Set out from St. Petersburg’s waterfront with Pier Dolphin Cruises and spend up to two hours watching dolphins leap and swim alongside. This hands-on tour blends family-friendly fun with a front-row seat to Florida’s marine life.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated with optional standing to view wildlife
Wildlife
History
St. Petersburg’s waterfront has long been a hub for fishing and boating, growing into a destination for marine wildlife tours since the 20th century.
Conservation
Pier Dolphin Cruises supports responsible wildlife viewing by following guidelines that minimize stress on dolphins and protect their habitat.
Pier Dolphin Cruises
Set out from St. Petersburg’s waterfront with Pier Dolphin Cruises and spend up to two hours watching dolphins leap and swim alongside. This hands-on tour blends family-friendly fun with a front-row seat to Florida’s marine life.
Pier Dolphin Cruises is a St. Petersburg, Florida-based tour operator specializing in dolphin and sunset boat excursions departing from the St. Pete Pier. Founded to showcase Tampa Bay marine life and coastal scenery, the company offers a variety of 90-minute cruises and themed evening events designed for adults, families, and dog owners. Typical trips include guaranteed-dolphin tours, sunset cruises that support local charities, adults-only booze cruises, service-industry nights, live-music events, and a dogs-and-dolphins experience that safely brings pets aboard.
The fleet is captained by Captain Christian, who leads many of the signature cruises and emphasizes safe, environmentally responsible wildlife viewing. Tickets for specific themed cruises often include complimentary beverages or event perks such as stickers and signed posters, and some voyages require proof of industry status for special offers. Pier Dolphin Cruises partners with more than fifteen local charities on select sailings, directing proceeds and public attention to community causes.
Safety briefings, life jackets, and standard boating protocols are provided for all passengers. Most cruises run approximately ninety minutes and depart from established piers in St. Petersburg, offering consistent sunset views and frequent dolphin sightings. Reviews and community listings highlight the operator’s focus on guest experience, wildlife encounters, and local engagement. Reservations are recommended for popular evening and live-music departures to secure preferred dates. Tickets can be purchased online or at the pier when available, and the company posts schedule updates for themed cruises, charity sailings, and live-music nights so visitors can plan around dolphin-watching windows and sunset departure times.
Location
St. Petersburg, FL
Departures from the St. Pete Pier
Typical Duration
90 minutes
Most cruises run ninety minutes
Tours Offered
7 unique trips
Variety for families and adults
Charity Support
15+ charities
Partners on select sailings
Book guaranteed-dolphin tours, sunset sails, or live-music booze cruises now to secure preferred dates and event perks.
Bring a camera with zoom
Dolphins often keep a respectful distance—telephoto lenses capture their behavior best.
Wear sun protection
Open water means strong sun exposure; apply sunscreen and consider hats or sunglasses.
Arrive early for boarding
Getting there 15 minutes ahead prevents rush and allows time for a safety briefing.
Consider family-friendly seating
Front or side seats offer better views, especially for children keen on spotting dolphins.
Camera with zoom lens
Ideal for capturing close-up shots of dolphins and other wildlife.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during sunny, open-water hours.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Helpful against unexpected showers or wind on the water.
spring
Hat and sunglasses
Essential for sun protection and reducing glare on the water’s surface.
all