Last Updated on October 2, 2022
Looking for an unforgettable experience on your next vacation to Destin, Florida? Then look no further than a Destin dolphin & sunset cruise! 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!
Top Choice √ Best Destin Dolphin Tour & Sunset Cruise
Private Sunset & Harbor Cruise- Up To 16 Visitors
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun family activity, these sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours are sure to please. You can book a tour that specializes in one or the other or there are tours on this list that cover both!
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 a top-rated, popular tour in Destin.
Highest Rated Destin Dolphin Tours & Sunset Cruises
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator!
Tour length- Approximately 1.5 Hours
If you’re looking for a sunset cruise AND and opportunity to see dolphins, then this is a great option! The Private Sunset & Harbor Cruise takes you out for an unforgettable evening on the water.
Spend this 90 minute evening cruise looking for dolphins in the water as you enjoy the views and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
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)
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 Drink 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
Ready for an adventure?! This private pontoon tour is just the thing for you! This 4-hour dolphin boat cruise has sightseeing, snorkeling, and lots of other amenities.
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
If you’re staying in nearby Fort Walton Beach, then this catamaran cruise is the perfect way to explore Destin!
Sail on the catamaran where you’ll have plenty of time to search for dolphins and other marine life as you head on over to Crab Island.
This is a private tour and there will only be 6 people allowed on the cruise.
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
Since Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, it’s a great idea to try your luck on a fishing tour while here!
This family-friendly adventure takes you out trolling for fish while you also spot pods of dolphins playing in the water.
The dolphin and fishing cruise is a private tour 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 as this is also when dolphins come here to mate.
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:
Highest Rated Destin Dolphin Tours & Sunset Cruises
As you can see, dolphin tours in Destin are a great way to see the these playful creatures up close and personal. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset while on the cruise. This is a great activity for families or groups of friends.
After an exciting day of exploring all that Destin has to offer, there is no better way to end the day than with a sunset cruise or dolphin tour.
No matter which option you choose, these Destin Dolphin Tours & Sunset Cruises are sure to give you an unforgettable experience!
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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