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Dolphin Tours & Boat Cruises on Amelia Island

Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins follow the shrimp boats into Fernandina every afternoon. Cruise out and watch the show.

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Why take a dolphin tour

  • Resident pod of Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins in the inlet year-round
  • Manatees common May through October in the river
  • Working shrimp fleet pulls in every afternoon — dolphins follow the boats in for the by-catch
  • Historic downtown marina departure makes this a no-car, walkable activity

Book with local operators

Amelia River Cruises

History and dolphin-spotting tours on the Amelia River. Departures from the downtown marina with narrated commentary.

From $32/adult75 minutes

Sea Dolphin Charters

Dedicated dolphin tours on a smaller boat. Better if you want a private, less-narrated experience.

1–2 hours

Windward Sails

Sailing charters with wildlife along the way. The quiet option — no motor hum, dolphins often ride the bow wake.

2–3 hours

Local tips

  1. 1Book the 3–4 PM window. The shrimp fleet returns then and dolphins follow them in almost every day.
  2. 2Morning departures have the best light for photos and are less crowded.
  3. 3Sit on the port (left) side heading out of the marina — more time looking at the marsh, better dolphin angle on the return.

Frequently asked questions

Are dolphins guaranteed on the tour?

Not guaranteed, but you'll see them 95%+ of the time — especially on late-afternoon runs aligned with the shrimp fleet return.

What else will I see on the cruise?

Fort Clinch, the shrimping fleet, working docks, Cumberland Island's south end, ospreys, and often manatees in summer.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. Boats are stable, shaded, and have restrooms. Under-12 pricing is usually discounted.

What if the weather is bad?

Operators reschedule for thunderstorms and small-craft advisories. Light rain usually still sails — bring a jacket.

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