Coastal areas in Alabama offer tons of fun on-water activities you can enjoy with your friends and family.
You can visit the beach to feel the sand’s softness, enjoy the best food, or go boating with the sinking sun.
However, one of the best activities in Alabama is taking dolphin cruises in Gulf Shores and the nearby areas.
Gulf Shores originally started as a humble fishing spot, but it has become one of the leading fishing communities over time.
Its dolphin touring companies are an absolute attraction.
Although many touring companies in Gulf Shores tailor dolphin tours according to your preferences, we have gathered the best ones below.
Top Dolphin Tours Gulf Shores, Alabama
WildNative Tours
Initiated in 2004 at the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, WildNative Tours became significantly famous after the tour-based management opportunity by the Five Rivers Delta Safaris.
Over the years, the company matured and is now one of the leading operators of dolphin tours in Gulf Shores, offering fun, knowledge, and affordable journeys to make your vacations memorable.
The tours are around the Alabama Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores) and Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta, with chances of likely spotting a dolphin crew alongside other marine life.
The company offers five cruising options, and the pricing varies with each cruise.
Tours depart at different times; hence, it is best to check availability.
Address: 2923, 4159 Co Rd 6, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone No: 251-272-4088
Related Reading: Best Fishing Charters In Gulf Shores, Alabama – Click Here To Find Out.
Back Bay Charters
Most Dolphin tours in Gulf Shores offer shared boats which may keep you from thoroughly enjoying the dolphin sightings.
Black Bay Charters is a private charter boat that ensures you get a VIP dolphin cruise according to your preference.
Taking up only six members at a time, the Black Bay Charter boat’s impeccable design helps you experience the dolphins closely.
The immersive experience is matchless compared to other large boat cruises, with more than 50 people competing for the view.
Most encounters happen in bays around Perdido Key in Orange Beach, Alabama.
The fun part is you can sometimes find a dolphin just off the Coast in the Gulf!
For booking your unforgettable cruise, contact Black Bay Charters at:
Address: 5749 Bay La Launch Ave #4138, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
Phone No: 251-500-1400.
Cold Mil Fleet
Established in 1997, this company, the Cold Mil Fleet, helps you reclaim your calmness and explore your passion through their special dolphin tours.
The company arranges 360-viewing tours in classic refurbished 50-feet boats.
Although each trip lasts 1.5 hours, the view of dolphins jumping and surfing leaves an everlasting impression on your mind.
There are five cruises: Daytime cruises, sunset cruises, private cruises, field trips, and double surf cruises, so you can easily pick the one that suits your needs.
You can make reservations for experiencing the scenic inland waters by contacting here:
Address: 5749 Bay La Launch Avenue, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
Phone No: 251-943-3510
Gulf Adventures Fishing
Captain DeJuan Tedder, the expert at Gulf Adventures Fishing, has been fishing the waters of Mobile Bay, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan for more than 30 years.
Thus he is remarkably aware of the best dolphins’ habitats and their peak activity time.
The 1.5 hours-long tours on their dolphin cruise will be something your family will cherish forever.
Moreover, the company has a reputation for celebrating various fish seasons.
Not many of us have fished a Red Snapper!
Address: 1577 Alabama 180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone No: 251-978-9711
Related Reading: Parasailing Opportunities In Gulf Shores – Find Out Here.
Famous Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
Besides the Dolphin tours of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach is another great spot for sighting dolphins in their natural habitat.
Sunny Lady Dolphin Tour – Best Dolphin Cruise
If you are a fan of a family-owned dolphin touring company, then Sunny Lady Dolphin Tour is your go-to.
The Ideal cruises of 1.5 hours let you closely experience the dolphins and other marine life in their ecosystems.
Each boat holds 133 passengers with onboard life-preservers and lifeboats.
The adults’ tickets cost about 22$ and tickets for children from 4 to 12 cost 18$.
In addition to online bookings, Sunny Lady Dolphin Tours is reachable at:
Address: 4673 Wharf Pkwy, Orange Beach, AL, USA,
Phone No: 251-589-7117
Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises
Unlike many dolphin tours Gulf Shores companies, the Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises is renowned for its double-decker cruiser that allows sighting dolphins homing in the Gulf of Mexico unhindered!
Since most dolphin fleets are found along Orange Beach and like to accompany their human friends, you will likely witness a fin or two in the first few minutes.
The onboard snack bar adds to the charm of the cruise.
You can also enjoy a 2 hour on water trip at Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises.
They arrange cruises from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: 27212 Marina Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone No: 251-981-7673.
Waverunner Dolphin Excursions by Alabama Extreme Sports
The Wave Runners of Alabama Extreme Watersports level up their popularity from the dolphin tours Gulf Shores companies.
They charge $162 per 2-seated wave runner for a 90-minute long guided eco excursion.
Their experienced guides take you to the popular spots for marine wildlife and capture incredible moments.
They have a flexible tour cancellation policy so that you can cancel your tour 24 hours before the departure for a complete refund.
For reservations, you can visit the company here:
Address: 5749 Bay La Launch Ave Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone No: (251) 345-1301
Related Reading: Best Airbnb To Stay In Gulf Shores – Find Out Here.
Caribe Cruiser Dolphin Tours
Caribe Cruiser Dolphin tours offer different kinds of cruises.
They have exposed and shielded boats.
Some have onboard snack bars, while others allow you to carry drinks.
The tours last for 75 to 90 minutes and the most affordable option costs each person around 17$ moreover there are no charges for children younger than three years.
You can explore the best tourist spots and enjoy kid-friendly activities with their fantastic dolphin tours near Gulf Shores.
There are often some discounts and coupon schemes, so make sure you ask if any are available.
Address: 28101 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
Phone No: (251) 980-8410
The Fun Boats
The Fun Boats treat their guests like family, and their waters are the favorite playgrounds of Orange Beach dolphins.
This company has a liking among children as they can enjoy water guns battles against other boats and passengers.
The guides are informative and fun; moreover, kids can hold and touch marine animals for an unforgettable experience.
Address: 3900 Bayou Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA
Phone No: 251-971-1893
Where To Rent Kayaks For Dolphin Tours?
Go – Go Kayak Rentals
Kayak renting is an essential aspect of dolphin cruising.
Here Go Go Kayak Rentals can help.
They rent paddle boards and kayaks so you can enjoy your vacations without worrying about the equipment.
The kayaks by Go Go Rentals are perfectly stable and easy to control.
Therefore, they are a top pick for Dolphin tours Gulf Shores visitors.
You can visit the shop and pick up the equipment of your preferences or rent them online, and the company will deliver them to your address.
Go Go Kayak Rentals offers delivery on all days, including Sundays, from 9 am to 5 pm.
You can visit their official website or contact them here:
Address: 8874 AL-180 w, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States
Phone No: (251) 540-7529
Dolphin Tours Gulf Shores – FAQs
What is the best time to see dolphins in Gulf Shores, Alabama?
You can see dolphins in Gulf Shores, Alabama, at dawn, from 10 am to noon, and between 2 pm and dusk.
Can you see dolphins at Gulf Shores, Alabama?
You can see dolphins from Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the back bays around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
How long is a dolphin cruise in Orange Beach?
Most dolphin cruises at Orange Beach last up to 1.5 to 2 hours.
Related Reading: Top Gulf Shores Beaches – Click Here To Learn More.
The Bottom Line
Dolphin tours at the Gulf shores and Orange Beach are one of the most fun activities for tourists and locals.
Over time, the Gulf Coast fishing community has progressed and become home to the USA’s most famous dolphin cruising companies.
Different cruises have different prices and equipment.
Some use kayaks, while others use refurbished navy boats with onboard snack bars.
Hence, choosing a cruise that matches your needs and budget is the best.
