Throughout the warmer seasons in any given year, thousands of people go on dolphin cruises in the Destin area. There’s just something about these playful sea creatures that calls to visitors to try to get a closer look. What you can expect from one of the many dolphin watching tours offered in Destin depends on you!
There are many companies offering different experiences during their dolphin watching tours. Some have glass-bottom boats, some are sailboats or jet boats. Some provide complimentary cocktails for adults, as well as sodas and water for adults and children.
Some dolphin trips are during the day, while others are sunset cruises, and some are special because they enable the passengers to view the weekly fireworks (during the summer) from the boat! Still other dolphin trips include a snorkeling session, where the guests can either use their own snorkeling gear, or use gear provided by the cruise operators.
Are They Dolphins or Porpoises in Destin?
In Destin, dolphin sightseeing is just that. These playful mammals are dolphins, which have a mouth that has a pronounced jawline resembling a beak; porpoises have faces that slope gently to the mouth without the look of a beak. Dolphins are common in Destin. Porpoises aren’t.
Where Can Dolphins be Spotted in the Destin Area?
Dolphin sightings are common in the Gulf, Choctawhatchee Bay and its many bayous and can also be seen in the East Pass, the passageway between the Gulf and the bay.
While they seem to love playing in boat wakes, they’ll usually be on the hunt for their next meal, searching for schools of small fish. If you see ripples on the water that are caused by a flurry of fish, there’s a good possibility that dolphins may be close by.
Where Do the Dolphin Cruises Go?
Where you may go depends on several things. One is the weather. If it’s not particularly sunny, and/or it’s a day after storms, the water can be a little murky and more difficult to see them. Also, outgoing tides make the water in the bay darker with more sea grasses. Alternatively, incoming tides usually bring in clearer, bluer waters from the Gulf making dolphins a little easier to spot in the bay.
Where Can You Swim with Dolphins in Destin?
If you’re thinking that a dolphin cruise that includes snorkeling will include petting dolphins, you will likely to be disappointed. Dolphins in the Gulf and the bay are wild animals and won’t usually get too close to people. BUT… the Gulfarium, the local aquarium on Okaloosa Island, offers an opportunity to get in the water and get up close to their dolphins, which are more familiar and comfortable with interacting with people.
Interested in finding out more about this interactive experience with dolphins? See the Gulfarium’s Animal Encounters.
What Else Might You See on A Destin Dolphin Cruise?
Depending on whether or not you are in a glass-bottom boat, if you have clear water, and if you ‘re in the Gulf or the bay, you might see a variety of fish, some mullet, blue crabs, hermit crabs, sting rays, sea turtles, jellyfish and sharks.
What Should You Wear on a Dolphin Cruise?
Obviously, the time of year will play a big role in what you should wear, as well as the time of day, and whether or not you’ll be getting in the water.
It’s important to note that rain showers frequently blow in and out during the warmer months, sometimes lasting a couple of hours, but often lasting just a few minutes. But the combination of wind and rain can be chilling no matter the time of year. If you’re one to get cold easily, a water resistant jacket is always a good idea. Include with that some good sunscreen, some polarized sunglasses and a way to snap some pictures and you’ll be good to go!
Have you been on a dolphin cruise in Destin? If so, let us know how it was!