Join the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise for a fun, family-friendly tour spotting dolphins and seabirds in the waters off Destin, Florida. Enjoy a narrated eco-tour and stunning sunsets aboard a glass-bottom boat.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Southern Star and Buccaneer Cruises have been operating since 1989, making them the longest-running dolphin cruise in Destin.
Conservation
The cruise operator supports local marine conservation by educating guests and following best practices to minimize wildlife disturbance.
Southern Star and Buccaneer Cruises
Join the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise for a fun, family-friendly tour spotting dolphins and seabirds in the waters off Destin, Florida. Enjoy a narrated eco-tour and stunning sunsets aboard a glass-bottom boat.
Southern Star and Buccaneer Cruises is a Destin, Florida-based operator offering a range of family-friendly harbor experiences and specialty cruises. The company operates the Buccaneer and the Southern Star, presenting themed adventures including pirate cruises, fireworks cruises, sunset dolphin tours, and seasonal special-event sailings.
Guests can choose the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise for live entertainment, sword fighting, treasure hunts and water battles, or relax on the Sunset Pirate Cruise for cannon fire and coastal scenery. Fireworks cruises aboard the Buccaneer and aboard the Southern Star provide up-close views of HarborWalk Village fireworks over the East Pass, creating memorable evenings for families and groups. The Sunset Dolphin Cruise on the Southern Star delivers narrated eco-tours, dolphin and seabird viewing, island music and a dramatic Emerald Coast sunset.
Special event programming includes a Valentine's Day cruise and a December Christmas Boat Parade with festive lights and occasional fireworks. In addition to shipboard experiences, the operator offers access to harbor attractions described as Free Fall, Zip Line Round Trip, Rock Wall and Aqua Spheres — high-adrenaline activities set against the Destin Harbor backdrop for guests seeking thrill-based options. Bookings accommodate families and visitors of all ages, with crew-led storytelling and entertainment on themed departures. Safety and memorable guest experiences are emphasized across public cruises and private-charter options. Southern Star and Buccaneer Cruises markets itself as a convenient way to experience Destin's coastal scenery, dolphin wildlife viewing, holiday festivities and interactive family entertainment on the Emerald Coast. This overview reflects the experiences and cruises offered.
Location
Destin, FL
Operates in Destin Harbor
Vessels
2
Southern Star and Buccaneer
Tours Offered
10
Fireworks, pirate, dolphin, special events
Family Friendly
All Ages
Entertainment for kids and adults
Secure seats for pirate adventures, sunset dolphin tours, and holiday fireworks aboard the Buccaneer or Southern Star — family-friendly departures for all ages.
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat
Florida sun can be strong even on cloudy days, so protect your skin during the cruise.
Arrive Early for Best Boarding Spots
Arriving 15 minutes early helps you secure a prime viewing location on the boat.
Bring Binoculars
Binoculars enhance dolphin spotting and birdwatching for a closer look at wildlife.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Non-slip shoes are recommended for safe boarding and moving around the boat deck.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong Florida sun exposure during the cruise.
summer
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable against cool breezes on the water.
fall
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing, especially for dolphins and seabirds at a distance.
Non-slip Shoes
Provides safety and stability on the boat deck.