Orange Beach Dolphin Cruise: Sunset, Wildlife, Cocktails
4.9
392 Ratings
Orange Beach
Experience the beauty of Orange Beach, AL on a sunset dolphin and nature cruise. Sip on signature cocktails while observing local wildlife and exploring hidden creeks. Book now!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Orange Beach - Two hulls provide stability for a smooth ride without leaning to one side. Come enjoy a two-hour sail at sunset aboard the Cetacean, a 52-foot Hawaiian catamaran. With the wind in our sails, the Cetacean skims along the waters of Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida. While out sailing, you’ll see coastal wildlife and marine life all around. Take in the sights and sounds as pelicans and cormorants dive into the water; bald eagles, egrets, sea gulls, herons and osprey fly nearby; schools of bait fish surround the sailboat; and our resident pod of dolphins plays in our bow wake.
    Our knowledgeable tour guide and captain point out the local flora and fauna. You may see osprey and their nests, herons, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and maybe even an alligator or two. The Explorer allows us to get as close as safely possible to the banks and the local marine and wildlife. Because the boat only needs 16 to 18 inches of water underneath, we can sneak into creeks and swamps where few other boats can go, providing you with a truly unique and memorable experience.
What's Included
  • Inclusive of all fees and taxes
What's Not Included
  • Full-service cocktail bar available for purchase. Bring valid ID
Additional Information

Experience the captivating allure of the sunset with our special signature cocktails! There’s just no better way to wrap up the day! Embark on our two-hour dolphin and nature cruise in Orange Beach, AL. This cruise integrates all the highlights of the dolphin cruise and added meandering time in the secluded creeks of the back bays. The first hour is dedicated to locating and observing the local dolphin pod, while we utilize the second hour in the marshes. Our expert tour guide and captain provide insights about the indigenous flora and fauna. It’s not unusual to spot ospreys in their nests, herons, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, among others. The Explorer is specially equipped to get as nearly as is safely possible to the banks and the local marine and wildlife. Given that the boat requires only 16 to 18 inches of water to navigate, it allows us to venture into areas like creeks and swamps that are inaccessible to most other boats, thus guaranteeing an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind and unforgettable.

  • We have been able to accommodate most requests. Please call us at 251-550-8000 to discuss your needs with our staff.
  • Minimum of 18 pounds in order to board. Infants weighing less than 18 pounds will not be permitted to board.
  • Strollers not permitted.
Location
4673 Wharf Pkwy W
Wharf Parkway West
Find us in Orange Beach, Alabama, at The Wharf Entertainment District, we are located directly in front of The Springhill Suites by Marriot on the West End Side of the Marina. Our address is 4673 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(392 Ratings)
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Kelly
Jun 16, 2024
Family Girls trip - We would recommend this trip for anyone. We had a great time out on the water. We saw lots of dolphins, great sunset views, and great crew!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paige_m
Jun 14, 2024
Sunset & dolphins - The sunset cruise was amazing. My family had a wonderful time. My parents who are elderly walk with canes and the staff were all so helpful. They let them board first and that meant so much to me. Captain Lynn and Captain Scott made everything so much fun; and of course the rest of the staff was great as well. The music was on point; loved it. They made sure we all saw dolphins and a stunning sunset. It was a great experience and ending to a fun beach day. We will return again to the Explorer!
Review provided by Viator
Annie_e
Jun 12, 2024
Amazing - Amazing experience. The sunset was beautiful. The captain was very knowledgeable, and staff was extremely helpful and humorous.
Review provided by Viator
Scottto5906zt
Jun 10, 2024
Great Experience - Had a great time, crew was friendly and attentive, Boat had everything we needed ( food,drinks, ect) . We got to see the dolphins as advertised and the sunset was great. Prices were comparable to other companies but the boat was a better experience because it did not hold near as many as the bigger companies around. 15-20 on our boat compared to 75-100 on the bigger boats… definitely would use them again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
210paml
Jun 9, 2024
Great Dolphin and Sunset Experience - This was so much fun! I liked that it was not a crowded boat like the larger ones we saw out on the water. There was plenty of room to get from side to side to see the Dolphins and there were a LOT of them. Captain Smitty was awesome as was the crew, very friendly and helpful even taking pictures of the people for them. Drinks , snacks, cocktails were served but the Dolphins! At one point they started chasing our boat so the other boat that was out on the Bay also came up on the other side of them and kept them between the two boats chasing and jumping up into the air for a long time so it was a great video opportunity. The sunset at the end of the cruise was spectacular. Kids are welcome and my grandkids had a great time as well. I will definitely do this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Staceykj9420ae
Jun 7, 2024
Explorer Cruise - This was our second time on this cruise! It was just as amazing in June of 2023! Breathtaking views and lots of dolphins playing near the boat, beautiful sunsets and great drinks 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevinbb1137uv
Jun 7, 2024
Fabulous time - It was a fabulous experience and well worth the money. Staff was friendly and personable. They made the tour fun and educational.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sage_j
Jun 5, 2024
Amazing - Getting to see the dolphins right when we started! Just get to spend time with the person I love also we live the captain he was great!!!
Review provided by Viator
Casey_c
Jun 2, 2024
Fun girls trip activity - We loved doing this dolphin cruise. We definitely saw plenty of dolphins. The captain and crew were great! Me and my friends loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Pjlo8110
Jun 10, 2024
Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise Review - This tour was as advertised. We got to see several dolphins, though brackish water is so murky that you only see them briefly when they surface. Don’t expect jumping from dolphins. Scenery and sunset were serene and beautiful. I think they could leave out the drink bar. Beer is reasonable but mixed drinks were very overpriced, very small, and not that good. $50pp is a little expensive for what the trip provides. Another $33 for 2 drinks, then any tipping. Probably not the best value overall for a trip like this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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