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Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours
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Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours

By The Tropics Boat Tours
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Get out on the water in search of bottlenose dolphins on this cruise from Clearwater. Aboard a double-decker catamaran, listen to your captain's commentary as he points out luxe mansions along the coast. Cruise out into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico to see the region's dolphins and learn about their biology and behavior. Pack light, as drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 120 per group
Duration: 1h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Learn about bottlenose dolphins' biology and behavior from your captain
  • Dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour
  • Gain a better understanding of the Gulf Coast's ecosystem
  • Cruise Clearwater Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on a double-decker catamaran

  • Live commentary on board by your captain and crew
  • Guaranteed dolphin sightings
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food & drink (drink packages available at check in, light snacks can be purchased on board))
  • Parking

Make your way to the tour's departure point near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, where you are welcomed aboard a modern, double-decker catamaran. After you pull out of the marina, your captain points out the luxe mansions on the shore, some belonging to celebrities. Listen to tunes on the sound system, or visit the snack bar for a bite or a drink. Once you get out into the Gulf of Mexico, the commentary turns to the biology and behavior of your day's quarry, bottlenose dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for jumps and dorsal fins, and learn about their role in the Gulf Coast's ecosystem. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this tour. Return to your original departure point at the conclusion of your tour.

Start:
  • 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
    Departure Point: Central location near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5596DET

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travelers can participate
    • 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 120 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: 5596DET

    From
    $37.15
    $31.57
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • The Tropics Boat Tours
      1,308
      Clearwater, Florida
      Joined in April 2011
    • spaggetts
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Crowded and noisy
      Beside the beautiful sunset the rest of the trip was disappointing - especially since we've been on other sunset cruises that were amazing. We were packed in like sardines, there was no narration, and the children were allowed to scream and run around. It was noisy and crowded and definitely not worth the money.
      Written January 6, 2025
    • 781stanr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Exceeded expectations
      Really exceeded expectations. The crew was friendly and narrated a good amount but not too much. Thank you for the wine.
      Written November 21, 2024
    • sherrypH3889ST
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Would not recommend
      Checking-in 45 minutes in advance isn’t necessary, especially in the heat with no shade. There was a smoker on board, which is against the rules. We said something to an employee and he did take care of it, which is appreciated, but not sure why we had to say something first? The smell was obvious and I’d be surprised if the employee didn’t know. Not too much info on the trip, not even pointing out the basics like the aquarium, just bad jokes. A little boring. The worst though, was the music playlist. The songs were very inappropriate! Many of the songs had the “F” word and/or talk about sex. There were kids on board. Even if there weren’t kids, it’s not appropriate for a public setting. Listen to that music at home or in your car, if you choose, but not when you are representing your company to the public. We were disappointed.
      Written September 19, 2024
    • lasyp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great energy from staff with Dolphins sighting!
      The entire staff was friendly from start to finish. It was a nice little tour of Clearwater and the St Pete bridge. Due to the slight overcast, we didn’t get a chance to catch a view Florida’s incredible sunset, but had an opportunity to see some dolphins! We can’t control the weather so that was understandable. The effort of taking guests to spot dolphins was appreciated. I am doing the same tour when my girlfriends are in town two weeks from now and think they will enjoy it.
      Written September 16, 2024
    • Cathy G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sunset cruise
      Perfect cruise. Took us full trip around the island.fun to see beach life lit up. Good music. Informative tour of famous house
      Written July 31, 2024
    • M5993VIkarin
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sunset Cruise
      Had an amazing time, didn’t get the best sunset but it still was pretty. Loved seeing Dolphins too. The crew was awesome too.
      Written July 29, 2024
    • baseballfan53
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Recommended!
      Nice sunset cruise at a reasonable price. Booze was extra but we don't drink so this worked great for us. Some nice facts about the area and some dolphins too!
      Written July 27, 2024
    • 566macym
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      LOVED IT
      This cruise was AMAZING!! We did sunset and saw the most beautiful sunset WITH a surprise dolphin experience!!! The crew were great and boat was so fun! Will definitely do again!!
      Written July 18, 2024
    • deborahlV5130SB
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good but could have been great
      Beautiful sunset. Loved seeing the dolphins. Experience would have been better if there weren't so many people jammed at the front of the boat. Consider reducing the number of people on each trip.
      Written July 7, 2024
    • blessings32015
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Experience!!!
      The Tropix Boat tour organization is the absolute best! They were kind and generous to host a private celebration of life for a very special lady we lost too soon! The sunset cruise was amazing and their staff were extremely compassionate and their service was impeccable! I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in getting out on the Gulf of Mexico to book your tickets with Tropix Boat Tours! The Best!!!!
      Written June 9, 2024
    • F7528YXdaves
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sunset Cruise along Clearwater Beach
      Cruise was about 1.5 hours. Saw a fantastic sunset on my wife's birthday. Cruise director told us about some of the mansions located along the intercoastal waterway. Then we went out into the Gulf of Mexico where we drank Champagne, watched the sunset an learned about some of the resorts and hotels on the beach. We had a great time and saw the beach from a different perspective. Highly recommend this Cruise.
      Written June 6, 2024
    • cagenovese
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sunset cruise with my daughter
      Beautiful views. The staff was friendly. For those who buy tickets online, a better address is required. We found it, but we were not the only ones who went to the wrote address.
      Written May 5, 2024
    • jenpE147GX
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice cruise!
      This was a nice cruise - knowledgeable MC (Jay), very personable bartender (Tiffany). One of the engines went out, so we didn’t get to see the sunset. The tour operators offer the opportunity to do the cruise again, honors your drink packages, etc.
      Written May 2, 2024
    • Trvisfun
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Boat technical difficulties
      Unfortunately our boat had technical difficulties 1/2 way through and had to return to dock. Could reschedule or get full refund.
      Written May 2, 2024
    • 552cz
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent!
      Doesn’t get old! Fun cruise for family, friends or groups! Fun & safe for children as well as adults! Whichever trip you take it won’t disappoint!! 💜
      Written April 27, 2024
    See all 1,308 reviews
    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.

    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

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles341 reviews
    Excellent
    226
    Very good
    61
    Average
    28
    Poor
    11
    Terrible
    15

    Mair
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went on the sunset cruise last night and it was wonderful! The staff and crew were very friendly starting from purchasing the tickets (I don’t remember his name but he was very nice) through the end of the cruise. Kayla shared interesting facts about some of the houses that we passed by on our way to the gulf, which was fun. While they don’t guarantee dolphin sightings for the sunset cruise, we saw a pod that seemed to be performing for all the boats 😊 And at the end of the cruise, Brian was sharing info on nightlife and restaurants to check out after the cruise. If we come back to Clearwater, I’ll definitely take another cruise with them!
    Written February 24, 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.

    Ms_H64
    Villa Park, IL70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    We were hanging out in Clearwater for the day and, although it was windy, we decided to take this tour. We had intended to go on another company's boat, but they decided not to go out because of the wind; this was our second choice and we were pleasantly surprised. Everything was fine and safe. This is basically a bar on the water, but we did see a LOT of dolphins and it was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. The crew was a lot of fun and knowledgeable about the dolphins as well as the area covered by the tour. The guide pointed out a number of celebrity homes and vessels. We had one drink and it was very good. Pricey but worth treating yourself. There were people of all ages on the boat and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, even the little ones. I've read reviews of other tours like this where there were rowdy drinkers on board, but everyone here was relaxed and well-behaved. The best thing about it was the tour was discounted to $16.99 for the month of October. I think the normal $26.99 would have been a little too much for this trip, but maybe they will run the special again. Glad we went!
    Written November 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.

    galanexclusive
    Kissimmee, FL124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Couples
    The best boat tour ever. Great drinks, with great tour guide is a perfect combination. They really get you what you expect to see, dolphins swimming up close right next to the boat. Very affordable for the entire family, two floors of fun. We do recomend can't wait to go again.
    Written June 19, 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.

    Jeanne B
    5 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Family
    We had tickets to this tour through the Tampa City Pass, we went a bit out into the bay and did see dolphins, some came quite close to the boat.
    The tour guide was good at pointing them out and telling about the dolphins, the music on the boat was a bit loud though.
    Parking at the marina can be difficult we came early and found a (very expensive) parking space, by the time the boat left, all parking spaces were occupied so come early!
    Overall I would recommend to take a boat tour, but don't expect pods of dolphins jumping after the boat, we are visiting them in their natural habitat and they will show if they choose.
    Written February 21, 2024
    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.

    Kim
    Rochester, NY1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This tour was so much fun and the staff was incredibly accommodating. We had 4 adults and 6 kids in our party. We drove in from Orlando and got stuck in traffic and were going to miss our reservation. We called and left them a message and they moved us to a later time, no questions asked. We purchased the all you can drink packages which were worthwhile for the adults but the kids wanted slushies onboard and the package only included pop so we paid extra for those. We saw a lot of dolphins and everyone was taking a lot of pictures and enjoying the narration. We saw a few houses that were once owned by celebrities, which was cool. Unfortunately we ended up getting caught in a storm but they let us stay under the shelter as long as they could. The area is beautiful and there is a ton to do. There are a lot of options for tours and they all looked cool but I was very happy we chose this one and would definitely go again.
    Written July 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.

    MsMaryland007
    Pylesville, Maryland (Harford County)35 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Terrible scary experience 3/27/24 on the 4pm Dolphin Experience Boat Tour. A storm was forecasted for the same time we were to go out on our tour. I called the Tropics Boat Tours to voice my concern to see if they would cancel the tour and refund money. I was told the storm would push north of us and they would not cancel tour. We showed up as did others, many seniors, teens and children. The weather turned bad, as predicted by weather channels, with rough winds, lightning strikes and boat rocking. They had to turn around and end the tour 30 minutes in and announced they didn’t have proper staff to handle storm. It was raining so hard the MC said not to wait at the dock and hold everyone up getting off the boat. He said to telephone to reschedule or refund. I contacted them for a refund via text and was told “unfortunately, they cannot predict the weather nor refund my money!” They put the almighty dollar above the safety of their crew and passengers and I would never trust them again to take care of my safety or my family. Really, the captain and crew should be permanently suspended for negligence.
    Written March 27, 2024
    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.

    Michael C
    Tempe, AZ100 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Since Spring Training was cancelled due the virus scare, my wife and I took advantage of the City Pass that we purchased. The cruise was great. Saw many dolphins and we even saw numerous dolphins breaching out of the water. Crew was very friendly and helpful.
    Written March 15, 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.

    theresamor
    Mount Pleasant, SC45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2020
    Absolutely worth doing if in Clearwater or any of the St. Pete's Beach areas! it is such a beautiful boat ride, we saw plenty of dolphin-even a baby! Candace was excellent, as were Brian and Josh. Drinks are available, plenty of seating, and easy to book, to park and plenty of other activities and food in the area! Recommend getting there 1 hour ahead of time just to park then send a family member to get the ticket code from the Boat Tour check in-this will allow you to enter it to pay for up to 6 hours. Please tip them well! This is so inexpensive, and they deserve great tips! Wear sunscreen for sure! Go to Clearwater Aquarium after! The bathroooms are available in the hotel beside the water to the right of the Tropics check in (on 10th floor) or in the Marina by parking!
    Written November 28, 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.

    Passport190004
    2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Not happy at all with this company.
    You can only reach them through an answering machine and they never respond to messages left.
    On the day of our tour, it was just prior to Hurricane Elsa going through Tampa Bay.
    We tried to call them, but again, only the answering machine.
    We made the trip from Tampa through torrential downpours--even though we were certain the tour was cancelled due to the weather.
    BUT their website and all their e-mails say that they WILL notify you if there is a cancellation. We received NO such notification.
    We called that afternoon requesting to rebook, and still a week later, no response.
    So, we were out our tour and out our money.
    Written July 12, 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.

    Bpuffin
    Miami, FL75 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    This dolphin tour was worth it. We saw so many dolphins it was unreal. The staff was great….drinks an snacks an more drink an complimentary water. It was so hot that they get lots of praise for free water. The boat ride was smooth, an comfortable, the price is good, an if you don’t spot dolphins , the boat ride is worth it.
    Written June 20, 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.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

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