dolphin tours in daytona beach

Daytona Beach Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tours

The Ponce Inlet Watersports Eco Tour Boat provides a fully narrated, 90-minute cruise along the Intracoastal Waterways between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, allowing you to take in the breathtaking sights while learning about the local history and wildlife.

The tour is committed to animal welfare guidelines, ensuring that our manatee scenic boat tours are both enjoyable and responsible.

During your cruise, you can anticipate sightings of diverse wildlife like:

• Shore Birds
• Sea Turtles

You may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin surfacing to take a breath, as research has shown that they can remain submerged for eight to ten minutes on average .

What you can bring:

• Snacks/Food

On every trip, we set anchor and get off the boat to explore spoil Islands along the Intracoastal waterways and collect shells.

Don’t forget to look for shells, sand dollars, hermit crabs and other sea creatures! (Collection methods vary depending on conditions).

If you prefer a more personal wildlife viewing experience, consider booking a private eco tour. These exclusive adventures offer a customized journey through the Daytona Beach area, allowing you to embark on Daytona Beach cruises and boat rides that provide intimate encounters with dolphins , manatees, and other marine life. Enjoy the experience of a scenic boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway in a more private setting!

We are eager to offer personalized Daytona Beach dolphin tours, where you might also catch a glimpse of the majestic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Our boat rides Daytona Beach FL promise memorable adventures, and for your convenience, we accept all major credit cards. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day on the water or an exhilarating experience, our tours are tailored to meet your preferences.

If you’re interested in booking a private eco tour for you and your family , call (386) 405-3445 for more information.

Check out our partner, Daytona Beach Parasail for some thrilling parasail action!

Don't just take our word for it

Get in touch today.

Questions? Simply fill out our form below

Ponce Inlet Watersports is your place for fun water activities in the Daytona Beach area. We offer many different activities: Dolphin and Manatee boat tours, Public Fishing Charters, Private Fishing Charters, Private family charter, Kayak Rentals, Parasailing, Guided Jet Ski Tours and Burials at Sea.

Email: [email protected]

Address:  4958 S Peninsula Drive Suite 1, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

Lighthouse Marina Ponce Inlet, FL Close to Daytona Beach Closest to inlet, disappearing island

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• Manatee & Dolphin Tours
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4 Best Dolphin Tours In Daytona Beach!

by waynekask | Mar 31, 2024 | Atlantic Coast , Blog | 0 comments

Last Updated on March 31, 2024

Embarking on one of the best dolphin tours in Daytona Beach will give you the amazing opportunity to see Florida’s wildlife up close.

These tours offer the chance to see these playful and intelligent creatures in their natural Florida habitat, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Each of the tours is led by an experienced guide that will bring you out into the water and give you the best chance to see dolphins, manatees, tropical fish, and other marine life. 

Dolphins are one of the most majestic sea creatures out there, and seeing them in the wild is something special that you’ll remember forever!

Taking one of these great Daytona Beach dolphin tours is a great way to add a new and unique experience to your Florida vacation! 

Top Choice √ Best Dolphin Cruise In Daytona Beach

Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour In New Daytona Beach

Best Dolphin Tours In Daytona Beach!

Photo Credit- Daytona Beach Kayaking

1. Guided Wildlife And Dolphin Kayak Tour

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 60 reviews!

Tour length- A pproximately 2 hours

Hop aboard a kayak and head out into the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, in search of the ocean’s most majestic and beloved creatures; dolphins.

On this kayaking eco tour, your guide will lead you into the Indian River Lagoon, which has lots of biodiversities and is very important to Florida’s ecosystem.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to search for marine life, such as tropical birds or bald eagles, crabs, and fish.

You’ll paddle your way through mangrove tunnels and waterways and allow the guides to walk you through the local history of the area and what animals live here.

And of course, be on the lookout for the wildlife that you’re really here for- the dolphins!

You may also spot Florida manatees on your journey through the lagoon, as they also call this place home. 

Dolphins are very playful creatures, so they may even wander alongside your kayak and you’ll get to see them up close and personal, which is quite an unforgettable experience!

Included in this tour:

Kayak and paddle

Life jacket

Guided tour

Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:

“Terry was an incredible guide. Exceptionally knowledgeable and informative. She really made the experience one of a kind! We saw crabs in trees and even a dolphin jumping out of the water. She has a great eye. I definitely would not have seen the wildlife without her. Book your tour with Wildlife Eco Kayak tour!”

Heidi_D  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Book the Guided Wildlife Dolphin And Kayak Tour

Photo Credit- Three Brothers Board

2. Dolphin And Manatee Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 1450 reviews!

Tour length- Approximately 2 to 3 hours

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to experience the playful and intelligent dolphins of Daytona Beach, this tour allows you to get on the water on a stand-up paddleboard and see them for yourself!

Rather than sitting on a boat or on shore, you can really enjoy the playfulness of the resident bottlenose dolphins as you paddle through the water just off Daytona Beach.

Your guide will lead you along the shore, where you’ll pass under several bridges and a yacht club.

Plus, you’ll make your way through dozens of small islands and shallow canals, which are some of the best locations to spot marine life.

As you make your way along the coastline, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the dolphins in their natural habitat, swimming and playing alongside your paddleboard.

You may also spot the gentle manatees as they float through the water.

You’ll be on the water for around 2 hours, but if your group is enjoying your time with the marine life, the guides will stay with you on the water for a short time longer!

Plus, the guides take into consideration the best starting times for the tours to see lots of dolphins, which is in the morning when they are most active.

So the chances of spotting the wild animals are higher than it is on some of the other tours!

Paddleboard and paddle

Tour guide 

“An amazing spur of the moment activity. We were first timers and the tour guy, Ryan, was excellent with teaching us and showing us a great time; especially in windy conditions. A must do! They’ve totally encouraged a new activity into lives. Thank you. “

Brenda_V ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Book the Dolphin And Manatee Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour

Photo Credit- Paddle Pub Daytona Beach

3. Daytona Beach Paddle Pub Tour

 This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 50 reviews!

Tour length- Approximately 1 Hour and 30 minutes

This Paddle Pub dolphin tour in Daytona Beach is not just any old boat tour – it’s a unique and lively experience that combines sightseeing, socializing, and paddling all in one!

Hop aboard this unique and comfortable pontoon boat and get ready to paddle to power the boat. 

While you do have to put in some work, all of your hard efforts will be worth it once you spot the amazing bottlenose dolphins in the water!

As you and your group pedal your way through the calm and scenic Intracoastal Waterway (Halifax River) which flows right through Ponce Inlet, enjoy the beautiful scenery.

You’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the area’s most fascinating wildlife – including the playful and friendly dolphins that call these waters home.

You also might spot sea turtles or tropical fish as you paddle along.

You’ll even pass by some of the best attractions on Daytona Beach, including listening to the live music from several of the beach bars and restaurants.

Another of the best parts of this tour is that you’re able to bring your own alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks to enjoy on your tour!

There are coolers available to keep your drinks cold, and you don’t have to worry about purchasing expensive drinks.

Party lights and music play as you stroll through the water, in search of wild dolphins, and as you socialize with the others on the boat!

Time aboard the paddle boat

On-board restroom

“Capt Caleb and Maxwell first mate were awesome, accommodating and fun! A great group activity. The views were beautiful and we got to see dolphins. It was a beautiful day and fellow boaters were friendly. Stress free and if you get tired no worries.”

Deborah_K ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  √ Book the Daytona Beach Paddle Pub Tour

Photo Credit- Turtle Mound Tours

4. Dolphin And Manatee Private Boat Tour

Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours

If you want to experience seeing the Sunshine State’s amazing marine life, like dolphins and manatees, then a few hours spent on this boat tour by Turtle Mound Tours will make your Florida trip unforgettable!

Pack up your favorite snacks and drinks and board the large pontoon boat with your friends and family as you embark on the water on a private boat tour.

No one else besides your group joins in, so you’ll get to enjoy the tour all by yourselves!

Sit back and relax as your captain drives your boat through the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for marine life!

Dolphins, manatees, turtles, and tropical fish are all often spotted on this tour through New Smyrna Beach.

As you cruise through the pristine waters of the Indian River, your guides will be able to help you watch out for the telltale signs of dolphin activity- from their majestic jumps through the air to their fins popping up above the surface of the water.

Dolphins are such playful and social creatures that they might just swim right up next to your boat!

And because there won’t be anyone else aboard besides your group and the captains, you can enjoy everything even more!

From family photo opportunities to listening to your favorite music as you cruise, this personalized tour is a must-do!

Private boat ride

Life jackets

Book the Dolphin And Manatee Private Boat Tour

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Daytona Beach Dolphin Tours – FAQs

Can you see dolphins in daytona beach.

Yes, dolphins are often spotted along the shoreline in Daytona Beach.

But the best way to see these magical creatures is to take a tour, such as this kayaking dolphin tour in Daytona Beach .

On the tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the bottlenose dolphins, as well as other marine life.

What Time Of Day Is Best To See Dolphins At Daytona Beach?

Wild dolphins in Daytona Beach are most active during the morning hours.

They spend time feeding in the morning, and you can often see them jumping through the water.

On this dolphin-watching tour , you’ll head out during the morning to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

What Is The Best Time For Dolphin Tours?

Late spring to the end of summer is the best time to take a dolphin tour in Daytona Beach, as this is when the creatures are the most active.

But, dolphins are able to be seen year-round in Florida, thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Taking your tour in the morning allows you the best chance to see them.

How Much Is A Dolphin Sunset Cruise?

Depending on which tour you take, dolphin tours can range between $40 to $100 per person in Florida.

Most dolphin-watching tours in Florida take place in the morning, so it is less likely to book a sunset cruise since dolphins are most active in the morning.

What Should I Bring On The Daytona Beach Dolphin Tour?

Never hit the water without your sunscreen.  You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.

Sun Bum Sun Screen 

If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack.  Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.

  Quick Drying Beach Towel

Bring back memories from your underwater adventure with this waterproof camera!

Waterproof Camera

Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case. 

Waterproof Phone Case 

Wrap-Up: Dolphin Tours In Daytona Beach

Spotting dolphins while visiting Florida is one of the most memorable parts of many people’s trips to the Sunshine State.

And when visiting the east coast of the state, you can take dolphin tours in Daytona Beach that allow you to get up close and personal with the magical ocean creatures!

From seeing them splash through the water to watching them cruise alongside your boat or kayak, you’ll never forget your time spent with dolphins in Florida!

You may be interested in these related posts:

Where To Stay In St. Petersburg FL: Best Areas & Hotels For Every Vacationer

7 Best St. Pete Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours!

9 Best Places To Stay In Clearwater, Florida

5 Best Clearwater Beach Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours

15 Best Beaches In Tampa, Florida! (2023)

15 Memorable Day Trips From Tampa

27 Best Things To Do In Clearwater Beach, Florida

Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.

For more information, please read the disclaimer page . 

Booking a last-minute trip to Daytona Beach?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations !

Top Hotels In Daytona Beach

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Daytona Beach – ( High-Rated Hotel Near Airport)

Hardrock Hotel Daytona Beach – (Top Rated Beach Nearby Hotel)

The Daytona, Autograph Collection – (Modern Design Hotel With Top Location)

Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort   – (4-Star Hotel With Beachfront View)

  Looking To Get Around In Daytona Beach?

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The Manatee Scenic Tour Boat has suspended operations and is not accepting or taking reservations at this time. Effective Immediately. Please contact World Famous Boat Tours at  386-331-3483  or  https://worldfamousboattours.com/

SUNDECK & RESTROOM

FOOD AND DRINK

Our Tours - Enjoy a 2 Hour Scenic Cruise Aboard The Manatee

Driving directions.

ADULTS: $32.00

CHILDREN 3YRS – 12: $22.00

SENIOR CITIZENS: $28.00

Boarding at “Down The Hatch” Seafood Restaurant

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

SUMMER SUNSET CRUISE

2 Hour Seasonal Cruise June & July departing daily at 6:30pm and returning at 8:30pm

Reservations Required

ADULTS: $34.00

CHILDREN 3YRS – 12: $24.00

SENIOR CITIZENS: $30.00

*Not recommended for children under 2 yrs

Advance Booking Required For CHARTER CRUISE

Charter Fee: $1500 + Tax 2 Hours | $750 + Tax For Every Additional Hr. Private Charters Are Subject To A Standard 20% Gratuity.

Passenger Capacity: 50

Private Charter Includes the Following: * Private Indian River Cruise * All Safety Equipment * Fuel * Insurance * * Experienced, Knowledgeable, US Coast Guard Licensed Captains *

BOARDING AT

Reservations on Hold

(386) 761-2027 [email protected]

Floating Time Charters

Daytona Beach, Florida

Fun Fishing Trips in Daytona Beach with Captain John!

Scenic Boat Tours

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse on our tour of the Halifax River

Enjoy a private boat tour on the beautiful Halifax River with Captain John Dolphins ~ Manatees ~ Exotic Waterbirds ~ Fabulous Waterfront Homes ~ Florida’s Tallest Lighthouse

Scenic Boat Tour Rates

Scenic Boat Tours 2 hour $250 Price is for up to 6 passengers

Longer charters are available. Please call for rates.

These are Private Boat Charters

The whole family will enjoy a relaxing scenic boat ride on Florida’s Halifax River! 

Your private boat charter and tour begins just minutes from downtown Daytona Beach! Your scenic tour begins at the Dunlawton Bridge Boat Launch just 6 miles down river from downtown Daytona Beach.

We begin our tour by cruising up the Halifax River to see the magnificent waterfront homes of Daytona Beach. Here you will see the ultimate in Florida living with the homes of Daytona Beach’s “rich and famous”. From there we head down river towards the beautiful blue waters of Ponce Inlet, where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes out for Florida bottle-nosed dolphins that are commonly seen swimming and feeding along the Halifax River. We’ll pass through the pristine, semi-tropical lower Halifax River basin. This lush, undeveloped portion of the Halifax River is the “Real Florida”, exactly as Ponce de Leon saw it 500 years ago when he first discovered “La Florida”. Keep your eye out for all sorts of exotic waterbirds as well as birds of prey like bald eagles and ospreys.

At Ponce Inlet, you’ll see Florida’s tallest lighthouse. This 175 foot lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in America and a National Historic Landmark.

On the way back, we’ll hit some of the slow moving, mangrove-lined creeks to look for Florida manatees in their natural habitat. On your scenic boat tour, we’ll also pass some of the most popular waterfront restaurants in the entire Daytona Beach area such as ‘Inlet Harbor’ , ‘Down the Hatch’ and ‘The Grill at Riverview’ where you can stop for drinks!

Captain John Can Customize a Tour for You and Your Family!

This is YOUR private boat tour! Whether you want to make the focus of your private boat charter an Eco-Tour, a Dolphin Tour, a Manatee Tour, a Waterfront Homes Tour or just a see-it-all Scenic Cruise, Captain John is flexible with whatever you would like to do!

See the Real Florida!  Everyone is familiar with the beautiful, wide, hard-packed sand beaches of Daytona Beach, the Daytona International Speedway, home of NASCAR, and of course the wild and crazy Daytona Bike Fest. In addition to these familiar tourist attractions, some of the most beautiful unspoiled natural scenery found anywhere in Florida is just minutes from downtown Daytona Beach. There are hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles and of course dolphins and manatees that live along Daytona Beach’s Halifax River.

The Halifax River is home to Florida’s Bottle Nosed Dolphins

You are very likely to see dolphins on your Daytona Beach scenic boat tour with Captain John. Dolphins are very common all around Daytona Beach from the offshore coastal waters along the beaches to the inshore waters of the Halifax River. Dolphins are common enough around Daytona Beach that our scenic eco-tours could just as well be called Daytona Beach Dolphin Tours. But dolphin watching is just part of the fun when you’re on a boat tour around Daytona Beach with Captain John!

There are actually three species of dolphins at home in Florida waters.   The warm waters and mild winters of Florida and the Daytona Beach area as well as the abundant food source makes Florida particularly well suited for dolphins. The most common of these is the Florida bottle-nosed dolphin. The Hollywood animal celebrity “Flipper” was a Florida bottle-nosed dolphin. They are the dolphins most often seen around Daytona Beach. Bottle-nosed dolphins are easily recognized by their blue-gray coloring and lighter shading along their sides and bellies.

The other two dolphin species found in Florida waters are the “common” dolphin and the Atlantic spotted dolphin. The “common” dolphin has a shorter nose than the “bottle-nosed” dolphin and more pronounced two-tone coloring. The Atlantic spotted dolphin has light colored small spots or speckles all over its body. Of the three species, it’s the bottle-nosed dolphins that are most associated with interacting with humans. That’s because “common” dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins usually stay further offshore than their bottle-nosed cousins. The “common” dolphin is very common along the Florida coast. The Atlantic spotted dolphin tends to stay much further out to sea and is more often seen as far offshore as the Gulfstream, which is about 50 miles from the Daytona Beach shoreline.

The Florida bottle-nosed dolphins, the “Flippers”, are as much at home in the inshore waters around Daytona Beach as they are offshore. They have no problem spending the majority of their lives in the brackish inshore waters around Daytona Beach. Bottle-nosed dolphins are a common sight along Daytona Beach’s Halifax River, the Intracoastal Waterway and especially at Ponce Inlet where the fishing is especially good.

Dolphins are very social creatures and can be found in groups or pods of three to fifteen individuals. You may even get lucky enough on your Daytona Beach eco-tour to see a mother dolphin nudging her newborn baby dolphin up for air as he learns to swim in his first hours of life.

Dolphins are highly intelligent and curious mammals and they are not shy around humans. It is against federal law to feed, harass or swim with wild dolphins. Close interaction with wild dolphins can be harmful to wild dolphins. Like any other wild animal that gets fed by humans, wild dolphins can get habituated to getting free food from humans and will associate humans with food. That could mean approaching fishing boats and risk getting cut by propellers or entangled in fishing lines. Swimming with wild dolphins can also be dangerous to humans if they believe the humans are a threat to their young or interfering with their fishing for food.

Dolphin Watching!  When dolphins are spotted on your Daytona Beach scenic charter, Captain John will get you close enough to enjoy the thrills of dolphin watching but at a safe distance so as not to interfere with the dolphins activities. After all, we don’t want to harm the dolphins or scare them away so they’ll still be there the next time you charter a boat for a scenic tour in Daytona Beach! 

There are so many manatees in the Halifax River basin that the river is designated as a Manatee Sanctuary.

Several of the major tributaries of the Halifax River, the beautiful Tomoka River, Strickland Creek, Thomson Creek and Dodson Creek are also all designated as part of a Manatee Sanctuary.

As popular as dolphins are in Florida, the manatee is Florida’s official state marine mammal. The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. (The other subspecies is the Caribbean manatee) There are also two other separate species of manatees, the Amazonian manatee in South America and the African manatee. As an underwater, grazing herbivore that feeds on the lush underwater grass beds found in Florida, the manatee is also known as a “sea cow”.

The Florida manatee is officially listed as “endangered”. This does not mean they are about to go extinct. Quite the contrary, there are many healthy populations of manatees in Florida, including the Daytona Beach area. But it does mean the Florida manatee is strictly protected. The manatee’s fragile habitat is what is really endangered specifically from overdevelopment along the shores of its grassy seabed feeding grounds. There are about 5,000 manatees in Florida.

Where are Manatees Found near Daytona Beach? Since manatees are herbivores that graze on underwater grassbeds, they can be found wherever these grassbeds thrive in Florida’s coastal bays and wetlands. This includes shallow, slow moving rivers like Daytona Beach’s Halifax River and the slow moving creeks near Daytona Beach such as Spruce Creek and Smyrna Creek. Manatees can live in fresh, brackish or salt water as long as there are underwater grassbeds for them to graze. They are most often found in shallow water, about 3 – 8 feet deep, which is the depth of the grassbeds they feed upon.

Volusia County, which includes Daytona Beach, is home to a healthy population of manatees. There are manatee protection zones along the Halifax River which require slow speeds to protect the slow moving creatures from injury from boat propellers. In addition to these ‘go slow’ zones there are several federal manatee refuges along the Halifax River. North of Daytona Beach, where the Halifax River begins, there are manatee refuges on Halifax Creek, the Tomoka River and the Tomoka River Basin. South of Daytona Beach there are manatee refuges around Ponce Inlet. The citizens of Daytona Beach and all of Volusia County have made a long term commitment with the state of Florida and the federal government to protect the local manatee population.

A Scenic Boat Tour in Daytona Beach is a fun adventure for the entire family! When you’re ready to have fun on the water in Daytona Beach, contact Captain John of Floating Time Charters.

For Fishing Pictures from Floating Time Charters with Captain John Schmidt visit our Photo Gallery

Howling Owl Sailboat Of Daytona Beach

We specialize in a more personal experience. We offer "private" boat ride tours and dolphin sight seeing to ensure that your party will be the only one aboard during your boat cruise.  Even our "public" tour option is limited to 6 guests guaranteeing a less crowded experience.  We depart from behind Caribbean Jack's, one of the top restaurants in Daytona Beach.  Turn your sail into a dinner cruise and bring Caribbean Jack's fantastic food along with you!

Dolphin Sight Seeing

River Trips

Sunset Cruises

Private Party Boat Cruises

Public Boat Rides 

Our Daytona Beach boat cruises offer stunning views of the breathtaking wildlife on the Halifax River in and around Daytona Beach.  Experience the sensation of flying above the water while you sunbath on the forward trampolines.  When you have had enough sun head back to the aft deck and have a seat in the shade while enjoying the same beautiful scenery.  The Howling Owl is also equipped with restroom facilities.

Cancellation Policy: Howling Owl Sailing Inc. and / or it’s Captains- at their sole discretion, may cancel this charter for any reason including weather, mechanical breakdown or other Force Majuer.  Should a cancellation by Howling Owl Sailing Inc. occur, every reasonable effort to reschedule the charter to the mutual satisfaction of Howling Owl Sailing Inc. and the customer will be attempted. In the event of a cancellation by Howling Owl Sailing Inc. no fees are assessed. Howling Owl Sailing Inc. is not responsible for any loss incurred by the reservation customer as a result of a cancellation and shall make the final determination, in its sole discretion, as to all matters of scheduling. If the charter customer cancels the reservation the customer will be charged the full charter fee as determined at the time of the reservation being placed.

125 Basin St. Suite 140

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 402-1353

DINE AND CRUISE

Come enjoy a delicious meal surrounded

by the beauty of the intracoastal

waterway on the Halifax River! ​

  $25.95  

Enjoy dinner, dessert, unlimited soft drinks, music, sightseeing info, free parking and free prizes on a scenic

  1  1/2 hour cruise ​

plus tip, tax and port fee 

PLUS... full Bar on board with

discounted drinks ! 

We have Heat and A/C.

Dinner & River Cruise

All-Inclusive  1 1/2 HOUR CRUISE INCLUDES DINNER , DESSERT, UNLIMITED SOFT DRINKS, MUSIC, SIGHTSEEING INFO, FREE PARKING, AND FREE RAFFLED PRIZES.  WE ALSO HAVE A FULL BAR ON BOARD!

plus  tip, tax and $5.00 port fee.

How it Works

THE BEST DEAL IN AMERICA!

Your Ticket includes  your 1 1/2 hour cruise, dinner, dessert, Unlimited soft drinks, music, sightseeing, free parking and free raffled prizes. All this while enjoying your scenic cruise on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Plus, we have a full bar on board with discounted drinks!  

No, we are not kidding... You get all this for JUST $38.89 Total for an adult ticket  (includes  18% tip. 6.5% Tax and $5 port fee    

 We even have kid prices  and meals ...   GROUPS WELCOME!!

Imagine....you are leisurely feasting on a mouth-watering dinner while on board the Lady Dolphin of Daytona for your delicious sightseeing Cruise on the Halifax River.

Leave your cares behind as you relax and enjoy the warm gentle breezes and breath-taking Halifax River

scenery on your Daytona River Cruise with dolphins playfully swimming around you on this incredibly beautiful scenic river cruise.

Celebrate 

Dine and Cruise is a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or group events!

Perfect activity for out of town guests, group events, a great casual getaway or just join us for a delicious dinner!  Dress is casual and comfortable.  

JUST PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW TO RESERVE THEM.    Read our  cancellation policy here. 

also makes a great gift!

Delicious Menu

Choose your dinner when you arrive for your cruise.  Choices include:

Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp

Turkey, stuffing & gravy

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Unlimited free Soft drinks come with meal.

Kids meals, Vegetarian and Vegan options also available! ​

Bar drinks are separate.  

Bottled Beer and Wine $4

Mixed Drinks $8 and Up

Full Bar on Board

We have a full Bar with $4 per bottle for beer or wine and mixed drinks are $8 and Up.  You may run a tab for a large group. (Unlimited Soft drinks are included with dinner.)  

Sailing Schedule

Sailing daily click below to see our sailing schedule, why spend money to go out to eat and just stare at 4 walls    ... while you could be surrounded by beautiful scenery while enjoying your delicious meal and it even costs less.

Kids Specials, Shark Fishing, Inshore, Offshore & Deep Sea Fishing Trips in Daytona Beach, Florida with Captain Corey

Kids Specials & Shark Fishing

Dolphins spotted on our Daytona Beach eco-tour on the Halifax River

Manatee mama and her calf in the Halifax River.

Dolphins playing with our boat in the ocean.

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Daytona Beach Blog

Where to see manatees and dolphins in daytona beach.

Although zoos and aquariums can be fun and educational, there’s nothing quite as exciting as seeing a sea creatures in the wild! And luckily, Daytona Beach provides plenty of opportunities to see a range of animals up close, including the two biggest wildlife draws in the area: dolphins and manatees. When the time is right for you to travel and you’re ready to start planning a vacation, we’ve got some great ideas!

The West Indian manatee is native to the Florida coast, and you have a good chance of seeing one firsthand during a visit to Daytona Beach. They instinctively flock to warm waters, making Florida’s sunny coast an ideal choice year-round, but especially in the winter months. These manatees are native to Florida and are generally considered a migratory species; they tend to gravitate between slow-moving bays, rivers and estuaries of all varieties — freshwater, saltwater and brackish.

Typically, manatees surface every three to four minutes while swimming, and they can remain submerged for about 15 minutes while resting. With such frequent surfacing, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see a “sea cow” for yourself!

Similar to the lovable manatees, dolphins are routinely spotted along the Daytona Beach shoreline and in the area’s inland waterways throughout the year. Although these creatures move a little more swiftly than the manatee, it’s still common to see them frolicking or fishing. On average, dolphins can stay under water between eight and ten minutes — but you’ll often see them pop up much more frequently than that!

There are several ways to see manatees in the Daytona Beach area — you may even spot them while simply walking along the shore! Manatees and dolphins can be seen right from the beach, standing on the Boardwalk, or at one of the many waterfront restaurants in the area. Beyond that, check out these top sites for manatee and dolphin viewing:

Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour

Get a close-up glimpse of the area’s wildlife with a Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour from Three Brothers Boards . The group’s popular paddle board tour is a truly unique experience that can only be found in a couple of places in the entire world. Created for all ages and experience levels, every tour starts with an on-ground demonstration and lesson on using a stand-up paddle board (and if you’re still not feeling confident, 1-, 2- and 3-person kayaks are available). Then, the tour takes off to several different pockets known for a high concentration of wildlife.

Eco Boat Tour

Climb aboard The Manatee Scenic Boat Tour or Ponce Inlet Watersports eco tour boat for a scenic excursion narrated by professional cruise directors. As you cruise along the protected wetlands and mangrove shores of Ponce Inlet and the surrounding waters , you’re likely to see dolphins, turtles, native birds and manatees. This river cruise is an ideal way to absorb the natural beauty and learn about the area — all while scoping out some dolphins and manatees.

Watch video:  Head to Daytona Beach for endless eco-adventures! 

Dine and Cruise

Dine, cruise and soak in unforgettable views of manatees and dolphins aboard the Lady Dolphin of Daytona paddle wheel boat!  Dine and Cruise is a two-hour river cruise which includes dinner, dessert, unlimited soft drinks, music and sightseeing information, on the Intracoastal Waterway.

This state park with a natural spring is like a magnet for manatees every year, especially between November and March. Blue Spring State Park is a quick 45-minute drive away from downtown Daytona Beach, and offers lots of room to explore.

Tips to Remember as You Encounter Nature

Manatees are a federally listed endangered species and are protected by federal and state laws. There are strict rules about human interaction with them, but you certainly can still have a memorable experience. Look, but don’t touch! Keeping your distance and passive observation are the best ways to view manatees and dolphins. Be sure to do your part to protect our mild-mannered friends and keep Daytona Beach wild!

All sorts of outdoor adventures await in Daytona Beach! Check out the area’s long list of eco-tours and wildlife exploration opportunities — and start planning your trip today!

Daytona Beach Area CVB