The 15 Best Catamaran Whale and Dolphin Watching in the USA

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57 per person Our pick

Sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard a roomy catamaran with a captain and deck crew. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, collect shells, paddle board, or use the waterslide. The crew, including names such as Emma, Sarah, Heath, and Clay on some trips, keeps the outing lively and easygoing.

“It was a stunning trip and they went out of their way to make sure everyone had a unique and fun experience. Everyone on board was kind and welcoming. You could truly tell how much they love their job and the people they are surrounded by. 10/10 and would absolutely book again. One of the highlights of our trip”

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2.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134 per person

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran limited to 40 people. You get premium snorkel gear, a guide in the water, turtle sightings guaranteed by a free re-ride, and lunch with beer, wine, and cocktails on the midday trip. Crew members have included Chris, Natalie, Greta, and Captain JoJo.

“It was amazing, from start to finish. The catamaran trip, the instructions, the snorkeling, the various turtles and types of fish, the attention of the crew and the good conversations. I highly recommend it!”

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3.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57 per person

Spend about two hours sailing from 5201 N Lagoon Drive through Grand Lagoon and past St. Andrews State Park. Look for dolphins, watch the sunset, enjoy music, and buy drinks from the onboard bar. The crew, including Captain Clay on some departures, may help with photos, dolphin viewing, games, and dancing when the boat returns to the dock.

“Crew was extra nice and fun especially blonde guy cannot remember his name tho must’ve been the drinks lol it was a good time!”

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4.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89 per person

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Snorkel in shallow reef water with green sea turtles, tropical fish, octopus, and starfish, then sail past Waikiki. Guides such as Jenna, Julia, Dez, Claire, and Kapono help with safety and marine life.

“Amazing experience, got the full package. Pretty up close Whale sightings, so many fish and sea turtle sightings. As well as dolphins swimming with the boat. Recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and its inhabitants!”

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5.Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49 per person

Cruise from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon on a two-hour catamaran trip with Captain Krash, Kareem, Lucy, Shannon, and their small dog Sushi. You get snorkel gear, guided time in the water, snacks, and drinks. Expect turtles and fish, with possible dolphins, whales, seals, rays, or an octopus.

“Super fun tour! Plenty of sea turtles and other fish. The water was clear, the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. A must-do experience in Hawaii”

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6.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49 per person

Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran for two hours of humpback whale watching, December through April. Captain Kiwi, Captain Carlos, and other English-speaking crew members provide lively narration, while underwater hydrophones let you hear whale songs. You’ll have open-air and shaded seating, drinks, restrooms, and wide views from both decks.

“enjoyed t he whale watching and saw many e whales Were. learned a lot as we'll.”

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7.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183 per person

Sail from Kailua Pier aboard Body Glove’s large catamaran for about two hours of snorkeling in the Red Hill area, plus dolphin watching, breakfast, BBQ lunch, floating toys, a 20-foot waterslide, and a 15-foot jump platform. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but Kealakekua Bay is not part of this trip.

“My family and I had the best time on the Body Glove Catamaran! The crew and Captain were professional, personable, and always watching for the safety of the guests. There’s something for entire on this boat. Everyone enjoyed snorkeling while my husband, teen daughter, and I enjoyed the slide, high jump, and paddle boarding. My parents enjoyed the beautiful scenery and beverages handcrafted by our gorgeous bartender. This boat has everything!!”

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8.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 709 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45 per person

Sail the Gulf of Mexico aboard Paradise Adventures’ 52-foot Privateer catamaran for about two hours. You’ll get one complimentary drink, tropical music, and possible dolphin sightings, with cocktails and snacks sold onboard. Captains Mike and Lamar and crew members such as Chelsea and Teagan have earned praise for their friendly, lively service.

“Wonderful relaxing time! Enjoyed it very much! The captain and crew were very accommodating. Just a very enjoyable experience.”

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9.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 442 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40 per person Best value

Board the 40-foot Footloose catamaran at Bluegreen Bayside Golf & Spa Resort for a 90-minute Gulf cruise timed around sunset. You can watch for dolphins, enjoy tropical music, claim a front seat for better wildlife views, and use your complimentary drink toward a relaxed evening on the water. Ryan, Lamar, Gordon, and other crew members may operate the sail.

“It was amazing!!! If you sit in the front, you will most likely get wet with sea spray. Captain Gordon and First mate Lamar were a great team! Great choices of (clean) music for everyone, non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks on board as well as a few snacks. Use the restroom before boarding unless you want to chance going below deck to use the mariners potty. This cruise was so well worth it!!!!!”

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10.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50 per person

Spend about three hours aboard the Footloose catamaran, snorkeling at Shell Island, walking its white-sand beach, and searching for dolphins in the Gulf. Snorkel gear is included, each adult receives one complimentary beverage, and crew members such as Captain Gordon, Captain Marcy, Ryan, Jamie, and Lamar help keep the trip friendly and relaxed.

“My family and I (group of 7) had an amazing experience! Captain Gordon and first mate Lamar are both great! We had so much fun snorkeling and exploring shell island. We were able to find two sand dollars, many shells, and others found a star fish and a few sea urchins! Absolutely worth every penny! Totally recommend!”

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11.Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on the Footloose Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 198 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40 per person

Sail Panama City Beach and the Shell Island area aboard the 40-foot Footloose catamaran for about 90 minutes. You’ll search for wild dolphins, enjoy tropical music, and receive one complimentary drink. Captains and crew members such as Paul, Ryan, Mike, Jaya, Nico, and Jessie have helped make recent trips lively and family-friendly.

“Marci and jack were amazing , they were very knowledgeable, had great personalities, and all around created an amazing experience for all would mostly return and set sail with them again”

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12.Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 194 reviews · 2h 30m · from $58 per person

Search Newport Beach waters from a roomy 50-foot catamaran with a 360-degree walk-around deck. Naturalist guides such as Kayla, Addy, Dani, Chris, and Larry have helped guests spot dolphins, minke, fin, and blue whales. Bring a hat or warm layer, since the bow can get breezy and wet.

“Regretefully we could not see the whale but we did watch the dolphine and sea liona! They are amaging and we love to see them naturally. For sure we will come back to look around the whale in the near future! Happy New Year to the cruise team with all the best!”

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13.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85 per person

Set out from Maalaea on Winona, Maui’s Hawaiian-built catamaran, for about two and a half hours of humpback whale watching. From December through March, you may see mothers, calves, breaching whales, and escorts. The crew, including Captains Sam and Spencer, shares whale facts, lowers an underwater microphone, and serves snacks, soft drinks, juice, water, and two adult beverages for those 21 and older.

“Excellent trip, good information, good weather, good drinks, good snacks, remember sun screen and fun friends to bring with you”

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14.Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $64 per person

Join Captain Randy and, on some departures, co-captain Ed aboard the Howling Owl, a spacious catamaran limited to six people. The 75-minute sail follows Daytona Beach’s Halifax River, with shaded seats, sunny spots, drinks, a restroom, and chances to see dolphins or manatees.

“The sail was great, the catamaran was very spacious with a very intimate group. We didn’t see any dolphins, but we had a great time enjoying the weather and conversing with one another.”

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15.Swim with Dolphins Catamaran with Waterslide & Lunch on Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $199 per person

Iruka Hawaii Dolphin takes you from Waiʻanae along Oahu’s west coast to search for wild dolphins, then to Makaha for turtles, reef fish, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a 21-foot waterslide. Lunch, gear, snacks, drinks, and onboard restrooms are included. Pickup is available from selected Waikiki and Ko Olina hotels.

“It is well worth the money. The staff is very well trained and very accommodating. I know they say they leave at 5 PM sharp but you got about 510 minutes after that to get there no longer than that. We saw many dolphins turtles even whales If I had one thing I would like to change it would be the music on board. I don’t want the sunset cruise, but there was alcohol being served, and it would’ve been nice to hear some dance music as opposed to the Hawaiian soft music other than that, everything was perfect”

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