Best Dolphin Cruise in Gulf Shores, AL : A Review of the Top Companies

There are so many unique things to do in Gulf Shores, AL. At the top of the list is a dolphin cruise! It is exactly what it sounds like: a trip out to sea on a sight seeing boat to check out some beautiful dolphins in their natural habitat.

But, how do you choose a cruise? We’re here to help you find the best dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores, AL for your family (because every family is different).

We have done a comprehensive review of the companies currently offering a dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores and put all of that information in one place (you’re welcome).

In a hurry? We can save you the trouble if you don’t have time to read every review. Our top pick is the Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise!

From our list, you’ll be able to compare prices, duration, departing location/proximity to your lodging, age recommendations and quality of experience. If you find one you like, click on the link to book the cruise today.

[We may receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you-a win for both of us!]

Looking for other awesome things to do in Gulf Shores, AL with kids? Check out our post here for a current list of the best family attractions.

What can you expect from a Dolphin Cruise?

Most dolphin cruises take 30-60 people out on a tour boat to see dolphins play in their natural habitat. The tour itself lasts about an hour and a half from start to finish and generally includes a tour guide talking over a loud speaker, 20-30 minutes of dolphin viewing, an experience with at least one other aquatic creature (think crab, fish, etc.) and access to snacks and restrooms.

All dolphin cruises we have researched are approved for all ages but do have a minimum weight requirement for infants due to the required life vests. Most weight requirements begin around 18 lbs.

We would personally recommend a dolphin cruise for ages 3 and up, but some two year olds may be ready for the experience also. If you are considering a dolphin cruise with a younger toddler, we highly recommend choosing a cruise that is more family oriented and “lively” (see #4 on our list).

The Best Dolphin Cruises in Gulf Shores

To help break down the information, we created boxes that highlight all of the necessary info and allow you to easily compare all of the recommended cruises. Continue reading reading below each box for a more detailed description of each tour.

The Experience: If you are looking for an awesome dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores, AL then this is it! This cruise is one of the few that are certified to travel out into the Gulf, meaning your scenic views will be more picturesque.

They have blue crab traps out in the water that they pull in so that younger guests can pet a live blue crab (or anything else they caught). The dolphin show is very lively and makes it hard to believe that the animals are wild.

They do not serve meals on the ship but they do offer a snack bar and encourage you to bring any food/drink you may need. A restroom is also on board.

The boat capacity is 75 guests (and it is usually sold out) so take note if you are looking for a smaller boat than this one. They make every effort to accommodate individuals with special needs if notified ahead of time.

The cost varies based on time of day. Daytime cruises are $21 for adults, $18 for children ages 4-12, and $5 for infants ages 0-3. Sunset cruises are $23 for anyone 4+ and $5 for infants.

You will board the ship at Pleasure Island Tiki Bar at Sportsman Marina . The address is 27844 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA. Click “Book Now” above if interested!

The Experience: This eco boat tour is more or a low-key nature lover tour. The smaller eco boat travels around the waterways of Orange Beach to allow visitors to meet a local pod of dolphins.

In addition to dolphins, visitors may also see bald eagles, alligators, heron, osprey, hawks, and more. Due to the smaller size of the eco boat, it can easily navigate creeks and swamps which allows an up close observation of the wildlife listed above.

All tours begin at 3:00 PM. They offer a snack bar and and an adult beverage bar (with photo ID).

Cruises are $25 for adults and children ages 3 and up. Infants ages 0-2 are free. Infants must sit on laps and weigh at least 18 pounds to travel.

The boat capacity is 49 guests (and it is usually sold out) so take note if you are looking for a smaller boat. They make every effort to accommodate individuals with special needs if notified ahead of time.

The Experience: *This eco boat tour is the same tour listed above but it begins at 6:00pm to include the sunset in the tour time.*

The smaller eco boat travels around the waterways of Orange Beach to allow visitors to meet a local pod of dolphins. In addition to dolphins, visitors may also see bald eagles, alligators, heron, osprey, hawks, and more.

Due to the smaller size of the eco boat, it can easily navigate creeks and swamps which allows an up close observation of the wildlife listed above. As a bonus, this Gulf Shores dolphin cruise doubles as a sunset dolphin cruise! What a great way to enjoy the water at sunset.

They offer a snack bar and and an adult beverage bar (with photo ID). Infants must sit on laps and weigh at least 18 pounds to travel.

The boat capacity is 49 guests (and it is usually sold out) so take note if you are looking for a smaller boat. They make every effort to accommodate individuals with special needs if notified ahead of time.

The Experience: The Big Fun Dolphin Cruise (Gulf Shores, AL) combines dolphin spotting and water battles for one epic cruise! Although the boat is larger, they limit capacity to ensure guests are comfortable.

There is a restroom on board the boat and ample seating both inside the boat and on the deck. This cruise has been rated one of the most family friendly dolphin cruises in Gulf Shores!

In addition to water wars and dolphins, passengers will also get to see and hold other marina wildlife like shrimp, crabs, fish, etc. The Big Fun Dolphin Cruise truly lives up to its name and provides so many fun activities for the whole family!

You will board the big fun boat at 3900 Bayou Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 and cruises are $30 for all passengers.

FAQs

Are there dolphins at Gulf Shores?

Are there actually dolphins to see while on a dolphin cruise? Yes! In abundance! The dolphins seem to be very intrigued by the dolphin cruise boats so they swim very close to them..

The dolphin cruises in Gulf Shores are so confident that you will see dolphins that they will offer you a free cruise the next day if you do not. That seems pretty confident to me!

So, there is a 99.9% chance you will see dolphins on a dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores AL.

How much is the dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores Alabama?

A dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores, AL ranges in price from $18-40 depending on the age of the passenger and the time of day of the cruise.

Children typically cost less than adults during daytime cruises. Sunset dolphin cruises are the more expensive cruises and all passengers are the same price.

What is the best time to see dolphins in Gulf Shores Alabama?

The best time to see dolphins in Gulf Shores, Alabama during the day is between 2pm and sunset. You will notice most cruises offer 3:00pm and 6:00pm cruises and this is why.

The best time of year to see dolphins in Gulf Shores is from late Spring through the end of summer. This is the mating season for dolphins so you will see more female dolphins that have come closer to the coast to mate.

How much is a dolphin tour in Gulf Shores?

A dolphin tour is the same as a dolphin cruise in Gulf Shores, although they are often listed separately. The prices will be the same as those listed above.

Where in Gulf Shores can you swim with dolphins?

There are no cruises in Gulf Shores that allow you to swim with dolphins in the ocean. If you really want to swim with dolphins in Gulf Shores you can take a trip to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.

Wrap-Up : The Best Dolphin Cruise (Gulf Shores, AL)

Obviously there are a few options for types of cruises and times of day. I hope this gives you enough resources to choose a cruise that works best for your family while you visit Gulf Shores! Do you know of any great cruises in the area that we missed? Please leave a comment if you do so we can update our list. Happy traveling!