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2 hours
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The Best Dolphin Cruise in Alabama
Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, or you next trip is free!
This is the Premier and by far the most popular cruise we offer. Our two-hour Orange Beach, AL dolphin and nature cruise aboard The Explorer, our 40' Pontoon Style Vessel, combines all the features of the dolphin cruise with extra floating time through the hidden creeks of the back bays.
Our knowledgeable tour guide and captain point out the local flora and fauna. You may see osprey and their nests, herons, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. The Explorer allows us to get as close as safely possible to the banks and the local marine and wildlife. Because the boat only needs 16 to 18 inches of water underneath, we can sneak into creeks where few other boats can go, providing you with a truly unique and memorable experience.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
We have been able to accommodate most requests. Please call us at 251-550-8000 to discuss your needs with our staff.
Minimum of 18 pounds in order to board. Infants weighing less than 18 pounds will not be permitted to board.
Strollers are not permitted.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All Fees and Taxes
Full-service cocktail bar available for purchase. Bring valid ID
Orange Beach
Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, or your next trip is FREE! As we seek our local dolphin pod, we will navigate the scenic back bays of Orange Beach, Alabama. Our knowledgeable tour guide and captain point out the local flora and fauna. You may see osprey and their nests, herons, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. The Explorer allows us to get as close as safely possible to the banks and the local marine and wildlife. Because the boat only needs 16 to 18 inches of water underneath, we can sneak into creeks where few other boats can go, providing you with a truly unique and memorable experience!
9:30AM or 12:00PM
510 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
srlbjl63,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Top notch from start to finish. Captain Lynn and his crew did an amazing job and we saw tons of dolphins and other wildlife. Cannot recommend these folks enough!

Tracie P,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
It is definitely one of the best tours I have been on. Best thing to do while in Gulf Shores and the best bang for the buck. Four in our group and we all had an awesome time. The captain explained what was going on and where the dolphins were. And hey lets not forget the two gals serving us. They were also very friendly and helpful. A great tour for sure.
K9631NHleek,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
From beginning to end the crew and Captain Smitty were awesome. Fun atmosphere crew went beyond call of duty to keep a cute little toddler that was not happy in a good mood the whole trip. Saw so many dolphins- swimming, surfing along side the boat so amazing. Felt the price was perfect. And the trip really was 2 hours! Would do this one every year.
L652SPlarrya,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great time capt Smitty and crew were great they found plenty of dolphins and wildlife they offered drinks of all kinds and juice for the kids we were very satisfied with our experience

georgedU2904OJ,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Such a fun excursion! The captain and deckhands were all fabulous! We saw lots of dolphins and were also educated on the local birds. We will definitely do this excursion again and highly recommend!
daniel d,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
Captain Smitty and crew made this 2 hour back bay Dolphin watching excursion a delightful and relaxing experience. Would highly recommend for folks of all ages. Get a view of the inland waters, undeveloped and developed waterway frontage and the feeding/playground of the bottlenose Dolphin . Chill and enjoy!!
Donna S,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
Wonderful day with Captain Linn, Bella and Alana!! The music was fun, the drinks were fantastic and lots of dolphins every where ! Will do again for sure ! Thank you for the memories !
Curtis O,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
The tour was a lot of fun. We had an exceptional day seeing a ton of dolphins. Captain Smitty and crew were fantastic.
Tonya H,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Nice people clean boat great service we had a great time we seen a lot of dolphins.We will do this again
zeifman,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Captain Len and his crew, Elena & Bella, made the tour one of the best we’ve been on! We saw lots of dolphins, osprey, and gulls. This was our second time in Gulf Shores but our first time going on a dolphin cruise in this area and we look forward to coming back in 2026! We highly recommend this tour.
Operated by Cetacean Dolphin & Sailing Cruises