Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour

Overview

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on a scenic journey through the Indian River Lagoon aboard our comfortable 40-passenger Discovery pontoon boat. Guided by one of our friendly, certified Florida naturalists, this immersive two-hour tour offers a closer look at the diverse wildlife that thrives in North America’s most biologically rich estuary.

As your captain expertly navigates the lagoon’s backwaters, you’ll take in Florida’s breathtaking natural beauty while learning about vital conservation efforts to protect this unique ecosystem. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species year-round. During the warmer months, you may spot gentle manatees, while spring and summer bring the lively sights and sounds of bird nesting season on our rookery islands. Many migratory birds also pass through, making each tour a unique and unforgettable experience.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Travel the Indian River Lagoon in the comfort of our 40-passenger Discovery pontoon boat and explore the variety of species that call the lagoon home. Your tour guide on the 2-hour journey will be one of our friendly certified Florida naturalists. As your captain skillfully navigates the backwaters of the lagoon, you will experience Florida’s natural beauty while learning about conservation efforts to preserve and protect North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. Dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide variety of bird life are often seen during these tours year-round. During the warmer months you may see manatees, and in spring and summer our rookery islands are alive with bird nesting activity. Many beautiful migratory bird species winter here or stop for a bit on their long journeys

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Parking Fees

Snacks

Options

Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour

Reviews

5.00

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Tranquility
Carol K,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very calming, the wind blocked the sound of speaker but was informative and entertaining . Modified to see dolphins
Great deal
Elaine R,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We lucked out with the weather but that aside what a great boat ride….we learned a lot, saw many birds and dolphins and our driver and naturalist were amazing. Would gladly do again
Fun boat ride
Joe W,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great narration of animal wold from passionate locals. Easy going enjoyable round trip. Our granddaughter enjoyed watching dolphins and many types of birds
Dolphins Discovery
780dareng,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Christa was an awesome, knoweledgable tour guide. Captain Doug spent extra time and we were able to enjoy 5 dolphins playing in the water for over 35 minutes of fun and pictures. What a great time!!
Perfect day on the river.
Barbara M,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It is comfortable and slow paced. We saw lots of wildlife and nature. The commentary provides a lot of history and nature information
Informative and fun boat tour of Indian river Lagoon.
mtnvalleysailor,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We "discovered" the NSB Marine Discovery Center (MDC) in 2002. Two or 3 times each year we enjoy their boat and kayak tours, exhibits of local fish and lagoon critters, lectures and volunteer projects. The MDC now has significantly grown! We just returned from a beautiful week in NSB. Got to volunteer for 2 conservation projects (making oyster habitat structures and extracting many invasive Brazilian pepper trees). Plus, took friends on their 2 hour boat tour of local Indian River Lagoon. Each comfortable tour has an experienced Captain and a local Master Naturalist to point out and describe the many wildlife seen (birds, dolphins, fish, etc.), the vegetation and trees (especially the 3 critical types of mangroves and palms), the local aquatic features and islands plus important history, especially of the indigenous people who lived in the area and Florida for thousands of years. Thankfully, the river waters are now cleaner and rarely display trash or plastic bags. On our tour, the naturalist (Patrick) made several efforts with a boat hook to finally reach a large plastic bag and then described how all the tours look closely to remove pollution.
Beautiful tour!!
Sarah A,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour, we had a very informative guide and boat captain! They did a wonderful job making sure we saw a large variety of intercostal wildlife!!
Enjoyed the tour
Travel39508787825,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a blast learned a lot from the tour guide and the captain would recommend the tour to everyone who visits Florida loved it
Dolphin tour
85teriw,,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Patrick did an amazing job explaining the area we traveled, we saw dolphins, manatees, tons of different birds. Well worth the tour.
Don't hesitate to book......
luisa11361,,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A delightful day! Captain Doug and Clare were top notch. Clare was incredibly informative and gracious, and the captain skilled and friendly. Just a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon in paradise. Saw both dolphins and manatees and learned so much about the estuary.