Where to See Dolphins in Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay and Shell Key

Chace Vaughn

11 hours ago

3 min read

Bottlenose dolphins live in the waters around Gulfport and St. Pete all year. Scientists have documented long-term resident dolphin communities in the Tampa Bay area, so these aren't just passing visitors. They feed, play and raise their calves right here. With a local captain who knows where to look, you have a great chance of seeing them up close. Here's where our captains find them most often, and how to make the most of your trip.

1. Boca Ciega Bay, right off Gulfport

Our Gulfport dock sits on Boca Ciega Bay, and it's one of the best places in the area to see dolphins. They work the channels and grass flats looking for fish, and it's common to watch them surface, chase mullet or cruise alongside the boat within minutes of leaving the marina. Keep an eye out for manatees, pelicans and ospreys too.

Best trip: our 2-hour Dolphin Tour from Gulfport Marina, $375 for your private group of up to 10.

2. Shell Key and Bunces Pass

The water around Shell Key Preserve and Bunces Pass, where the bay meets the Gulf, is another favorite. Dolphins move through the pass with the tide and often feed along the edges of the sandbars. The water here is especially clear, so on a calm day you can see them under the surface, not just when they come up for air.

You can combine dolphin watching with a beach day: anchor off Shell Key, swim, look for shells, and watch for dolphins in the pass.

Best trip: our Shell Key Island Tour, 4 hours for up to 10 guests, $595.

3. Pass-a-Grille at sunset

Dolphins are often active in the early evening, and the mouth of Pass-a-Grille is one of the best sunset spots in Florida. A sunset cruise gives you a good shot at both.

Best trip: our Private Sunset Cruise, 3 hours from Gulfport for up to 10 guests, $425, or the Romantic Couple's Sunset Cruise for two.

Tips for seeing dolphins

Go when the water is calm. Flat water makes it much easier to spot fins and see dolphins below the surface.
Bring polarized sunglasses to cut the glare, plus a hat, sunscreen and a phone or camera ready to go.
Be patient and quiet. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed, but our captains know where they usually feed.
Look for birds. Diving pelicans and terns often mean baitfish, and where there are baitfish, dolphins often follow.

Watch them the right way

Dolphins are protected by federal law. NOAA's viewing guidelines ask boaters to:

Stay at least 50 yards away and limit viewing to about 30 minutes.
Never feed dolphins. It's harmful to them and illegal.
Never chase them, surround them, or come between a mother and her calf.
Slow down to no-wake speed and approach from the side or behind, never head-on.
If the dolphins choose to come over to the boat, enjoy it, but let them set the pace.

Our captains follow these rules on every trip, so you get a great view without disturbing the animals.

Book a dolphin trip

Every trip is private: just your group, your own licensed captain, and room for up to 10 guests. BYOB, snacks and pets are welcome on our boats (pets have a $50 fee).

Weekday deal: take $50 off any captained trip Monday to Thursday with code WEEKDAY50 at checkout.

Not sure which trip is right for your group? Call or text us at 727-348-8020.