Key West Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Combo
Overview
Explore the natural wonders of Key West with a visit to wild dolphins in their ocean home and a snorkel over the coral and sand flats of the Key West Backcountry.
Highlights
- Cruise offshore aboard a state-of-the-art 45-foot power catamaran
- Watch wild bottlenose dolphins swim, play, and feed in their natural habitat
- Learn about Key West’s resident dolphins and other marine life
- Snorkel the clear water of the shallow Backcountry flats
- Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, & water
Why Travelers Choose This Activity
This exciting tour combines ethical dolphin watching with a fun Key West snorkeling trip.
Description
This eco-adventure starts with a high-speed catamaran cruise into the clear-water flats where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Florida Keys island chain to form the legendary Key West Backcountry. Abounding with birds, fish, and wildlife, the Backcountry waters off the north shore of Key West are also home to a non-migratory resident pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. You will have a chance to observe and photograph these friendly and playful animals as they hunt for fish, play, and socialize in the shallow waters just a short distance from the island.
Enjoy an amazing and educational experience as your small tour group learns many interesting and fun facts about the Key West dolphins from the experienced dolphin watch captain and crew. There will be plenty of photo opportunities as the dolphins are accustomed to human visitors and often swim and leap fearlessly quite near the boat. Enjoy your dolphin watch experience with confidence that the dolphins are not being harmed in any way. All tours are conducted under the guidelines of the Dolphin SMART program put together by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and other conservation agencies to promote the protection and responsible observation of dolphins.
After visiting the dolphins, your captain will take you into the Backcountry waters to do some snorkeling in the marine sanctuary and wildlife refuge. View several types of coral, sponges, colorful tropical fish, and many other interesting creatures while floating peacefully in the clear water over the patch reefs and sand flats. You may even be lucky enough to spot a sea turtle or some of Key West’s famous game fish. Top-of-the line equipment including mask, fins, and snorkel is included, and wetsuits are available for rental if the seasonal weather demands it. Don’t worry if you are a first-time snorkeler – expert crewmembers will provide any guidance and instruction you need. Flotation devices are also available if you wish to use one, and a fresh water rinse shower after snorkeling provides for your comfort.
The Best Key West Dolphin Watch Tour
Catch the best of Key West both on and in the water on this great Key West Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour. With everything taken care of by your experienced captain and crew, you can focus on enjoying a day that will be the highlight of your Key West visit. Refreshments are included — bring your refillable water bottle — and complimentary cold beer and chilled wine are available after all water activities are complete.
All tours depart from the Key West Historic Harbor just steps away from the Key West Cruise Ship Port, and convenient morning and afternoon departure times make this the perfect shoreside tour for cruise ship passengers. Use our fast and secure online booking system to get tour vouchers along with all other necessary details delivered right to your smart phone. Tour group numbers are limited by the boat size so book now to reserve your spot.
What's Included
- 2 Convenient timings with departure point steps away from the cruise ship port
- Modern 45-foot boat with shaded seating and wide-open views
- Top-quality snorkeling equipment and expert instruction
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a freshwater rinse shower
- Complimentary beer, wine, soda, & water
- Gratuities
What To Expect
The state-of-the-art 45-foot Corinthian power catamaran features a shaded seating area, a marine restroom, and a freshwater rinse shower.
Departure check-in
Departure point is just 3 blocks from the Cruise Ship Port.
All guests must check in beginning 30 minutes before departure to present their trip voucher and receive a boarding pass.
Scenic cruise out to the dolphin viewing area
An estimated 200 bottlenose dolphins make their home in the waters around Key West.
Crew members will share some notes about Key West natural history and the dolphins as you ride offshore.
Short journey into the Backcountry waters to locate the best snorkeling conditions
Expect to see tropical fish, sponges, patch coral and more — every trip is different.
All snorkeling equipment and necessary instruction is provided.
Complimentary beverages
Stay hydrated with soft drinks and water, then enjoy chilled wine & cold beer after water activities are complete
Sunset combo trips offer perfect sunset views & complimentary champagne
Enjoy a champagne toast as the sky blazes with color and the sun sinks to the horizon.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- This activity is 3 Block from the cruise ship port
- What to bringCamera, Photo ID, swimwear, towel, and a smile!
- Must know how to swim to snorkel
- The minimum age for this activity is All ages (Infants must sit on laps)
- This activity will have a maximum of 24 guests
Frequently Asked Questions
(13)Q: Can I go on the trip and choose not to snorkel?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-1463201
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 1,065 traveler reviews collected by Cool Key West and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Key West customers.
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Yes. We do not require you to participate in snorkeling although the ticket price is the same for everyone.
Jan 2026The reef snorkel is 4-15 ft.
Mar 2021Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Key West snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Key West tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Key West Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Combo. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (EDT).
- 2 Convenient timings with departure point steps away from the cruise ship port.
- Modern 45-foot boat with shaded seating and wide-open views.
- Top-quality snorkeling equipment and expert instruction.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a freshwater rinse shower.
- Complimentary beer, wine, soda, & water.
- Gratuities.
The minimum age for this activity is All ages (Infants must sit on laps).
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Combo will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Key West. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- 2 Convenient timings with departure point steps away from the cruise ship port
- Modern 45-foot boat with shaded seating and wide-open views
- Top-quality snorkeling equipment and expert instruction
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a freshwater rinse shower
- Complimentary beer, wine, soda, & water
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- This activity is 3 Block from the cruise ship port
- What to bringCamera, Photo ID, swimwear, towel, and a smile!
- Must know how to swim to snorkel
- The minimum age for this activity is All ages (Infants must sit on laps)
- This activity will have a maximum of 24 guests
