Top 3 Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tours For 2024!

Destin, Florida is a paradise for water lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.  While this city is known for its beautiful beaches, in this post, we will look at the top Destin jet ski dolphin tours. 

With these tours, visitors can get up close and personal with dolphins while experiencing the thrill of riding a jet ski on the open waters.

Whether you’re looking to dolphin watch as they frolic in their natural habitat or want to enjoy a leisurely ride in the ocean breeze, you won’t be disappointed by what Destin Harbor has to offer. 

There are plenty of tour operators offering different packages depending on your budget and preference.

Destin is my favorite city to visit in Florida and here I’ve broken down 3 of the best jet ski dolphin tours in Destin.

Let’s dive in!

Best Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tours!

Read on for more on the top 3 jet ski dolphin tours in Destin.

📌 Important !! Must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate jet skis.

Under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Children must be 6 or older to ride jetskis.

1. Waverunner Dolphin Tour

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️     Length: 1.5 Hours      Check Rates Here

Discover the stunning Emerald Coast waters and marvel at marine life in their natural habitat with the Waverunner Dolphin Tour.

Grab your live vest and hop on a two-person water vehicle led by an experienced tour guide, explore Choctawatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and manatees. 

Along the picturesque coast, your guide will share fascinating facts about the wildlife you encounter.

Enjoy 1 hour of wildlife watching followed by 30 minutes of free play for you and your group.

After an exhilarating 90 minutes, your guide will safely return you to the starting point.

Please note, that a $10 parking fee applies from May to August, so remember to include it in your trip budget.

Lastly, keep in mind that jet skis do not have large compartments, so it’s best to leave purses and backpacks in your car.

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“My husband and I had an amazing time. We saw lots of wildlife and got to play around a little afterwards, where we saw more dolphins up close. Our tour guide “Curly” was amazing and very informative! Highly recommend it!!!!”

Michelle, TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Tour

Tour Rating: 4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 2 Hours      Check Rates Here

Join this exciting tour where you’ll hop on a Jet Ski and explore the breathtaking turquoise waters of Santa Rosa Sound from Fort Walton beach.

Witness the playful dolphins swimming, playing, and feeding from a safe distance as you zip through the waves.

To ensure minimal disruption to these majestic creatures, groups are kept small. 

You can choose to upgrade your tour to include good shots of the dolphins and photos from your adventure.

This tour allows you to visit Crab Island, known for its abundant dolphin sightings.

Please note that a 24-hour Security Hold of $200 is placed on your card during check-in.

This hold serves as protection against any potential equipment damage and is released within 24 hours.

It’s also worth noting that booking prices are per jet ski, not per person, and each accommodates up to 2 people. 

Also make sure you arrive 45 minutes prior to the tour to make sure you have time to complete the required paperwork and follow the safety instructions, including the Boater Safety Certificate test as per the company policy.

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“We had a great experience!!! Nick, our tour guide was excellent and made sure everyone was safe and having a great time!!! We got to see parts of the water that aren’t seen from shore and Nick was full of knowledge of the surrounding area; would highly recommend and ask for Nick.“

Brooklynn_J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book this Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Tour

3. Island Jet Ski Adventure

Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐     Length: 1 Hour      Check Rates Here

Don’t have that much time? Join this tour for a 1-hour adventure accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will take you to the best spots, including sand bars and secluded islands such as Shell Island. 

Explore the seven different islands and witness breathtaking views of the Intracoastal waterways.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Okaloosa Island, a world-famous paradise, where you can capture stunning photos and enjoy a fun day out on the water.

Please note that this tour is not sold per person; instead, you reserve 1 jetski with a capacity of 2 people each.

Make sure to arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled time to complete the necessary Boater Safety Certificate paperwork. 

There is also a 24-hour Security Hold of $200 placed on your card during check-in.

This acts as a safeguard against potential equipment damage and is automatically released within 24 hours. 

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Cool staff, very friendly! There are seven different islands you can go to! The water is smooth! We had a great time! When we got there we asked for a free ride vs going on tour with the instructor.”

Itzel_E ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Types Of Dolphins Found In The Destin Area

Destin Beach is home to some of the most beautiful and majestic dolphins in the world.

From bottlenose dolphins to spotted dolphins, this coastal area boasts a wide variety of dolphin species – each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.

Here are the types of dolphins found at Destin Beach:

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen species of dolphin in the area, often seen riding waves or leaping out of the water next to boats.

Wild bottlenose dolphins can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1,400 pounds!

Spotted Dolphins

As their name implies, these dolphins have distinctive white spots on their dark grey skin. 

They’re very playful and love to ride the bow wave of boats.

Spinner Dolphins

These dolphins are known for their acrobatic jumps and spins, making them a delight to watch in the wild.

They’re smaller than bottlenose dolphins, growing up to 8 feet long and weighing around 350 pounds.

Risso’s Dolphins

These light grey-colored wild dolphins are rarely seen but occasionally inhabit shallow waters near Destin Beach during winter months.

They usually travel alone or in small pods near shorelines where they feed on fish and squid close to the surface of the water.

Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tours FAQs 

What Is The Best Time Of Day To See Dolphins In Destin Florida?

The best time of day to see dolphins in Destin Florida is usually early morning or late afternoon when they are hunting.

Dolphins are most active during the day, so these periods are when they will be more visible.

However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

For example, during certain seasons, dolphins may be more active during the middle of the day since they prefer warmer waters.

Where Can I Watch Dolphins In Destin?

The best places to watch dolphins in Destin are near the shorelines or in areas where they usually hunt.

Popular spots for dolphin watching include the beaches of Henderson Beach State Park, Norriego Point, and Okaloosa Island.

You can also take a jet ski or boat tour that will bring you closer to the dolphins so you can observe them more easily.

Can You Swim With The Dolphins In Destin Florida?

Yes, you can swim with the dolphins in Destin Florida!

There are several tour operators that offer boat tours and jet ski tours which take you right up close to the dolphins.

These tours usually include a chance for visitors to go into the water and swim with the dolphins.

It’s also possible to spot pods of dolphins swimming in the bay or nearshore waters.

What Time Of Year Are Dolphins Most Active?

Dolphins can be found in the waters around Destin Florida year-round.

However, dolphins are usually most active during the summer months when they congregate in larger numbers and hunt for fish.

Dolphins tend to be more active during the day when the waters are warmer and more conducive to swimming.

What Should I Bring On The Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tour?

When going on a Destin jet ski dolphin tour, it’s important to bring the right items in order to maximize your enjoyment.

Here are some of the must-haves:

• Sunscreen: To protect you from the sun’s rays and avoid sunburns.

• Swimsuit: You’ll want to be comfortable during the tour, so bring a swimsuit in case you decide to take a dip in the water.

• Towel: This will help dry off after swimming or after getting wet from splashing waves.

• Water: To stay hydrated throughout your trip!

• Waterproof Camera or Cell Phone: Don’t forget to capture the memories by taking photos of dolphins swimming nearby!

Remember to bring all of the above in small sizes since jet skis don’t have very spacious compartments

The Wrap-Up: The Best Destin Jet Ski Dolphin Tours

Exploring the scenic waters of the Destin area on a jet ski with dolphins swimming nearby is something you will never forget.

There’s no better way to spend a day in the sun and enjoy some aquatic fun.

With the right items packed, you’re sure to have an enjoyable ride and memories for a lifetime- you won’t regret it!

Booking a last-minute trip to Destin Florida?  

If so, we have you covered.  

Top Tours in Destin Florida  – Viator

Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com

Looking To Get Around In Destin Florida? 

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗