Dolphin · United States
Where to see dolphins in the United States
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see dolphins in the United States is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the dolphin as a target species, 7 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Alaska & Seward, Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank, Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, Orange County & Dana Point, San Diego County & Oceanside and San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, scuba diving and snorkeling. Two "dolphin tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 6 of the 7 operators (86%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, May–Nov and Dec among them. There is no single season for the United States, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
7 listed operators
United States · Alaska & Seward
Major Marine Tours
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- Adults USD 149 / person
- Checked
- Official source
United States · Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank
New England Aquarium Whale Watch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Marine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults from USD 76.32
- Checked
- Official source
United States · Orange County & Dana Point
Ocean Institute
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Dec
- Price
- Ages 3+ USD 40 / person
- Checked
- Official source
United States · San Diego County & Oceanside
Oceanside Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Oct
- Price
- Adults USD 67 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch
San Diego Whale Watch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Apr
- Price
- From USD 58 per person
- Checked
- Official source
United States · San Diego & Mission Bay
Waterhorse Charters
Scuba divingSnorkelingMarine life encounters- Season
- Feb–May, Sep–Dec
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
Dolphin season
Dolphins in other countries
Other marine life in the United States
Activities in the United States
- Scuba diving in the United States186
- Island hopping and boat trips in the United States55
- Snorkeling in the United States42
- Family water activities in the United States15
- Freediving in the United States15
- Marine life encounters in the United States12
- Surfing and SUP in the United States10
- Liveaboards in the United States5
- Beaches and water play in the United States3
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see dolphins in the United States?
7 operators name the dolphin as a target species. Main regions: Alaska & Seward, Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank, Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, Orange County & Dana Point, San Diego County & Oceanside and San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch.
Do you have to get in the water to see dolphins?
Formats on record: boat-based watching, scuba diving and snorkeling. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is dolphin season?
Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, May–Nov and Dec among them. There is no single season for the United States, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Dolphins are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.