north carolina dolphin tours

THE 10 BEST Dolphin & Whale Watching in North Carolina, United States

Dolphin & whale watching in north carolina.

• Golf Courses
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Hiking Trails
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Capt Johnny's Outer Banks Dolphin Tours

2. Paradise Dolphin Cruises

3. Family Water Adventures

5. Miss Hatteras

6. Carolinas Coastal Adventure Tours

7. Nags Head Dolphin Watch

8. Hurricane Fleet

9. Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

10. Carolina Runner Boat Tours

11. Lookout Adventures

12. Soundside Tours LLC.

13. Kitty Hawk Kites

14. Spinning on Sunshine

15. Kitty Hawk Kites

16. Take Two Sailing Catamaran

17. Island Water Sports

18. TourH2O Ocean Isle Beach

19. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

20. Island Time Water Tours

21. Hot Ticket Fishing Charters

22. Tradition Fishing

23. Good Fortune Sail Charters

24. Arnaud Péka

25. Captain Andy Water Tours

26. Crystal Coast Experiences

27. Reef Raider Charters

28. Countrytime Coastal

29. JOHN THOMAS

30. Wavelength Charters

What travelers are saying.

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Dolphin tours on roanoke island, nc.

Paradise Dolphin Cruises located in Wanchese, NC, operates the  Kokomo , a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a comfortable ride with a canopied top, cushioned seats and a restroom. The boat's location at Safe Harbor Outer Banks offers the closest access to the waters where these amazing creatures are most often found. Paradise offers four two-hour dolphin cruises daily Monday – Friday and 2 cruises on Saturday with the last trip being a dolphin cruise/sunset cruise for $25 to $35 per person. As you search for dolphins, you'll also enjoy the local scenery and learn about the other wildlife you will encounter. The boat is handicapped accessible and is available for private parties. Reservations are required for dolphin tours and sunset cruises so call ahead.

(252) 573-0547

Bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, lighthouses and more..

As you embark on our 2 hour journey, you'll witness some of the most spectacular scenes enjoyed in coastal North Carolina.

Dolphin Tours Outer Banks

Outer Banks Cruises

Monday - Saturday | 8am - 6:30pm

If you do not see dolphins you get to ride again for FREE. With our 98.5% success rate of viewing dolphins, the odds are definitely in your favor!

Monday Family Day

*All Cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $25 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE

Tuesday - Saturday

*Daytime cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $30 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE *Sunset Cruises ADULTS 11 & UP: $35 CHILDREN 3-10: $25 AGES 0-2: FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for a cruise, do you guarantee that i will see dolphins, can i feed the dolphins, can i swim with the dolphins, how long are your cruises, are reservations required, what should i bring with me, where does the cruise go.

No wonder so many of our visitors keep coming back and recommending us. See what they have to say...

“Excellent Time!”

We saw lots of dolphins. The captain was very knowledgeable and made sure we saw the dolphins. He was very friendly. I enjoyed this cruise and this is made for friends and families.

“Awesome Experience”

Captain Jay never disappoints, we come to OBX every year and do his dolphin tour every time. Awesome experience every time!!!

“Great tour!!!”

Great tour of the sound from the Captain and his mate. We went out Friday morning the 5th of August. We saw lots of dolphins, toured the sound and got a great education on the dolphins...

“Highlight of OBX Vacation”

This was a highlight of our OBX vacation! It took about 30 minutes to locate some dolphins, but suddenly they were all around! We sat at the front of the boat and would have gotten soaked...

See all of our reviews on Tripadvisor !

Offers & Specials

Outer Banks Info

The Kokomo leaves from Safe Harbor Outer Banks in the village of Wanchese on the south end of Roanoke Island.

Reservations

Reservations are required so please book ahead of time to be sure space is available. A credit card is required to hold your reservation.

Connect With Us

(252) 573-0547 708 Harbor Rd Wanchese, NC 27981    

#1 Travelers' Choice

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Nags Head Dolphin Watch – Dolphin Tours

Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research

Meet the Crew

Schedule a Daytime Tour

Schedule a Sunset Tour

Book online, pick a date range that best matches your visit.

Select a start AND end date. Select the same date twice to choose only one day

Selected Dates

Call 1-877-359-8447 to Reserve over the phone.

Daytime trip pricing.

• Adult - $32
• Child (12 & Under) - $18 per Child
• Infant (1 & Under) - $1 per infant

Sunset Trip Pricing

• Adult - $37
• Child (12 & Under) - $22 per Child

Location(s)

Nags head – whalebone, shallowbag bay club, oregon inlet fishing center, nags head, nc.

Our Dolphin Tours are VERY popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

Join us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the Outer Banks. Aboard our covered 40 foot pontoon boat, you will observe bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and osprey!

Outer Banks Dolphin Tours

Join us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Also, view the wildlife of the Outer Banks! Biologists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals. So you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit organization, conduct their research. And hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring.

Conducted on 40-foot covered pontoon boats in the Roanoke Sound, the trip takes around 2 hours. Along the way, researchers will talk about their work and share their discoveries from their ongoing study. While the boat is moving, dolphins will be playing in their natural habitat alongside the vessel. Passengers will also learn about the pelicans, osprey and other birds that congregate in the sounds, as well as the ecology and history of this dynamic area. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin boat trip to learn more about these miraculous creatures. These excursions will get you close enough to safely connect with these incredible animals and to experience them in the wild, in a world where humans are visitors and the bottlenose dolphin is happily at home. A great trip for families and people of all ages!

Note: Per Coast Guard regulations, infants DO count as passengers. Therefore, we must know the total number of people in your party – including infants.

About the Dolphins

Some of the hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “Rake,” “Scarlet,” and “Onion.” Onion was first identified in Beaufort, North Carolina almost 20 years ago, and he has been sighted there almost every winter since. Apparently, Nags Head is his summer home, along with an extensive family of more than 100 members. When he was young, Onion had an unfortunate encounter with a boat propeller and his damaged fin has made him one of the most easily recognized dolphins around.

About the Vessels:

The Nags Head Dolphin Watch conducts its tours in the Roanoke Sound in between Nags Head and Manteo. The Nags Head Dolphin Watch operates two separate vessels conducting the same tour to see the same dolphin. You can have virtually the same experience aboard each boat, they simply depart from slightly different locations. The different locations are about a 5-7 minute drive apart from each other.

The Pheonix docks at Whalebone Watersports (Nags Head)

The Safari docks at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (Nags Head)

The Miss Bodie Island docks at Shallowbag Bay Club (Manteo)

Fins Up! A day on the water with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research My Outer Banks Home Magazine – July 6, 2016 by Meg Puckett

On a sunny, breezy day toward the end of May, a pontoon boat bounces across the whitecaps on the Roanoke Sound, heading south from Whalebone Junction in search of some of the Outer Banks’ most charismatic residents: bottlenose dolphins. The boat is filled with people from all over the country (okay, today they’re mostly all from Ohio, but that’s still a long way from the Outer Banks!) eager to catch a glimpse of these storied marine mammals. We cannot guarantee that you will see dolphins during the tour, but that just serves as a reminder that these are wild animals, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a very special thing. Read More >

Private Trips

Outer banks adventures.

© 2024 Kitty Hawk Kites

  NAGS  HEAD  DOLPHIN  WATCH  TOURS

THREE   LOCATIONS !!

click the button above to book online or call (252)441-4124 or toll free at (877)FLY-THIS

Private Charters are available so call for pricing

" Abo ut our tours"

                                                             , j oin us on a unique eco-tour to search for wild atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the outer banks. biologists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. passengers will be able to see how researchers with the outer banks center for dolphin research , a nonprofit organization, conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring. some of the hundreds of atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “rake,” “scarlet,” and “onion.” onion was first identified in beaufort, north carolina almost 20 years ago, and he has been sighted there almost every winter since. it has been discovered that nags head is his summer home, along with an extensive family of more than 100 members. in his early years, onion had an unfortunate encounter with a boat propeller and his damaged fin has made him one of the most easily recognized dolphins around. .

Conducted on a 40-foot covered pontoon boat in the Roanoke Sound, the trip takes one and a half to two hours. Along the way, researchers will talk about their work and share their discoveries from their ongoing study. While the boat is moving, dolphins will be playing in their natural habitat alongside the vessel. Passengers will also learn about the pelicans, osprey and other birds that congregate in the sounds, as well as the ecology and history of this dynamic area. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin boat trip to learn even more about these miraculous creatures. These excursions will get you close enough to safely connect with these incredible animals and to experience them in the wild, in a world where humans are visitors and the bottlenose dolphin is happily at home. A great trip for families and people of all ages!

The Dolphin Watch Tours are the perfect outing for large and small groups and is suitable for people of all ages. For reservations you may reserve by calling (877) 359-8447 or (252) 441-4124, ext. 1 for reservations. The Dolphin Watch Tour is very popular so we encourage you to book well in advance to secure your spot on this wonderful experience.

THREE   LOCATIONS!!

Phoenix –  Located on the Nags Head Causeway // Kitty Hawk Kites/Whalebone Junction

7517 South Virginia Dare Trail on the south side of NC 64 Hwy that connects Nags Head and Roanoke Island.  You will board the Phoenix at the Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone Watersports site - yellow building with a blue roof.  Also available at this site you can rent kayaks, standup paddleboards and jet skis so make a day of it.  Next door is Fresh Fit Cafe ,  serving breakfast, lunch and great smoothies.

Safari – located in south nags head at the oregon inlet fishing center,                this is our largest boat  the safari is in the oregon inlet fishing center located at 8770 oregon inlet road, nags head, nc  27959, (some mapping programs find us at 98 nc hwy 12, nags head, nc  27959).  this is a full service marina and ships store with snacks, drinks, souvenirs and tackle.  on site are 46 charter boats and "head boat" to meet all your fishing needs.  also, there is a nc fish & wildlife boat ramp for launching your own boat., miss bodie island – located in manteo at the shallowbag bay marina,  you will board the miss bodie island at shallow bag bay marina located at 700  n. bay club drive, manteo, nc  27954,  (between darryl's restaurant and mcdonald's).  park in any non-reserved parking space.  we are at the floating dock in front of the pool and clubhouse area.  for added convenience to our guests, stripers bar and grill is located onsite so you can enjoy a great meal or a cool drink on the waterfront deck before or after your dolphin tour.  don't forget to visit historic downtown manteo while you are here ..

Wide World of Water Sports Day Camp - June 12th - June 15th

Call Now Book Now Get Directions

Wide World of Water Sports Day Camp Sign-Ups Are Now Open! 2024 Camp Dates: 6/10/24-6/14/24

Private dolphin tours.

Been dying to see dolphins frolicking around the Outer Banks? Get yourself to Kitty Hawk Watersports and we’ll take you where they hang out and play. Those fascinating creatures can be hard to find, but our guides know the prime locations for dolphin activity so you’ll get the close-up view you want. (Hint: the waters around Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are pretty popular.) Contact us at (252) 441-2756 today to make a reservation for one of our dolphin tours.

Private Trip

• Capt. Dave will take your party of up to 6 people on the Roanoke Sound to get an up close experience with the dolphins for a two hour tour. Bring your own food and drinks so you can enjoy a relaxing and private trip. Reservations are required.
• Dolphins — Because dolphins live together in large groups called pods, there’s a good chance that we’ll see multiple dolphins fishing, splashing, and socializing. They are wild animals, though, so we keep a safe distance that’s close enough for a meaningful encounter.

Picture-Perfect Dolphin Encounters

Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals on the planet, and their biology and social behaviors capture our imaginations and curiosity. But it’s those smiles that keep us coming back. And when you get close enough to snap a picture of that distinctive grin on your dolphin tour, remember: They’re as curious about you as you are about them.

Other Tours & More

When your dolphin tour is over, ask about our other tour options that include kayak tours and jet ski tours . The experienced guides at Kitty Hawk Watersports have the expertise needed to take you on an unforgettable journey. We want you to make the most of your Outer Banks experience, whether that means renting equipment or taking part in any of our heart-pumping activities. Call (252) 441-2756 today to start making memories.

Outer Banks Fishing Charters & Waterfowl Hunts

Dolphin Tours North Carolina

Fish and Fowl Charters offers a way for you and your family to make a dolphin encounter part of your next vacation or outing with our dolphin tours in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Our dolphin tours last between one and a half to two hours and are fun for the whole family. Experience close encounters with dolphins that will circle and cruise around passengers  setting you up for some amazing photo opportunities.

Dolphin Tours in North Carolina

Dolphin tours outer banks north carolina.

Dolphin Tours in North Carolina are a wonderful experience, allowing you to see all of the wildlife and beauty that makes up the Outer Banks firsthand. The Outer Banks is an ideal place to take a dolphin tour to learn about these miraculous creatures as this is their natural habitat.

Dolphin Tours in Outer Banks

Obx dolphin tours.

Friendly and always traveling in groups, a pod of dolphins is an amazing sight and is one of the best photo opportunities that you will find in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Fish and Fowl Charters dolphin tour takes you on an adventure that is fun for the whole family. Make memories that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.

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Outer Banks, NC

Dolphin cruises.

The Outer Banks offers a variety of guided dolphin tours or dolphin cruises. A relaxing dolphin watch is fun for the whole family. The peak season for dolphin tours is from June to October. Dolphin Tours are very popular so we encourage you to book in advance to secure your reservation.

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours

No Outer Banks vacation is complete without a Dolphin Tour! What could possibly be more exciting than watching the wild...

Kitty Hawk Watersports – Dolphin Tours

The ocean is a vast, seemingly endless world. But we’re lucky enough to have the right conditions to attract groups...

Kitty Hawk Kites – Dolphin Tours

Search for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and view the wildlife of the Outer Banks! Biologists run these dolphin tours as...

Causeway Watersports – Waverunner Tours

Causeway Watersports offers excelling waverunner tours of the Roanoke Sound. Our guides lead guests to look for dolphins and other...

Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

Join Captain Stuart Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny boat for a Guaranteed Dolphin Watch cruise in protected waters off the...

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Bottlenose Dolphins, Ospreys, Lighthouses and more. As you embark on our 2 hour journey, you'll witness some of the most...

More popular webcams

Live from Avalon Fishing Pier

Avalon fishing pier.

Check out this live webcam from Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks.

Live from Wanchese Marina

Wanchese marina.

View this webcam from Wanchese Marina Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks.

Live from Whalehead Beach in Corolla NC

Whalehead beach in corolla nc.

Enjoy this live webcam from Corolla Classic Vacations at Whalehead Beach in Corolla, NC.

Dolphin Watching Tours - Nags Head

Dolphin tours aboard safari tours.

Pushing out from the docks of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center offers our guests an incredible amount of marine life, and dolphins are one of the favorite tourist attractions. Dolphin watching tours range from adventurous to relaxed, suitable for the whole family or geared to the avid naturalist.

All tours aboard the Safari give you the chance to watch the most personable creatures in the ocean in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for a relaxing and informative dolphin watching tour with the most experienced dolphin cruise company in Nags Head on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

You have found it at Safari Tours OBX!

A Dolphin Watching Tour with Safari Tours is the essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. 

• Each 2 hour tour is narrated by our experienced staff who are ready to share their knowledge and answer your questions about the dolphin and the Outer Banks' coastline. 
• Our tour/cruise boat provides a 360-degree view for the ultimate viewing experience.
• The Safari Tour is a 50-feet long, 25-feet wide.
• Book a private tour for your friends and family or book just a couple of seats for your group.

Have A Question?

Give us a call, we'd love to hear from you!

(800) 272-5199

Sunset cruises.

Magical OBX sunsets on the water.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if readers clicks through and make a purchase. See Affiliate Disclosure here.

Where To See Dolphins In North Carolina – 2024 Guide

Welcome to the beautiful coastal state of North Carolina, where the waters are home to some of the most playful and intelligent creatures on the planet – dolphins!

I love seeing dolphins out in the wild so when I heard that they’re common in North Carolina, of course I had to head over there to check it out.

Based on firsthand experience, the best place to spot dolphins in North Carolina is in Kitty Hawk which forms part of the Outer Banks .

To see the dolphins up close and personal, I’d recommend booking onto a kayaking tour as the expert guides will show you where to find dolphins without fail.

But wait, there’s more! In the rest of this article, I’ll be revealing all of the exact locations in North Carolina where you have a great chance of seeing dolphins.

Table of Contents

Best Places To See Dolphins In North Carolina

There are actually many locations across North Carolina where sightings of wild dolphins are super common. 

Below I’ve detailed all of these locations and included some handy tips that will drastically increase your chances of seeing them for yourself.

Where To See Dolphins In Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile string of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. 

Sightings of dolphins are common along the Outer Banks. Many bottlenose dolphins spend their summer in the waters of the Outer Banks and then migrate south for the winter.

As the Outer Banks covers 200 miles, there’s many locations within it where you can spot dolphins from their shores.

I’ve listed the best places below…

I found that by far the best place to see dolphins in the Outer Banks is at Kitty Hawk. 

Kitty Hawk, located in the heart of the Outer Banks, is a beach town known for its woodland and variety of animal life. Dolphin sightings are outrageously common here.

On my recent trip to Kitty Hawk, I saw about 10 dolphins all within the space of 10 minutes! It was incredible and I felt so lucky.

I watched as they jumped up out of the water and then carried in their merry way to search for food.

Personally I think the best (and most fun) way to see the dolphins is to get out onto the water and luckily there’s so many different ways you can do that in Kitty Hawk.

Best Kitty Hawk Tours:

• Kayaking Tour (top pick)
• Stand-up Paddleboarding Tour
• Surfing Lesson (suitable for beginners)

All of the above tours give you a super high chance of seeing a dolphin as you’ll be out on the water itself and you’ll be joined by an expert guide who knows the area well.

You’ll also get a much closer view of the dolphins out on the water compared to if you were just stood on the shore.

I personally ended up booking the kayaking tour and really enjoyed it. It was so easy to stop whenever we wanted to take a look at the dolphins and the guides were really fun.

The dolphins you’ll see in Kitty Hawk are Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Check out the video below of some dolphins playing in the ocean at Kitty Hawk:

Nag’s Head is a beach town and popular vacation spot that is known for its sandy beaches and towering sand dunes. 

Hundreds of dolphins come to Nag’s Head each year and some of the regular visitors have even been given names. 

Look out for ‘Onion’ and his family who were first spotted over 20 years ago and have been sighted there almost every year since. Onion is easily recognisable due to his damaged fin.

Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to spot Onion at Nag’s Head but I did see around 7 or so other dolphins who all looked like they were having a great time.

You can view dolphins at a distance from the beaches of Nag’s Head but you may get a closer view by heading out on a kayak.

I personally opted for the kayak and saw way more dolphins than from the shore.

Check out the video below to see some of the many dolphins of Nag’s Head:

Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is a large island that forms the southwestern tip of the Outer Banks. Dolphins are frequently spotted cruising along the shore or just off the island’s inlets.

You can spot the dolphins all over Hatteras Island on its many beaches, however one popular spot is in Hatteras Village. 

Check out the video below of some dolphins spotted around Hatteras Island:

Where Else Can I See Dolphins In North Carolina?

It’s not just the Outer Banks that have a huge population of dolphins. You can also see these magnificent creatures elsewhere in the state.

Below I’ve listed all of the other places across North Carolina where you can see dolphins.

There are lots of dolphins present in the Wilmington area. Whilst you can’t swim with dolphins in Wilmington, you can see them from the shore of various beaches.

Wilmington is a city located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. 

I visited several beaches in the area and found that the best place to see dolphins in Wilmington was at nearby Wrightsville Beach . I saw 3 dolphins in the ocean from this beach.

One of the best ways to see them is by booking onto a boat tour . You can enjoy the scenic views of Wrightsville Beach and catch a glimpse of the dolphins at the same time.

You could also book a private tour just for you if you’d prefer. 

Dolphins can also sometimes be spotted at the nearby Carolina Beach.

Check out the video below of a dolphin spotted at Wrightsville Beach:

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island located just off the coast of North Carolina. The island lies just 40 miles northeast of Wilmington. 

For the best views of the dolphins, head down to Topsail Beach where you can often see dolphins swimming in groups, jumping out of the water and playing with each other.

When I visited, I was lucky enough to spot a group of dolphins playing together, splashing around happily.

There are many beaches on Topsail Island to choose from, you can hire an electric bike to easily get around the island.

You can see some dolphins just off of Topsail Island in the video below:

Beaufort is a small town on North Carolina’s eastern coast and forms part of the Crystal Coast.

Bottlenose dolphins can be seen in the waters surrounding Beaufort year-round and sightings are common. 

In contrast to other locations in North Carolina, sightings of dolphins along the Crystal Coast are actually more frequent during the winter months (rather than the summer).

The best way to see them is by joining a boat tour in the area. 

The same waters surround other places along the Crystal Coast including Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Harkers Island and Shackleford Banks.

Dolphin sightings are also common in these locations too.

Check out the video below of a dolphin sighting in Beaufort: 

Find out where you can see dolphins in Texas .

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of islands that forms part of the Southern Outer Banks. 

The islands here are largely undeveloped and attract visitors for their variety of wildlife, nature and sandy beaches. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted in the area. 

Best Time To See Dolphins In North Carolina

Whilst dolphins can be spotted all year round off the coast of North Carolina, the most frequent sightings occur during the summer months.

Dolphins tend to spend more time in the waters around North Carolina during the summer to raise their young. 

The dolphins tend to arrive in May when they give birth to their young and they tend to remain here until late fall when they then move to warmer waters.

However, there are many areas around North Carolina where dolphins can be seen all year such as Hatteras Island.

The best time of day to see dolphins in North Carolina is in the morning and late afternoon as they tend to avoid the heat of the sun during the daytime.

Can You Swim With The Dolphins?

The dolphins present in the waters around North Carolina are wild dolphins . This means it’s not possible to swim with them.

Even though you can’t swim with or touch the dolphins, you can still get up close and personal with them and get some fantastic views either from the shore or from a boat or kayak.

Did you know you can also see dolphins in South Carolina ?

And that’s it!

That’s exactly where to see dolphins in North Carolina from the Outer Banks all the way to Wilmington.

If you’re lucky enough to spend some time with these beautiful creatures then I can assure you that it’ll be something you remember for a lifetime.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team .

Cruise with Dolphins

Enjoy a beautiful outer banks sunset cruise while watching dolphins play., join us on a dolphin watch sunset cruise near you in the outer banks on board the miss hatteras., climb aboard the miss hatteras head boat for a fun evening cruise as you watch a beautiful sunset with dolphins playing in the pamlico sound..

Join us on the Miss Hatteras head boat for a relaxing sunset cruise through the Pamlico Sound as we watch dolphins jump and play! Pack a few snacks, a couple of cold drinks, good friends and family and enjoy watching the sunset as we watch for the playful dolphins.

We take you and yours out for a fun and enjoyable evening complete with dramatic sunsets and beautiful dolphins. Have your camera ready!

A dolphin sunset cruise on the Miss Hatteras  is sure to be an extraordinary adventure! Book your trip today!

Pictures from our Outer Banks Dolphin Cruises

Scroll through to see some dolphins playing in the pamlico sound..

Set sail with us! Book your trip >>

Here’s what you need to know about our sunset dolphin cruises in the Outer Banks.

Enjoy live music on our dolphin cruises.

Our dolphin cruises run every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Each evening will feature live music on the top deck from talented local musicians. If music isn’t your thing, head down below where you can enjoy a nice peaceful evening on the water. To learn more about our live music, please check out our Live Music Sunset Cruise page.

Our dolphin cruise is fun and affordable for the whole family.

A sunset dolphin cruise on the Miss Hatteras costs $33.50 per person, and kids 3 and under ride free! We have trips near you that run every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Depending on the season and when sunset occurs, we may change our schedule slightly. For instance, in the spring and fall, we tend to cruise from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. As with all our other trips, please be at the dock a half hour before we cast off.

Don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks!

Most folks tend to bring a cooler with some refreshments, food, drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc.

We don’t sell any refreshments on-board, so remember to bring some snacks and drinks for you and your friends or family! Our Frequently Asked Question page covers everything you need to know about coming aboard with us.

We offer various trips to fit into anyone’s schedule and budget.

We also offer half-day and full-day fishing trips, and even private charters! For the complete schedule of all our fishing trips and scenic cruises, check out our Miss Hatteras Rates and Schedule page.

An evening on the Pamlico Sound with dolphins is one you’ll never forget.

We’ve been operating our head boat in the Outer Banks for over 30 years, and we’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers. For more information about our services click here to contact us or give us a call at  (252) 986-2365 .

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Dolphin Tours and Best Viewing Spots in NC's Brunswick Islands

Nothing tops off a beach vacation to NC's Brunswick Islands like seeing dolphins swim along the surf and flip through the air. Luckily, these beautiful marine mammals are among the unique wildlife that resides in our waters, and visitors to the Brunswick Islands can look forward to many opportunities for spotting dolphins. If your beach vacation bucket list features dolphin encounters, then read on to discover the variety of ways that you can spot these beautiful mammals when you visit NC's Brunswick Islands!

Dolphin Tours in NC's Brunswick Islands 

Those who are looking for a guaranteed chance to see dolphins from a view that is more up close and personal should opt for a dolphin tour. Just sit back, relax, and leave it to our expert charter captains who spend a majority of their days on the water to navigate you to the dolphin hot spots! 

Calabash Fishing Fleet  and the Hurricane Fleet , both located in beautiful Calabash,  often take guests right by the working shrimp boats where dolphins love to feast. Trips typically last around two hours and depart from the Calabash Waterfront. From there, you’ll head through the Intracoastal Waterway and out into the Atlantic Ocean. Looking to catch beautiful and colorful views of the sunset during your dolphin tour? Cruise out of Sunset Beach on  Tideline Charters with Captain Tim who offers eco-tours and sunset dolphin cruises, or journey along the Southport waterfront, Caswell, and Bald Head Island with Southport By Seaside Boat Tours on a sunset cruise to encounter dolphins at play! 

Other Ways to See Dolphins in the Brunswick Islands

While it's not always guaranteed, visitors will have the opportunity to see dolphins on a kayak tour along the Intracoastal waterway and through our beautiful salt marshes with one of our area's expert adventure outfitters . Often referred to as the "nursery of the sea," salt marshes are home to dolphins and other unique wildlife from fish and turtles to crabs and birds. Prefer to spot dolphins from high above at a faster speed? Airplane and helicopter tours in the Brunswick Islands also include dolphin and marine life spotting opportunities.  And, with a little patience, you might even spot dolphins from the shore of one of our spacious beaches , from the top of one of our five ocean  fishing piers , or from the deck of your very own private beach house rental!  

Ready to visit NC's Brunswick Islands and embark on fun adventures from dolphin cruises and beyond?! Visit  here  to find more information so you can begin planning your next vacation!

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

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Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

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Book Your Spot on the Top Outer Banks Dolphin Tours

The Outer Banks is home to more than 100 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect destination if you’re craving a bit of sun, sand, and surf. Situated right on this shoreline in Kill Devil Hills is Sea Ranch Resort , a premier family-friendly resort. Our oceanfront location means you are just steps away from wandering the beach for shells or going for a quick swim. Our location also means breathtaking ocean views that can include aquatic creatures. Get an up-close look at these animals by reserving your seat on the best Outer Banks dolphin tours. 

How to Get the Best Dolphin Views 

Every summer, bottlenose dolphins call the waters around the Outer Banks home. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research  keeps track of dolphins in the Roanoke Sound and has identified more than 800 since 2008.  A great way to see and learn about these creatures is on a dolphin tour, and you have a few different options of who to book with. 

Before reserving your outing, check directly with the tour operators for the most current and applicable information as terms, hours, and offers are subject to change. 

Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

For almost three decades, Captain Jamie Wescott has been taking passengers on a two-hour cruise that all ages will enjoy. Hear facts about bottlenose dolphins as your cruise around protected waters looking for them. There are three different tour times available. 

Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Go on a search with these majestic creatures on a two-hour excursion . Not only will you possibly see dolphins, but other animals that call this area home, like the Osprey. This tour guarantees seeing dolphins, or you can ride again for free.

Harbor Star Dolphin Tour

Departing from Wanchese Marina , this cruise aboard the 50-foot Harbor Star for a two-hour journey. Purchase your tickets at least 30 minutes before departure time, and be sure to stop by the Landing Grill for a bite to eat after your tour. 

Kitty Hawk Kites/Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Select from one of three locations to find one that fits your itinerary best. Two cruises depart from Nags Head while one leaves from Shallowbag Bay Marina in Manteo. Reservations are through Kitty Hawk Kites . 

Soak in the Sunshine Exploring Outer Banks Nature 

Our Kill Devil Hills hotel features both guest rooms and condos . This variety of accommodation options means you can choose something that gives everyone in your group room to unwind. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy our amenities like a heated pool, convenient beach access, and a fitness center. If you have any questions about the resort or special offers, call 252-441-7126 . There are advantages to booking directly with Sea Ranch Resort!

Book a Tour

Lost treasure.

Experience natural treasures with a personalized guided tour of Topsail Island, North Carolina’s secluded barrier islands, sea grass meadows, backwater sounds, marshes, near-ocean waters. Two or three hour customized adventures are spent exploring barrier islands, shelling, dolphin watching, birding, clamming, cast netting, crabbing, with the family. Come take an ecology tour accompanied by your own USCG certified Captain from Lost Treasure Eco tours and get ready for an adventure that will help make your trip to Topsail Island a truly memorable one.

Dolphin Watching

North Carolina's 2.3 million acres of brackish waters and productive fish nursery areas offer prime habitat for bottlenose dolphins to live and raise their young. The waters around Topsail Island provide fantastic places to watch dolphins. The exhilaration and awe of seeing such beautiful wildlife surface nearby, glide along-side our boat or even sometimes jump completely out of the water during a Lost Treasure Ecotours dolphin watch is hard to match. When seas are calm, customers can even hear them come up, expel water, and breathe. During the summer these intelligent animals will take their young into backwater nursery areas, where food is abundant and predators scarce. During the fall and early winter dolphins will move out of our estuaries into the near-shore ocean waters, hunting the millions of fish migrating from North Carolina's shallow sounds. Customers are sometimes fortunate to see huge pods of these animals congregating to feed.

Customize your adventure on a 20ft Carolina skiff!

Personalized 2 or 3 hour tours of sea grass meadows, backwater sounds, marshes & inner coastal islands & the Intercoastal Water Way!

What to Bring

While we provide what you'll need to explore, there are a few things you will need to bring.

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Dead dolphin found on shore with multiple bullet holes, investigators say

CAMERON PARISH, La. (TMX/Gray News) – Federal officials are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction after a young dolphin was found shot to death on a Louisiana beach last month.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service said the dead bottlenose dolphin was reported on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish on March 13.

The dolphin was recovered and taken to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for a necropsy.

On Tuesday, NOAA Fisheries said the necropsy revealed there were “multiple bullets lodged in the dolphin’s brain, spinal cord, and heart.”

The NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is now investigating and asking the public for any information about the dolphin’s death.

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is a crime to hunt, harass, capture, kill, or attempt to do so, to any marine mammal, including dolphins. Violators face up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.

NOAA Fisheries is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty in the dolphin’s death. Anyone with information is asked to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. TMX contributed to this report.

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