The sunny waters around Pensacola serve up several reliable dolphin-watching options. Among standouts, the well-run Frisky Mermaid fits nearly 50 folks on public tours or 6 on private excursions, earning top marks from past visitors. For a budget-friendly choice, Pensacola Beach Jolly cruise packs good value at $39, with smaller groups of 24 creating a more intimate feel. The private powerboat tours, while pricier, deliver close-up encounters with not just dolphins but often sharks and sea turtles too.
I’m especially fond of the Frisky Mermaid tours for their consistently excellent spotting record and knowledgeable guides who know exactly where these playful mammals hang out.
Let’s explore our carefully selected top dolphin-watching tours in Pensacola.
Key Points
- Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours offer public and private cruises with a capacity of up to 49 and 6 passengers, respectively, and high customer ratings.
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise provides a scenic 24-person cruise at $39 per person with amenities like complimentary water and restroom access.
- Private Powerboat Dolphin Cruises cater to groups of up to 6 or 15 passengers, offering dolphin, shark, and sea turtle sightings, as well as remote beach stops.
- Dolphin Watching and Scenic Tours offer a private cruise along the Pensacola coastline, with opportunities for seashell hunting and knowledgeable crew.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies, including free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before, are available for most tours.
Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax
Departing from behind Shaggy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill in Gulf Breeze, the Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise accommodates up to 49 passengers on a 485-review, 5.0-rated experience that 97% of travelers recommend.
While no coolers or pets are allowed, the cruise offers restrooms and the option to purchase food and beverages.
Parking is available at Casino Beach or across from Shaggy’s, but visitors mustn’t park in Shaggy’s lot. The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues.
However, the crew is praised for their friendliness and professionalism, and passengers report enjoyable experiences, including dolphin sightings and scenic beauty.
Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour
Situated along the picturesque shores of Pensacola Beach, the Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of the region.
This top-rated tour boasts an average 5.0 rating from 459 reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending the experience. For just $39 per person, guests can embark on a scenic cruise aboard a vessel accommodating up to 24 people.
The tour includes complimentary bottled water, restroom access, and gratuities. While the cruise isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable crew, who provide fascinating insights about the local dolphins and the beautiful bay.
Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 6 Guests
For those seeking a more intimate and personalized dolphin watching experience in Pensacola, the Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop provides an exceptional opportunity.
Accommodating up to 6 guests, this private tour offers a chance to witness dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and even the famous Blue Angels in their natural habitat.
With a 5-star rating and 100% recommendation, guests rave about Captain Paul’s expertise and the tour’s highlights, including a remote beach stop and opportunities for swimming and shell collecting.
Described as well worth the price, this customizable experience is perfect for families, especially those with teens, seeking an unforgettable day on the water.
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin + Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour
This 3-hour Frisky Mermaid Dolphin + Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour offers guests a delightful opportunity to witness the playful antics of dolphins and take in the picturesque views of Pensacola Bay.
Priced at $385 for up to 6 people, the tour includes bottled water, soda, and gratuities. Guests meet the captain at the departure point behind the Frisky Dolphin Restaurant/Sandbar, where they’ll embark on a private boat excursion.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. With a 96% recommendation rate and 5.0 rating, this tour promises an unforgettable dolphin-watching experience in Pensacola.
Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 15 Guests
Set out on a captivating 3-hour private powerboat cruise in Pensacola, where the chance to spot playful dolphins takes center stage.
Accommodating up to 15 guests, this exclusive experience offers a front-row seat to the marine life in the area. Equipped with a restroom and bottled water, the cruise also includes private transportation and gratuities.
Departing and concluding at the Pensacola Beach Marina, the tour promises a memorable encounter with nature.
With a perfect 5-star rating across 7 reviews, this dolphin-watching adventure is a must for nature enthusiasts visiting Pensacola.
Private Boat and Dolphin Watching in Florida
Ahoy Boat Tours offers a captivating private boat and dolphin watching experience in Pensacola, Florida. Priced at ₹30,372.69 per group of up to 6 people, this 5-star rated tour provides the opportunity to spot dolphins and witness the Blue Angels.
Guests can bring their own food and beverages, and the boat is equipped with soda, soft drinks, and water. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.
With a convenient location near public transportation, this private experience is ideal for most travelers. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable Captain Bob and the comfortable boat setup, often expressing a desire to repeat the tour.
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tour + Secluded Beach + Equip
The Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tour + Secluded Beach + Equipment offers a unique private experience in Pensacola, Florida. The tour, priced at $499 for up to 6 people, includes soda, water, and fuel surcharge.
Guests can expect to see dolphins, sharks, and visit the picturesque Sand Island. The captain is praised for making the experience memorable and sharing local knowledge.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s recommended for those with moderate physical fitness. Guests can’t get a refund for cancellations, but they’re encouraged to share photos.
2 Hour Private Dolphin Cruise & Bay Tour
On a private 2-hour cruise, guests can search for dolphins, stingrays, shorebirds, schools of fish, and turtles as they pass by the Pensacola Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, and Fort Pickens Area.
Priced at $375 for up to 6 people, the tour provides bottled water and a relaxing experience as the captain navigates.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the tour has received positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guide and close encounters with dolphins.
Guests can book with free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.
Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Beach Stop + Seashell Hunting
This private Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise takes guests on a scenic journey along the Pensacola coastline, offering the chance to spot dolphins, search for seashells, and enjoy a relaxing beach stop.
Operated by Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals, the tour accommodates up to 6 people and departs from 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
Priced at $545 per group, the non-refundable experience requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With 5-star reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, this private cruise promises an unforgettable adventure exploring the natural beauty of Pensacola Beach.
Recap
Pensacola offers a variety of dolphin watching tours, from public cruises to private powerboat excursions. Visitors can expect to see dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy scenic views of the bay. These tours provide a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating marine mammals up close while exploring the beautiful coastal environment of Pensacola.