, and snacks are available on board for purchase.

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DOLPHIN & NATURE SUNSET TOUR ON THE EXPLORER ORANGE BEACH

Duration: 2 hours

The Dolphin & Nature Sunset Tour on the Explorer Orange Beach features all the fun of their daytime tour – with the added bonus of watching the beautiful sunset too!

See dolphins, along with pelicans, cormorants, egrets, osprey, and more. Relax on the boat, while learning about local wildlife along the way. Wine, beer, alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, and snacks are available on board for purchase.

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GUIDED DOLPHIN TOUR ON CRAIGCAT BOATS IN ORANGE BEACH

Duration: 2 hours

Ready for a dolphin tour that’s completely different?! Then you’ve got to try this Guided Dolphin Tour on a Craigcat Boat!

On this tour, you’ll combine the excitement of a Craigcat boat with the fun of a guided dolphin tour. Craigcats are compact sport boats — more like go-karts on the water!

Your local tour guides will take you on a custom excursion on the local waterways in search of local marine life — and you’ll get to see dolphins up close! You’ll explore Cotton Bayou, Ole River, and view Ono Island along the way. This is a small-group experience, and is great for adventurers. Each Craigcat boat seats two passengers. Ages 6+ (must be 21 to drive).

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ORANGE BEACH DOLPHIN & SAILING TOUR

Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy nothing but smooth sailing on this awesome dolphin and sailing tour aboard a beautiful 52-foot catamaran.

Grab your favorite drink, enjoy the music, and cruise the back bays while looking for dolphins and other local marine wildlife. It’s the perfect, stress-free excursion! Wine, beer, cold drinks, and snacks are available for purchase on board. Ages 13+.

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DOLPHINS & BLUE ANGELS SAIL

Duration: 6 hours

Looking for something totally unique?  Try the crowd favorite Dolphins & Blue Angels Sail, where guests get to see the Blue Angels practice their flights right over the Pensacola Lighthouse.  You’ll sail the Gulf of Mexico with your family and friends, seeing dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way.

After you’ve seen the Blue Angels, you’ll sail to a Civil War fort and a protected lagoon, where you can snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard around Fort McRae.

Breakfast and lunch is provided on this sailing, and it’s sure to be something you and your group will remember for a lifetime.

Read More: 27+ Can’t-Miss Things To Do in Pensacola for Family Fun

DOLPHIN CRUISES WITH COLD MIL FEET

Duration: 90 minutes

Take a dolphin cruise around Orange Beach with the expert team with Cold Mil Fleet!

Offering daytime, sunset, and private cruises — what makes these cruises unique is that each of their cruises are double surf cruises. What’s that mean? That means they have two 50-foot boats cruising side by side, creating the perfect kinds of waves that dolphins love to jump in!

Their 90-minute cruises offer affordable, relaxing fun and sightseeing for the whole family. 

PRIVATE DOLPHIN CRUISES

Sometimes you just want to relax with your loved ones and take in the beauty of the area — and these private dolphin tours are just perfect.

PRIVATE SUNSET & DOLPHIN CRUISE

Duration: 2 hours

The perfect opportunity to get out on the water and relax with your friends and family is this Private Sunset & Dolphin Cruise.

This scenic charter includes up to six people per boat. Your captain will help you find sociable dolphins and other marine life, and you’ll enjoy seeing the stunning sunset on the waters around Orange Beach. You’re welcome to bring your own 6-pack cooler with beverages and snacks, too!

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PRIVATE BOATING EXCURSION & DOLPHIN SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Duration: 2-8 hours

Enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast with Captain Matt on this Private Boating Excursion and Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise!

On this trip, Captain Matt will guide you and five guests around on his 24-foot Cobia center console. You and your crew will learn all about the area’s local wildlife along the way. This cruise will take you out on the bay and in the Gulf of Mexico, and you’ll get to see the Sand Island Lighthouse, and more! Choose from morning, afternoon, and sunset departures.

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PRIVATE SWIM, GRILL AND CHILL EXCURSION

Duration: 3-4 hours

For families with young children — this 4-hour Private Swim, Grill and Chill Excursion is a great choice.

Choose an experience consisting of swimming, exploring the beautiful beaches of Orange Beach and Perdido Key, or stop off at Bird Island for a swim! Even better, ask the captain ahead of time about grilling during this outing — you bring the food, he brings the grill! A floating mat will be brought along for some extra water fun. Six passengers max.

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PRIVATE WAVERUNNER DOLPHIN TOURS

Duration: 1.5 hours

Dolphins and Waverunners? Yes, please! On this private Waverunner Dolphin Tour, you and your group will be able to go at your own pace. Enjoy zooming along the easy waters on the Intracoastal on your privately guided tour.

Experience the joy of spotting dolphins and watching them play, while on your 2-seater Waverunner. They also provide refreshments and pictures during your tour — so your memories are sure to be captured! Ages 6+.

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PRIVATE DAYTIME DOLPHIN & SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Duration: 1.5-3 hours

Treat you and your group to a private daytime dolphin sighting cruise in Orange Beach, and enjoy up-close and personal views of marine life, like sea turtles, birds, and dolphins!

This cruise is for up to six passengers and is great for families with young children. You can bring your own small cooler with snacks and drinks.

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PRIVATE 2-HOUR SAILING EXCURSION

Duration: 2 hours

Adventure though the coastal waterways of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores with just your crew on this 2-hour Family Fun Day Sail!

You’ll have fun while learning some basics of sailing on a gorgeous sailboat — and you can even try your hand a the helm! Then relax as you enjoy music, snacks, and spotting dolphins along the way. This trip is for 6 passengers.

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PRIVATE FAMILY FUN COMBO ADVENTURE CHARTER

Duration: 3-4 hours

When you’re ready to have ALL THE FUN, this is the excursion for you!

On the Private Family Fun Combo Adventure Charter, you’ll cruise through the Gulf Coast waters while seeing the local sights and learning about the Orange Beach hot spots. If you love to fish, sightsee, shell, or just relax in the sun — this trip has it!

You’ll see local marine wildlife — like dolphins! — as you catch and release Gulf fish. The fish you can expect to catch are catfish, croaker, white trout, and black drum. This is a catch-and-release trip.

There’s also shrimping! Shrimping is completely interactive, and you’ll get to participate in the shrimping process. The species you may catch in the net are shrimp, stingrays, crabs, and a wide variety of fish. The best part? Bottlenose dolphins will follow the net and when you retrieve it, they will often follow the net to the boat and remain close, waiting for you to throw them the bi-catch!

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DOLPHIN CRUISE GULF SHORES FAQ

When is the best time to see dolphins in Gulf Shores, Alabama?

The best time to see dolphins in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is usually during the day. Often the best times are between 2pm and sunset. The best time of year is from late spring through the end of summer.

How much does a dolphin cruise cost in Gulf Shores?

The cost of a dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores will vary, depending on factors such as the type of cruise you pick, the length of cruise time, and the time of year. Some of the dolphin cruise options listed here start as low as $25/person.

Can you get sea sick on a dolphin cruise?

If you are prone to motion sickness, you could get sea sick on a dolphin cruise. The best thing to do would be to take motion sickness medication before taking the cruise.

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