The Tampa Bay area of Florida is home to the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which is often sighted in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. These intelligent and playful creatures are known for their acrobatic displays, often leaping out of the water and riding the bow waves created by boats.
The waters around Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Anna Maria Island provide an excellent habitat for these marine mammals, as they are rich in food sources such as fish and squid. Guided boat tours in the area offer visitors a chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment, creating unforgettable experiences and memories for all ages.
Bottlenose dolphins are a sight to behold, with their streamlined bodies designed for efficient swimming, prominent dorsal fins for stability, and short, rounded snouts filled with sharp, conical teeth for capturing prey. Their general coloration is gray, with lighter shades gracing their bellies, providing perfect camouflage in the water.
The diet of bottlenose dolphins is diverse, but consists mainly of fish and squid. Their natural habitat includes coastal waters, estuaries, and bays – all of which are found in abundance around the Tampa Bay area.
The Tampa Bay Area, well-known for its marine biodiversity, is one of the best places in Florida to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
The best way to see these local dolphins close up is, naturally, by boat; in other words, by embarking on a Tampa Bay dolphin boat tour. These excursions take you to popular spots where dolphins are most frequently spotted.
Of course, the dolphin-watching adventure doesn’t stop at the borders of Tampa Bay. Just a few nautical miles away lies another jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast — Anna Maria Island. The surrounding waters of this barrier island, with its sugar-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, are an extended playground for our local bottlenose dolphins.
Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience with our Dolphin Watching Boat Tours at Island Way Excursions. Marvel at the playful antics of the beloved bottlenose dolphins, and enjoy the experience of seeing these acrobats up close as they leap and play in the waves!
Our Dolphin Tour, spanning approximately 2.5 hours, promises an adventure-filled experience. We’ll take you to the most frequented spots by these charismatic marine mammals, offering a unique opportunity to observe their natural behaviors in the wild.
Starting at just $300, a Dolphin Watching Boat Tour by Island Way Excursions is more than just a boat ride into Tampa Bay. It’s an educational journey filled with potential unforgettable encounters with some of nature’s most fascinating, fun-loving creatures.
While no one can promise guaranteed sightings – dolphins remain delightfully unpredictable – our experienced captains are skilled in the art of finding these creatures. We are very familiar with the dolphins’ favorite spots, and their typical behaviors, so we boast a high success rate of sightings.
Island Way Excursions invites you to hop aboard our family-friendly dolphin watching boat tours, dive into the mesmerizing world of Tampa Bay’s dolphins, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Reserve your spot today!
509 Marina Dr.
Palmetto, FL 34221