Last Updated on August 10, 2023
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Looking for an unforgettable experience on your next vacation to the Emerald Coast of Florida? Then look no further than these dolphin & sunset cruises in Destin!
Not only will you get to see dolphins up close and personal, but you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sets.
These Destin dolphin cruises offer both day and evening tours, so you can choose whichever fits better into your schedule. The tours last from 90 minutes up to 4 hours, and take you through some of the most beautiful waters in Destin.
You’re sure to see plenty of dolphins frolicking in the waves, and perhaps even a few other marine creatures such as turtles or stingrays.
No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience on a Destin dolphin tour or sunset cruise. So book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable vacation!
Booking a last-minute trip to Destin?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Destin
Hotel Effie Sandestin – (Top-Rated Hotel Near Miramar Beach)
The Grand Sandestin – (Highly Rated Hotel In Destin)
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa – (Top Rated Resort Nearby Beach)
Residence Inn Sandestin – (Mid-Range Hotel Located At Grand Boulevard)
Looking To Get Around In Destin?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Here are the highest-rated boat sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours in Destin. All of the tours recommended in this post are rated 5 stars on Viator.
We’ll start with the Private Sunset & Harbor Cruise which is one of the best sunset cruises Destin.
5 Best Dolphin & Sunset Cruises In Destin Florida
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 18 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 1.5 Hours
If you’re looking for a sunset cruise AND an opportunity to see dolphins, then this is a great option! The Private Sunset & Harbor Cruise takes you and the entire family out for an unforgettable evening on the water.
With plenty of cruise time, spend this 90-minute evening tour looking for dolphins in the water as you enjoy the views and watch Florida’s sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. With breathtaking views, you’ll have the best seat for a magnificent sunset!
This is a family-friendly private cruise and you enjoy this intimate experience with up to 15 of your closest family and friends on this tour. (Up To 16 Passengers Total) With so many people allowed, this cruise is a great option for a bachelor or bachelorette party.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Sunset Sail Along Choctawhatchee Bay, & Destin Harbor
√ Dolphin Sightseeing
√ Visit Crab Island & Norriego Point For Sunset Views
√ Grab Food Or A Refreshing Beverage At One Of The Harbor Restaurants
If you’re looking to skip the sunset tour and just do the sightseeing & dolphin watching, the same company offers this tour.
Photo Credit: Cruisin’ Tikis Destin
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 200 reviews!
Tour length- 1.5 Hours
Cruise around Destin in style on this unique tiki boat cruise. Each tiki boat can take up to 6 people and if you have a larger group, they can take you out on multiple tiki boats.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ They provide the cooler and the ice- you have to bring your own drinks if you’d like (BYOB) You can also bring your own snacks
√ Get Incredible Views Of The Sunset On The Water From The TIki Boat
√ Watch For Dolphins
√ Catch The Sunset At Crab Island
√ Experienced Local Captain
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 30 reviews!
Tour length- 4 Hours
With up to 6 guests on the pontoon, there are plenty of activities on the tour to keep the whole group busy and entertained.
The itinerary is open and they will take you to do what you want including dolphin watching, snorkeling, exploring the beaches, and other activities. It’s common to see sand dollars, fish, and other marine life while snorkeling in the area.
Bring your beach day essentials- swimsuits, sunscreen, towel, etc.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Dolphin Sightseeing As You Cruise The Area
√ Relax & Swim At One Of The Beaches Or Crab Island
√ Snorkeling In The Area’s Clear Waters (They Provide Gear)
√ Paddleboarding
√ Splash Into The Water On The Waterslide
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with 20 reviews!
Tour length- 3 Hours
Sail away on the catamaran where you’ll have plenty of time to search for bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. You’ll enjoy the soft breeze as you head on over to the emerald green waters of Crab Island.
This is a private boat tour and there will only be 6 people allowed on the cruise, so you’ll have an intimate experience and still have plenty of room.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Dolphin Sightseeing As You Cruise To Crab Island
√ Snorkeling Gear Is Provided
√ You Have To Pay For Parking On Most Of The Tours But Parking Is Provided On This Cruise
√ Experienced Local Sailor/Captain
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator!
Tour length- 4 Hours
This family-friendly adventure takes you out trolling for fish while you also spot pods of dolphins playing in the water.
The wild dolphin tour and fishing cruise is a private charter and allows up to 6 people in your group to allow for a more personal experience.
Bring your own snacks and drinks on the tour, as well as any beach day essentials and fishing clothes.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Dolphin Sightseeing As You Cruise The Destin Area
√ In Shore Fishing
√ Fishing Rods & Bait
√ Experienced Captain
Destin Dolphin & Sunset Cruises- FAQ’s
What Time Of Day Is Best For Dolphin Watching?
It’s said that the dolphins are most active after sunrise, late morning from 10 am- noon when the water is still generally calm. From 2 pm- dusk, there’s also a good opportunity to see dolphins.
What Is The Best Month To See Dolphins In Destin, Florida?
Destin has plenty of dolphins that live here all year round, but May through August are the best months to see dolphins in their natural habitat as this is also when dolphins come here to mate.
Just keep in mind that Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest season of the year, so book in advance if you can. These tours will fill up fast!
What Should I Bring On The Boat Cruise?
Many of the cruises ask that you bring your own beach day essentials such as sunscreen, towels, and you can find these and more below.
Never hit the water without your sunscreen. You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.
Sun Bum Sun Screen
If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack. Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.
Quick Drying Beach Towel
Bring back memories from your underwater adventure with this waterproof camera that’s made for snorkeling!
Waterproof Camera
Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case.
Waterproof Phone Case
Looking to do your own dolphin & sunset cruise without the guided tour? If so, rent your own boat with the Crab Island Pontoon Rental
Final Thoughts:
5 Best Dolphin & Sunset Cruises In Destin
As you can see, dolphin tours in Destin are a great way to see these playful creatures up close and personal. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset while on the cruise. This is a great activity for the whole family or groups of friends.
After an exciting day of exploring all the city offers, there is no better way to end the day than with a sunset tour or a Destin dolphin cruise.
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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