Cruising Pensacola’s waters offers excellent value with several standout options. The best public dolphin tours come from Frisky Mermaid and Pensacola Beach Jolly – both reliable operators with consistent dolphin sightings. For families wanting more control over their experience, the 3-hour private Powerboat tour allows customized stops at secluded beaches.
I’m particularly fond of the sunset cruise tour – watching the sky turn orange while gliding across calm waters creates unforgettable moments. The combined Dolphin & Sightseeing option smartly packs two experiences into one efficient trip.
Consider these carefully selected tours for your Pensacola maritime adventure.
Key Points
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin Cruise and Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise offer highly-rated public dolphin watching experiences with 4.9 and 5.0 ratings respectively.
- Private boat tours like the Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise provide customizable experiences for smaller groups, with amenities like bottled water and restrooms.
- Scenic and themed cruises such as the Sunset Cruise Tour and the Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise showcase the natural beauty of Pensacola’s waterways.
- Most cruises offer accessibility features like Bluetooth stereo and allow guests to bring their own food and drinks, with flexible cancellation policies.
- Across various tours, customers consistently report high satisfaction, praising the knowledgeable crew and enjoyable experiences.
Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax
For a scenic cruise around the picturesque Pensacola Beach, the Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise accommodates up to 49 passengers.
Rated 4.9 with 485 reviews and recommended by 97% of travelers, the cruise offers the opportunity to see marine life including fish, turtles, and dolphins.
The educational experience features fin facts shared by the captain and crew. Priced at $36.99 per person, the cruise has morning and evening options available.
To board, passengers should arrive 30 minutes prior to departure at the meeting point behind Shaggy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill.
While coolers aren’t allowed, food and beverages can be purchased onboard.
Read our full review: Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax Review
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Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour
The Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise is a scenic bay tour that showcases the region’s abundant marine life.
With 459 reviews and a 5.0 rating, it’s a highly recommended activity, boasting a 98% recommendation rate. For $39 per person, travelers can embark on a 24-person cruise to spot dolphins, rays, and more.
The knowledgeable crew provides educational insights, and the comfortable boat offers ample space and amenities like bottled water and restrooms. Families particularly enjoy this experience, which is accessible to strollers but not wheelchairs.
The cruise departs from a convenient location with nearby parking, and the cancellation policy allows for free changes up to 24 hours beforehand.
Read our full review: Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour Review
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Frisky Mermaid Pontoon Boat Rentals in Pensacola Beach
Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, Frisky Mermaid Pontoon Boat Rentals offers travelers an unforgettable way to explore the stunning coastline.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 84 reviews, this service operated by Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals provides bareboat rentals requiring a captain.
Rental durations range from 1 to 7 days, and activities include snorkeling, fishing, dolphin-watching, and dining at local restaurants.
The rental includes a chart plotter, Bluetooth capability, safety equipment, and a built-in cooler.
Fuel is refilled by the Mermaid Crew and billed on consumption.
Pickup and drop-off occur at the meeting point, and the service isn’t wheelchair accessible but allows service animals.
Read our full review: Frisky Mermaid Pontoon Boat Rentals in Pensacola Beach Review
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Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 6 Guests
Set out on a private 3-hour powerboat dolphin cruise in Pensacola, exploring the pristine coastline and spotting marine life along the way.
This boat tour accommodates up to 6 guests and boasts a 4.9-star rating from 25 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending the experience.
Enjoy bottled water, private transportation, and a restroom on board, as well as gratuities included.
The tour departs from the Pensacola Beach Marina, with the option to spend more time on the water or at a remote beach.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable and hospitable captain, as well as the opportunity to see dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and even manatees during the excursion.
Read our full review: Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 6 Guests Review
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3 Hours Cruise With Swimming
This 3-hour cruise offers guests the chance to explore Pensacola’s pristine waters and enjoy a refreshing swim.
Located along the city’s beachfront, the cruise departs from 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd and returns to the same point.
With an average rating of 4.5 stars from 19 reviews, this activity provides a fun and relaxing experience for groups, families, and solo travelers.
Included amenities like bottled water, a cooler for drinks, and a Bluetooth stereo for music enhance the enjoyment.
However, the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or vertigo.
Guests can reserve the cruise now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: 3 Hours Cruise With Swimming Review
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Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 15 Guests
Although the tour’s departure point is at the Pensacola Beach Marina, guests can expect an exhilarating 3-hour private powerboat cruise that takes them on a quest to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
With a capacity of up to 15 guests, the cruise offers a remote beach stop, bottled water, and restroom facilities on board.
The powerboat is located behind the marina building, near the fuel dock.
Reviewers have given this tour an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 7 reviews, with no ratings lower than 5 stars.
Most travelers can participate, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise With Remote Beach Stop up to 15 Guests Review
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Private Boat and Dolphin Watching in Florida
Ahoy Boat Tours offers a private boat and dolphin watching experience in Pensacola, Florida. This 3-hour tour costs $350 for up to 6 guests and has a 5-star rating with 100% recommendation.
The tour includes soda, soft drinks, and water, and guests can bring their own food and beverages. The captain customizes the experience based on group preferences, offering activities like dolphin watching, swimming, and viewing Blue Angels practice.
The tour is family-friendly and accessible, though not wheelchair accessible. Guests rave about the adventure, boat comfort, and the captain’s expertise.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Private Boat and Dolphin Watching in Florida Review
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Sunset Cruise Tour
A popular option for those seeking a scenic boat tour in Pensacola is the Sunset Cruise Tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on reviews, this 6-person cruise offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful Pensacola sunset.
The tour includes bottled water, a cooler for drinks, and a Bluetooth stereo for music. Participants can bring their own beverages. The tour departs and returns to the 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd location.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Reviewers praise the friendly hosts and highlight seeing dolphins and stunning sunsets, though some note cancellations due to maintenance issues.
Read our full review: Sunset Cruise Tour Review
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2 Hour Private Dolphin Cruise & Bay Tour
This 2-hour private dolphin cruise and bay tour in Pensacola offers an intimate opportunity to witness the area’s diverse marine life.
The tour passes by the Pensacola Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, and Fort Pickens, providing photo ops and historical insights.
With a 95% recommendation rate and 4.7 average rating from 19 reviews, this private cruise is a popular choice.
Travelers can expect to see dolphins, stingrays, shorebirds, schools of fish, and turtles.
The tour includes bottled water and gratuities, and is accessible for most travelers, though not wheelchair-friendly.
Priced at $375 for up to 6 people, the cruise offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: 2 Hour Private Dolphin Cruise & Bay Tour Review
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Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Beach Stop + Seashell Hunting
For those seeking an immersive Pensacola adventure, the Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise with Beach Stop and Seashell Hunting by Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals is a must-experience activity.
Priced at $545.00 for up to 6 people, this private tour offers a chance to spot dolphins and explore the area’s natural beauty. The tour departs from Pensacola Beach Boulevard, with public parking available nearby.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness required makes this an excellent option for active travelers.
With a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, this cruise promises an unforgettable day on the water and along the shore.
Read our full review: Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Beach Stop + Seashell Hunting Review
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Recap
Pensacola offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to suit different interests and group sizes. From public dolphin and sightseeing cruises to private powerboat excursions, there’s something for all. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, scenic bay tours, and even beach stops for seashell hunting. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sunset cruise or an adventure-filled day on the water, Pensacola has the perfect boat tour to make your visit memorable.