Dolphin Tour in St. Pete Beach

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Kick off your adventure in charming Gulfport, a colorful waterfront village where sailboats sway, pelicans dive, and sunsets steal the show. This laid-back bayside town blends Old Florida charm with beachy, artsy energy. Stroll the marina, snap photos by the historic waterfront casino, and soak up the relaxed coastal vibe before cruising into Boca Ciega Bay in search of dolphins. It’s the perfect start to your Salty Pelican getaway.

   30 min

2. Soak up the sunshine along St. Pete Beach, where powder-soft white sand meets sparkling turquoise Gulf waters. Cruise past swaying palms and the famous pink Don CeSar as seabirds glide overhead and dolphins play offshore. With warm breezes, postcard sunsets, and pure Florida beach energy, this iconic stretch of coastline delivers the ultimate vacation backdrop for your Salty Pelican adventure. ☀️

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3. Cruise past the legendary Don CeSar, the iconic pink “Palace” that has defined the skyline of St. Pete Beach since 1928. Built during the roaring twenties by developer Thomas Rowe, this grand Mediterranean Revival resort quickly became a playground for America’s elite, hosting celebrities, dignitaries, and even U.S. presidents. During World War II, it served as a military hospital before returning to its glamorous resort roots. From the water, its blush-pink towers rise dramatically above the sugar-white sand and sparkling Gulf waters — one of the most photographed sights on Florida’s west coast. Warm sea breezes, circling seabirds, and frequent dolphin sightings make this historic landmark feel alive with vacation energy. It’s not just a hotel — it’s a piece of Florida history wrapped in sunshine, and a highlight of your Salty Pelican cruise.

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4. Glide past the sun-soaked shores of Isla del Sol, where palm-lined waterfront homes, sailboats, and sparkling blue waters set the scene for classic Florida living. Tucked between Gulfport and St. Pete Beach, this tropical island community feels like a hidden slice of paradise. Keep your camera ready — dolphins often cruise these calm bay waters, adding a little extra magic to your Salty Pelican adventure.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 194 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Dolphin/Manatee experience

  It was really informative! We didn’t even care about seeing dolphins as we didn’t see them until the end of our trip.. But, not only did we see a pod of dolphins.. We also saw a manatee and learned a ton about different bird species..

  veronicabO6860WFOctober 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Perfect for families!

  This tour was the absolute BEST!! Such a fun way to see the water in a more quiet and personal way vs a big boat!! Our guide was so great!! There were multiple kids on our tour and it was so family friendly! Our daughter had a blast and loved seeing so many dolphins! We loved hearing about some of the history of the area and the drinks for purchase on board were a major plus for the parents! We can’t wait until next year to come down and book a tour with Salty Pelican again!!!

  kwarnerrdhSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Must do!

  We loved this experience so much! Bob and Aaron were so nice and helpful. They really wanted us to have a great experience. We ended up seeing at least 3 pods of dolphins, one with a baby! I felt like this was so fairly priced for what it was. Definitely recommend!

  lizdY8287CKSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5got to see the dolphin!

  love that we got to see dolphins and the captain was a great guide with info about the area. beverages available onboard with free water bottles

  kim_JAugust 2026via Viator

• 5Great tour

  We had an incredible time with Salty Pelican Boat Tours! From start to finish, the trip was seamless and exceptionally well run. The captain’s local knowledge was outstanding—he pointed out amazing hidden spots, shared fascinating local history, and knew exactly where to take us for the best views along the route. As a parent taking my kids out on the water, safety is always my top priority, and Salty Pelican blew me away. The safety brief was thorough, the boat was impeccably maintained, and the captain went out of his way to make sure the kids were secure, comfortable, and having fun the entire time. It made for a completely stress-free experience for the adults, allowing us to relax with a perfectly ice-cold beer while taking in the scenery. Watched dolphins in their natural habitat as well

  aderajewt2026July 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5A little bit of everything

  Th captain and Avery were great! While we love tours when visiting (or returning to) a city, we don’t love when they talk the entire time. This was a great balance of information while allowing us time to roam the boat, take pictures, enjoy the views, watch for dolphins (which we saw!!) and just relax. I’d do another tour when them for sure!

  Christina_Renee_04July 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in St Petersburg

• Its from-price is 55% below the median of the 212 experiences we list in St Petersburg.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 28 of 212.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a Florida city on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf, known for its Dalí museum, waterfront parks, murals and beaches.

St Petersburg lies at the tip of the Pinellas peninsula in Florida, with Tampa Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. It earned the nickname the Sunshine City, and its downtown waterfront has parks, a long pier and a harbour full of yachts. The Salvador Dalí Museum holds one of the largest collections of the painter's work outside Europe, and the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chihuly Collection add to the arts district.

Top-ranked sights in St Petersburg: St. Pete Beach, Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, North Straub Park.

See all 212 experiences in St Petersburg