Destin: Dolphin Cruise aboard a Glass-Bottom Boat
Imagine cruising along Florida’s famed Emerald Coast, feeling the ocean breeze on your face, eyes fixed on playful dolphins swimming nearby. For just $43 per person, you can spend 1.5 hours aboard the Southern Star, a spacious, U.S. Coast Guard-certified double-deck boat specially designed for dolphin watching and harbor tours. You’ll explore Destin Harbor, see white sandy beaches, and even feed some sea birds—an outing that combines wildlife, scenic views, and educational fun.
Two aspects we particularly love about this cruise: First, how comfortable the boat is, especially if you prefer a climate-controlled atmosphere inside while still enjoying views through the glass-bottom panels. Second, the way the captain’s commentary makes the experience both informative and engaging—perfect for families and curious travelers.
A potential consideration? As with all wildlife viewing, dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, since these are wild animals. But with a 98% success rate of seeing dolphins year-round, your chances are quite good.
This tour suits those who enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly outing with the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat, learn about local ecosystems, and enjoy scenic vistas—all without breaking the bank. Perfect for travelers who want a memorable, authentic experience that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.
- Comfortable and Spacious Boats: The Southern Star is the largest in Destin, with options for open-air or climate-controlled viewing.
- Wildlife and Scenery: Expect to see dolphins, sea birds, and perhaps sharks or rays, depending on conditions.
- Educational and Fun: Live commentary offers insights into dolphin pods, local history, and marine ecology.
- Flexible Experience: Option to feed sea birds, with crew showing you how to do it properly—great for kids.
- Ideal Duration: At 1.5 hours, it’s long enough for a meaningful experience but short enough for those with limited time.
- Value for Money: At $43, this tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
Your adventure begins at the dock, located just to the left of Margaritaville, a central spot easy to find. Check-in is straightforward, and the crew is friendly and accommodating—an important factor if you’re traveling with kids or a group. Once aboard the Southern Star, you’ll quickly notice how spacious and well-designed the boat is. Its double-deck layout provides both shaded and open-air options, catering to different comfort preferences.
You might choose to sit on the upper deck, where the views are spectacular. Here, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, and the panoramic vistas of Destin Harbor and beyond give you excellent photo opportunities. Alternatively, the main deck offers a climate-controlled cabin, perfect if the weather turns gusty or hot. The glass-bottom area, with eight panels, allows you to observe underwater life without getting wet—a feature that many find surprisingly engaging, especially when the captain points out curious fish or rays beneath.
As the boat departs, the crew provides an overview of Destin’s history and some of the sights you’ll see, setting the scene for the adventure ahead. Once outside the harbor, the captain might give you some time to feed sea birds—gulls and terns—who are eager for the provided bird feed. Many reviews mention how much fun this is, especially for kids.
Next, the boat heads into the East Pass, a pristine stretch of water lined with powdery beaches and lush coastal vegetation. If the conditions are calm, the boat will venture out into the Gulf of Mexico to hunt for dolphins feeding and playing in their natural environment. If the seas are rough or the weather less cooperative, the boat will cruise into Choctawhatchee Bay, home to resident dolphin pods that live and rest peacefully in calmer waters.
Throughout the cruise, your captain and crew will share stories, natural facts, and a sense of humor, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Watching dolphins leap and play is a highlight, and many reviews confirm that sightings are plentiful. As one reviewer put it, “We saw lots of dolphins, some swimming at the bow, others jumping on the sides”—a view that delights travelers of all ages.
You can check availability for your dates here:Wildlife Viewing: Dolphins, Birds, and More
Dolphins are the main attraction, and while they are wild animals, the tour’s 98% success rate means you’re likely to see them. The crew is trained to spot dolphins, and they can often tell you about the pods, their behavior, and their habits.
Along With dolphins, expect to see sea turtles, rays, and even sharks when the waters are calm. Feeding sea birds is optional, but many travelers find it adds a fun, interactive element to the trip. Gulls and terns will swoop close to your hand to snatch the bird feed, creating some memorable photo moments.
The boat’s glass-bottom panels offer a glimpse of underwater life—fish, rays, and sometimes curious sharks—while you sit comfortably inside or on the deck. As one reviewer noted, “The glass bottom is not a full glass floor, but it’s still a fun feature and allows good views while seated.”
Planning more time in Destin? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Crew and Commentary
The crew, including the captain and mates, receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Humor and storytelling make the ride lively and engaging, with many reviews mentioning how much they learned about local ecosystems and dolphin pods. For families, this personable approach makes the experience accessible and enjoyable, especially for children who love seeing playful dolphins in action.
Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Accessibility
At $43 per person, this cruise offers excellent value, especially considering the comfort and inclusiveness. The 1.5-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed or fatigued. Morning or afternoon cruises are typically available, with many reviews noting the afternoon timing as ideal for capturing the best light and dolphin activity.
The boat is wheelchair accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility challenges, which is not always common on marine tours. You’ll want to bring essentials like a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs. The crew provides some motion sickness relief if needed, and it’s worth noting that dolphins are in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed—though your chances are high.
The Experience in Context
Compared to other boat tours in Destin, the glass-bottom dolphin cruise stands out for its comfort, scenic value, and family-friendly vibe. Many reviews highlight how well the crew cares for guests, ensuring everyone has a good view and a memorable time. The optional bird feeding adds an interactive touch that kids especially enjoy.
While some may be slightly disappointed that the glass-bottom feature isn’t a large, walk-around viewing floor, it’s still a compelling feature that provides underwater glimpses without the need for snorkeling or diving. The boat’s size and design allow for a relaxed, less crowded experience than smaller, more cramped vessels.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for families, first-time visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts. If you’re traveling with children or seniors, the comfortable seating options and friendly crew make it easy to relax and enjoy. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat and learn about marine ecosystems.
It’s also a good choice for those short on time but wanting an authentic, scenic, and educational outing. The tour provides a great overview of Destin’s coastal environment without a lengthy commitment, making it ideal for a casual afternoon activity.
The Destin dolphin cruise aboard the Southern Star offers a balanced blend of comfort, natural beauty, and educational value. The spacious boat, friendly crew, and chance to see dolphins up close make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. The optional sea bird feeding and glass-bottom viewing add unique touches that elevate the experience beyond simple sightseeing.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the high success rate and knowledgeable crew ensure you’ll likely leave with great stories and photos. It’s a flexible, family-friendly outing that fits well into a busy Florida itinerary, especially for those eager to connect with nature and enjoy scenic vistas.
If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized boat tour that emphasizes comfort, education, and wildlife, this cruise is a smart pick. It keeps the experience fun and relaxed, making it perfect for making lasting memories of your Destin visit.
How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling rushed.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera to capture dolphins and scenic views, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs.
Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility challenges to join in the fun.
Can I feed the sea birds?
Yes, feeding sea birds is optional. Crew members provide bird feed and show you how to do it safely and properly.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
Since dolphins are wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the tour has a 98% success rate, and experienced crew are skilled at spotting them.
What if the weather is rough?
If the waters are choppy, the captain will likely steer into calmer waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where dolphin pods often rest and sleep, still offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
This Destin dolphin cruise provides a charming, comfortable way to experience Florida’s marine life and scenic coastlines, perfect for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, memorable outing.
You can check availability for your dates here: