
Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 2,286 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour worth booking?
Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Clearwater, United States, from $36 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 2,286 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (2,286)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $36 per person
Established in 1999, Encounters With Dolphins has been safely providing guests the opportunity to view dolphins, learn about Clearwater and enjoy the sand and sun on Compass Island and maybe even take a dip on the island! We are a small business founded on the principal of wanting our guests to have the same experiences we would want to have on our own vacation. We’re also proud of the fact that almost all of our staff are either marine biologist, conservationist or experts in marine wildlife. All of us work tirelessly to ensure that all of our customers have an enjoyable and relaxing time with us!
What you get
About this experience
Established in 1999, Encounters With Dolphins has been safely providing guests the opportunity to view dolphins, learn about Clearwater and enjoy the sand and sun on Compass Island and maybe even take a dip on the island! We are a small business founded on the principal of wanting our guests to have the same experiences we would want to have on our own vacation. We’re also proud of the fact that almost all of our staff are either marine biologist, conservationist or experts in marine wildlife. All of us work tirelessly to ensure that all of our customers have an enjoyable and relaxing time with us!
What's included
Included
- Dolphin Sighting
Not included
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Come join us on a fun filled, narrated sightseeing tour of Clearwater’s harbor. Enjoy a relaxing ride while you learn about our abundant wildlife, and view the area’s dolphins in their natural environment. Every trip stops at Compass Island where you can collect shells, swim and the kids can even hunt for treasure! Excursions depart from the Clearwater Beach Marina multiple times every day. Spend an hour and a half to an hour and forty five minutes with our highly trained crew in the Clearwater Harbor on board our brand new 40 foot Coast Guard inspected excursion boat. For twenty to thirty minutes during your trip, the boat will stop at Compass Island where you will have the opportunity to shell hunt through thousands of shells, swim and enjoy the island.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Clearwater
We are at the Clearwater Beach Marina. The check in location is near slip 52, we have a lime green and teal booth with a metal roof.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are at the Clearwater Beach Marina. The check in location is near slip 52, we have a lime green and teal booth with a metal roof.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Encounters With Dolphins
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,284 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,284 verified traveler reviews for Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
We had an amazing time, seen a ton of dolphins. Captain Cierra and Katlynn are very friendly and informative. Will definitely recommend and will return for another trip.
Response from the operator: So glad you had a great trip, can’t wait to welcome you back aboard next time! Thanks for joining us!
via Tripadvisor
A great tour and we saw some dolphins.
We had a wonderful tour this morning on the Encounters with Dolphins boat. We saw dolphins and had a visit to the tiny island. A special thanks to Sierra and Kaitlin who were a wonder captain and first mate. We would highly recommend it.
Response from the operator: So glad you had a great trip with us! Thanks for coming!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience, the...
Amazing experience, the crew are very friendly and we were gifted a wake wave from another boat to encourage the dolphins to give us a show and boy did they!! My first dolphin experience and it did not disappoint
Response from the operator: SO happy our crew and the dolphins were able to deliver for your first dolphin experience, how awesome! Thanks for joining us!
via Viator
Very Enjoyable Cruise
We had a great time on our 5 pm departure dolphin excursion. Saw a group of dolphins very quickly and very close. Enjoyed spending some time on the island. Our captain and guide were very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Encounters with Dolphins Tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us and for the great review! Hope to welcome you back on board in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour!!
We just finished the 5pm ride with Clint, Caitlin and Sierra and it was the perfect tour. We saw SO MANY dolphins within the first 30 mins. The team was fun, relaxed and personable. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for joining us!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 800
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Clearwater.
How much does Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour cost?
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Prices start at $36 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Clearwater usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Clearwater is not rushed.
Is Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,286 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Clearwater, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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Around 800 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Clearwater can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Clearwater and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Clearwater within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Clearwater?
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Clearwater Beach fills its calendar with dolphin cruises, pirate-themed family sails, parasailing, jet ski tours around Caladesi Island and sunset trips off Pier 60. On Outty we rank every Clearwater experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach Parasailing Experience, Sea Screamer Clearwater's Only Speed Boat Dolphin Watching. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Clearwater?
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March to May and October to November for warm water without peak crowds. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Clearwater?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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Included: Dolphin Sighting. Not included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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We are at the Clearwater Beach Marina. The check in location is near slip 52, we have a lime green and teal booth with a metal roof. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour?
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Across 2,286 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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