Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater
Clearwater, United States

Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

Outty Ranking 90 4.8 · 2,277 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $36

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September 2026

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Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$36
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Outty Ranking

90/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 2,277 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 2,277 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 (2,277)
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

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

    1. 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 15 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

    Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 2Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 3Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 4Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 5Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 6Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour in Clearwater, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,273 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    2,273 verified traveler reviews for Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,047
    4 star
    141
    3 star
    40
    2 star
    15
    1 star
    30
    Sort
    Vacation55204625378 · August 2026

    Highly Recommend

    Great boat ride even though we didn’t see dolphins. Crew was very nice. Get to come back for free whenever since we didn’t get to see any dolphins. Highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    jamesrI2587GO · August 2026

    Maybe Next Time

    Was a beautiful day for sightseeing on the water and though the guides were great and captain was excellent we didn’t see any dolphins.

    Response from the operator: We’re so sorry the dolphins weren’t out and about that trip, that’s always a bummer, even for us! While it is very uncommon that we don’t see any, it does happen from time to time unfortunately. But that’s why we offer the free re-ride to make sure we can get you a good sighting. Make sure you utilize that in the future and I hope the dolphins are plentiful for you next time!

    via Tripadvisor

    Connector29222558218 · August 2026

    Great value. Great time.

    Great time and excellent value. Captain Zack and First Mate Kaitlyn were very knowledgeable and did a great job pointing out points of interest and wildlife. We saw manatees and several pods of dolphins. At least 20 to 30 dolphins in total, including a baby. Captain Zack then coordinated with other tour boats and got the dolphins to put on a show. It was unreal.

    Response from the operator: Woah sounds like an awesome trip with dolphins, manatees & a show! Glad you had a great trip, thanks for joining us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Mario_M · August 2026

    Local visitor- From Orlando

    Very nice tour... We got to see Mama Dolphin hunting with a couple of her babies. Tour guides were very friendly and provided some nice insights on houses along our route. Read your itinerary well as there was a stop where we could have gone swimming (Not with dolphins) and we did not dress for the occasion.

    Response from the operator: Sounds like you got quite the show! & now you know for next time you can bring a bathing suit and towel if you wish! Since you’re not too far we hope to welcome you back soon!

    via Viator

    858rakiah · August 2026

    Great boat

    Captain Zack and Mikayla were amazing, they were friendly and fun. We encountered a great show of the dolphins.

    Response from the operator: Happy you had a great trip & our crew made it memorable for you! Thanks for coming!

    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
    797
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 90

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,277 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 797 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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