Galveston Island Tours
Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide
5
Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide
By Galveston Water Adventures
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About
Ages 0-100, max of 37 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
- Experienced guide
- 1-hour dolphin sightseeing cruise
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550, USAOur boat will board directly behind Willie G's Restaurant. Our booth is right next to our boat.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 212055P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Wear comfortable clothing. You may want to bring a jacket, as it gets cool on the water in the spring and fall.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 37 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 212055P1
Itinerary
- Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550, USAOur boat will board directly behind Willie G's Restaurant. Our booth is right next to our boat.
- 1Join us for our one hour tour of Galveston’s Harbor to see birds and marine life. We are usually able to get a close up view of playful dolphins jumping. The tour is aboard Cruise-N-Time, our twin engine open-air tour boat.Pass byOcean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & MuseumSeawolf ParkPort of GalvestonGalveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- deneem20240 contributionsAwesome thrill ride!Perfect day with perfect weather! Even got to see the dolphins! Was a blast!! Will do again! Guide, Austin, was awesome!Written October 14, 2024
- tialetty640 contributionsWonderful adventureEnjoyed the ride. Knowledgeable boat captain, able to see some dolphins along the way. Most definitely do it again. Note to self, next time wear glasses or goggles and tie up hair to keep it from going all over the place.Written October 8, 2024
- 823shandar0 contributionsFun and excitingAustin was absolutely amazing!! He took the boat out for just my husband and I, put on some great music and just went! He is very knowledgeable and explained the do's and dont's thoroughly ( when we would spin, how to hold on etc) he even stopped so I could see some dolphins 🙂 Very exciting and fun ride! Highly recommend, will do this every time we're in town!Written October 3, 2024
- kctruskey0 contributionsWonderful timeWe did a dolphin tour ride and we had a blast! The staff were SO engaging and hilarious. I loved every minute of it. Due to the weather that day we ended up having to get our tour postponed and they were great to work with in moving our time back. Highly recommend this company and tour!Written September 10, 2024
- stellabnntt0 contributionsFun rideThe boat ride itself was exhilarating and wonderful. Austin did a great job However, there is NOTHING in any of the information provided to me (including on the ticket itself) indicating the correct location of the boat. It is Pier 19 — not 21. Even Google Maps has it wrong. Fortunately, we were early enough to be able to find it and not be late.Written August 18, 2024
- 184demetrisr0 contributionsFun family experienceStaff nice professional very accommodating .....we had a great time..will go again in the future!!! Can't wait to see the photos taken by staffWritten July 20, 2024
- Compass477929625680 contributionsBeautiful sunset and awesome cruise!My husband and I took the sunset cruise and it was amazing! The two hour boat ride was smooth and so peaceful! We were able to see dolphins at one point during the cruise and Frenchie stopped the boat for us so that we could watch them and take pictures. Steven was awesome during the cruise as the host and changed the music as was perfect for each moment on the boat. He also took pictures of all of the couples and groups and answered our questions about what we saw. We brought a cooler with drinks and that worked out well. We would totally recommend the sunset cruise!Written July 3, 2024
- sharonmS8359LF0 contributionsDonuts and dolphins too!We saw a bunch of dolphins which surprised me since I didn’t think the driver would take the time but that was nice. Great adventure!Written July 1, 2024
- Rosalind H0 contributionsIt was amazing!The guide was awesome!!! We had an amazing time!!! 10 out of 10 would HIGHLY recommend! If you’re in the area this is definitely one to visit!Written June 23, 2024
- 52laquitab0 contributionsWhat a thrillExcellent experience. The jet boat thrill ride was more than I expected, my husband and I wanted the ride to last longer. The spins were awesome. It was a beautiful scene once we got in the open water. We stopped a moment to see the dolphins. The staff was exceptional especially the captain. Definitely will visit again.Written April 26, 2024
- Paradise392925545450 contributionsJet Boat ride and Dolphin tourTook their Jet boat ride and Dolphin Tour. Works great as a combination because the jet boat amps you up and the dolphin tour lets you wind down while enjoying the sights.Written April 10, 2024
- debbiemendez0 contributionsLove the thrill of Jet BoatsWe had a thrilling ride that was lots of fun and saw dolphins. Our driver was very entertaining too.Written March 14, 2024
- Tristan C0 contributionsWonderful CrewThe two gentleman on the boat were so knowledgeable and funny! Their personalities suite their job perfectly. We were able to learn a lot about Galveston and we managed to see a few dolphins along the way which was great seeing as it was their first day back on the water for the season. Thank you!!!Written March 3, 2024
- ecow7960 contributionsWe fell in love all over againWe renewed our vows on this cruise and it was perfect to say the least. Everything was beautiful and we were treated fairly and everyone was very nice and informative. Would definitely do this again! Was worth every pennyWritten November 28, 2023
- BethP94310 contributionsDolphin SightseeingWe had a great time on the boat. We saw quite a few dolphins. The best part of the ride was the staff. They were professional and our guide was a great speaker. He was energetic and humorous which made for an entertaining time. I highly recommend this dolphin tour.Written October 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
More to explore in Galveston Island
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
578 reviews
Excellent
512
Very good
35
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
12
Katherine C
9 contributions
Really disappointed in this trip and left feeling dirty. Trip was way overbooked...there was no way to maintain social distancing. Everyone wore masks to start but that lasted about 15 seconds and tour guides made no attempt to ask anyone to put them back on. Tour guides were really unprofessional. Made a racist joke, flirted with a girl who couldn’t have been more than 15, made fun of our reactions to the few dolphins we did see. I needed a shower after this trip. There was another tour in the same marina that was cheaper and less crowded. Save your money and your health people.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honestly Karen,
You should be ashamed of yourself for posting such a personal attack on our business and our staff. We are doing our best to cater to our customers needs during these uncertain times. Our boat is open air, cleaned multiple times per day, and we even offer masks for sale if you do not have one. Our 1 hour tour costs 20 cents per minute per adult ticket, the "other guys" cost 2 cents per minute more due to the shorter time, THATS actually 10% cheaper per hour on boat. We try our best to make everyone happy, but we will not let customers take a shot at our business and employees online where we are defenseless. TO OUR FUTURE CUSTOMERS: Y'all come on down here. ;)
Written July 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen T
Texas12 contributions
Aug 2021 • Business
I usually leave reviews when things are either exceptional or when they are unexpectedly disappointing. This was a disappointing experience. First part of the ride was enjoyable - emcee had funny jokes and good music. He had us pumped to see dolphins because they’d been seeing them all day. We even took our time going around the concrete ship at a leisurely pace. When we spotted dolphins on the way back to Pier 21, they were kind of far off. Not a problem. Figured we would linger a bit longer with the channel not very busy and we’d get a better view. Most of the sightings were short and far off so, when the captain took off, I thought we were going to a second, better location. Nope. We were rushing back to Pier 21. We came upon a second group of dolphins; these were incredible because we were much closer. How exciting! We were basically right next to them. Wait...are we not stopping for even a minute to admire or even snap a pic of what we were out looking for? Nope, we kept speeding toward Pier 21. Again, I thought maybe the captain was taking us to an even cooler spot. Nope. We were just rushing to get back to the pier. I think it took longer for the boat to get into position to enter the pier area than it did to take in the dolphins. Just lingering even two minutes on that second set of dolphins would’ve made the trip worth the $20 pp. Instead, it felt like we rushed to make it where we de- boarded exactly one hour later. Two minutes to let your guests take in the breathtaking sight or even shaving some of that slow ride around the concrete ship would’ve made this a five star review. The experience felt overhyped, especially since we paid over $250 to take some co-workers fr what ended up being almost no lingering to watch dolphins. Next time we we want to see dolphins, I think we will take the free ferry. My suggestions would be to swing by the concrete ship instead of slowly going around it with Titanic music playing and to communicate to guests when you are returning to the pier so they don’t get excited there’s more and end up disappointed. Also, if you have the two extra minutes, give that to your guests. We left late because a cruise ship was blocking the pier. I think we all would’ve been fine with returning a bit late of it meant getting to enjoy the dolphin sightings instead of rushing.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer N
Anthem, AZ1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Went to Galveston for a two week family vacation. We chose the Dolphin Sightseeing Tour to start the day off on the 4th of July. Our scheduled time was at 11:30am, 83 degrees, and a bit of a breeze. The breeze was helpful, as the humidity was high and made it more pleasant to enjoy the guided tour. The tour guide provided an array information about the ship channel; history of Galveston, was friendly, interacted with all guests, and the jokes and the upbeat music just added to the amazing experience that my family and I endured. A LOT of dolphins came out, as my family and I thought they were putting on a show for our group. They are definitely not camera shy! We would recommend for others to experience, and the cost is reasonable as well. Thank you, as we will be back on a future family vacation!
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim M
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Awesome experience! The guys on the boat were absolutely funny and great with Kids. They made sure we saw lots of dolphins up close ( 10 ft or less)
My kiddo got kind of sea sick and the guys made her laugh and brought the trashcan over and cold water.
We will be going back on the tour every time we are on the island.
My kiddo got kind of sea sick and the guys made her laugh and brought the trashcan over and cold water.
We will be going back on the tour every time we are on the island.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon S
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Family
We took this tour while visiting family in Texas and we enjoyed every minute. The dolphins were so much fun to watch and I couldnt believe how inexpensive it was for all 8 of us. It was about an hour long, just long enough to keep the kids interested.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lenea McMahon
Willis, TX1 contribution
The tour guide and driver of the boat made it so much fun. They explained everything going on and we’re telling jokes and playing music. They made sure several times that we were all ok and did we need anything. I will definitely recommend it to my friends!
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rocksteady2020
Carthage, TX10 contributions
Jun 2020
I was skeptical that it would be a bit boring, but it was a nice 45 minute tour of the harbour. Not too pricey. We saw lots of dolphins and the tour guide used to work on a ship for 20 years and told us interesting facts about Del Monte, the "ghost" on the hospital stone, car import/exports. We got a pleasant rain and the breeze was lovely. I haven't tried the other tour companies but we all had fun, despite having to wear the dust masks. The company offered a free appetizer at Fishermans' Wharf. Do NOT go- it is overpriced cafeteria food. The waitresses and hostesses are not very friendly, either. They probably have a deal with the restaurant so they are obligated to offer a coupon but don't do it!!
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
6 contributions
Jun 2021
Although we bought tickets through a 3rd party vendor, we weren't allowed to go on the tour because we weren't in the ticket gal's system. Instead of trying to figure out a way to work around our tricky situation, she just stared at me and was rude.
Then, when the representative for the 3rd party booking agency called about the incident, they hung up on her.
But, the good news is that when we got to take our tour the next day with BayWatch Dolphin Tours, my kids got to see what good customer service should actually be like.
Then, when the representative for the 3rd party booking agency called about the incident, they hung up on her.
But, the good news is that when we got to take our tour the next day with BayWatch Dolphin Tours, my kids got to see what good customer service should actually be like.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you found a solution, our service is not for everyone. Unfortunately when booking through a third party, things like this happen. Please book directly with us at www.galvestondolphins.com
Written June 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amanda W
College Station, TX3 contributions
Jul 2022
We had a group of 7 ladies from work and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the outing. We saw many dolphins and the crew was fun and entertaining. Even the dad jokes were funny! Even in the awful July heat, we stayed shaded and cool on the boat. I highly recommend this tour if you're looking for something for the family or a group of friends/coworkers.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NatieBee
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
So much fun! 93 degrees hot yet it felt so cool with the boat's shade and breeze. We saw so many dolphins, some even twirled in the water. Lots of fun stuff to see along the way, too! The operators were funny and informative.
Only thing I warn about is parking. Paid $12
Only thing I warn about is parking. Paid $12
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would say as young as perhaps 7-8 years of age. Just because the water can be choppy and the speed can get fast and younger children tend to be excited and adventurous. LOL, unless you don't mind the stress I would not go younger then 6 yrs of age. Hope this helps.
Written August 27, 2022
We prefer to go in April or May. It gets too hot June, July and August. Not sure if they run the boats in September.
Written July 21, 2022
Can we bring an ice chest for water and drinks aboard ?
Written May 17, 2022
How to contact the business if we need to cancel or change dates. Didnt see a phone number or email listed.
Written April 23, 2022
When you book your reservation they send you an email with all of that information.
Written April 24, 2022
I'm afraid I didn't do the sunset cruise, so I am not one hundred percent positive about this, but there was a booth selling tickets for their tours right on the pier where we got on the boat. We saw some people there at different times of the day, and you can buy tickets to the dolphin tour right from the booth. My assumption is that you could go there during the day and buy a ticket for the sunset cruise ahead of time or go at the time of the cruise and buy a ticket for that evening. Good luck.
Written September 3, 2021
I can't remember the name of the pier, but it is right next to Willy G's (which I believe is a pub) and Harbor House Hotel and Marina.
Written September 3, 2021
Are 2 yr old required to wear a mask on board?
Is there a guarantee to see dolphins or we go again for free?
Written July 4, 2021
2 year olds won't be required to wear masks. You are very likely to see dolphins. They have resident dolphins there and they follow the shrimp boats going in and out of the harbor.
Written August 24, 2021
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