
Getting to see dolphins in the wild is one of the great experiences along the Florida Gulf Coast. Whereas many dolphin populations are migratory and seasonal, the resident bottlenose dolphins that make their home in the waters around Sarasota and Anna Maria Island live here year-round.
That means no matter when you decide to visit us here in Florida, you have a great shot at spotting a pod of dolphins. Our real estate agents are excited to share some of the best dolphin-watching tours and cruises in the Sarasota area.
- Siesta Dolphin Tours - 1536 Stickney Point Rd dock 2, Sarasota, FL 34231
A great option for anyone who wants to see dolphins in Sarasota, Siesta Dolphin Tours offers a wide variety of cruise and tour options. The Morning, Mimosas & Dolphins tour departs each morning at 10 am and lasts about 2 hours. The Dolphins, Drinks & Sandbars Tour heads out at various times of day, lasting 2.5 hours and including a chance to hop off at a sandbar and explore. Tours depart from the docks just off Stickney Point Road, right next to Siesta Key Watersports, and minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale.
- LeBarge Tropical Cruises - 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota-based LeBarge Tropical Cruises offers Dolphin and Manatee Watch Cruises, which leave the docks daily at 11am and last approximately 2 hours. Led by a Sarasota Bay Explorers-trained marine biologist, the tours offer not only a chance to see dolphins and manatees in their natural environment, but also to learn more about their behavior and lifestyle.
- Paradise Boat Tours - 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Operating from the Bridge Street Pier at Bradenton Beach since 2014, Paradise Boat Tours offers dolphin tours several times a day, seven days a week. Taking guests through the beautiful waters around Anna Maria Island, the tours include opportunities to see manatees, rays, various fish and native birds in addition to guaranteed dolphin sightings. Paradise Boat Tours is just across the Cortez Bridge from Bradenton, and a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale.
- Go2Dolphins - 402 Church Street North, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The 90-minute Dolphin Eco Tour from Go2Dolphins offers ample opportunities to see the resident bottlenose dolphins of Anna Maria Island. The tours take place daily at 10am and 3pm, and you'll also get to enjoy some great views of the bay and the historic Cortez Fishing village. Go2Dolphins is based at Bradenton Beach Marina and also offers sunset cruises.
- Sarasota Bay Explorers - 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Located at the Mote Marine Aquarium on City Island, Sarasota Bay Explorers is another great option for anyone who wants to see dolphins. They offer a diverse schedule of tours including a Sea Life Encounter Cruise and Sarasota Sunset Cruise, with reservations available starting two weeks in advance. The Sea Life Encounter lasts 2 hours, and is the perfect option for spotting dolphins and manatees.
- AMI Paddleboard & Kayak Adventures - 12378 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
In addition to kayak and paddleboard rentals, AMI Paddleboard & Kayak Adventures offers guided tours of the mangroves along the Anna Maria River near Bradenton. Dolphins and manatees are commonly sighted on these tours, and although AMI doesn't guarantee that you'll see them, you're sure to have a memorable adventure in one of Florida's most unique ecosystems.
Contact us today to learn more about life on Florida's Sunset Coast. If you're looking for your dream home in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, we're here to help every step of the way.