The Exhilaration of Seeing Dolphins in the Wild

The Exhilaration of Seeing Dolphins in the Wild

Experience the magical thrill of The Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure 

There’s something special about being out on the water, when the sun reflects small flashes of light off the waves and a cloudless, bright blue sky is overhead. A warm breeze is blowing, and suddenly, a dorsal fin breaks the smooth, glassy surface — a dolphin! It’s hard not to point and shout with excitement! Seeing a dolphin in the wild is a powerful and unforgettable experience — watching these majestic creatures glide up and down in the wake, porpoising through the glossy waves. It’s a thrill our team here at Florida Water Tours knows well and loves to share with our guests on the Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure.

As a family-owned and operated business in St. Augustine, Florida, we are devoted to our mission of preserving the wildlife and nature that surrounds us. Our ecotourism cruises focus on our passion for conservation, and run daily, with multiple times and adventures for adults, families and private parties. Led by founder Jessica Jadick, Florida Water Tours was created in 2016. “When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer when I grew up,” Jadick shares. “And then when I got older, I became more passionate and knowledgeable about keeping wildlife wild and observing wildlife in their natural habitats.” And so that’s what we do here at Florida Water Tours. One of our main tours is the Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure, and it’s a true ecotour experience. It’s not just a sightseeing cruise, but a hands-on educational excursion. Our guides are personable and knowledgeable marine experts, teaching cruisers all about the wildlife they encounter in the St. Augustine waterways — in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Tolomato and Matanzas Rivers — and trust us, you’ll see a lot of it! Dolphins, birds, manatees and turtles! It’s a 90-minute best seller for a reason, and it’s great for families. 

St. Augustine is home to dolphins year round, and June and July are often the best times for dolphin sightings. “The water is warmer in the summer,” Jadick says. “And as warm-blooded mammals, dolphins prefer tepid temperatures.” The dolphins you’ll see swimming in the Oldest City’s waters are the Common Bottlenose Dolphin, and they can be found offshore and in coastal waters, generally living closer to the shore. “We’re lucky to see them almost every day, as they call this bay their home year round,” Jadick continues. “We regularly witness all types of behaviors like playing, hunting, breeding and caring for their young.” Dolphins are highly intelligent and considered to be among the smartest animals on Earth. They use sound to communicate, give one another names, and can recognize themselves in the mirror. They’re also highly social and playful, and while they can be seen traveling alone, they often travel in pods, or groups. Their social circles are complex as well, maintaining friendships and working together to hunt and protect one another. 

The best time of day to see these sweet creatures is usually when they’re hunting for food, which happens in the early morning, midmorning and early evening before dusk. They’re also naturally curious and often love to interact with boats and their wakes. Our ecocruises are offered three times daily to ensure you get to experience the cheerful and exuberant exhilaration of seeing dolphins in the wild. Book a Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure tour today to experience a boat trip you’ll never forget. Our shop and boat dock (and boutique!) is located at the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking, restrooms on board and a bar on our larger boat, Osprey (our other boats are BYOB). Check in for your cruise at the shop, The Salty Boutique, where you can find beach and fishing accessories, local and handmade goods, and more. Our vessels are just a short walk from the shop, located at Dock A-19 and A-12. We can’t wait to get you out on the water. Come aboard to learn more about these amazing mammals!