Cetacean Cruises offers Dolphin Cruises on the Explorer from The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Cetacean Cruises Dolphin Cruise
The dolphin cruises are offered on The Explorer, which is a super comfortable, easy-to-board boat located in The Wharf.
We had not been out of the dock for 5 minutes before we saw the 1st of many dolphins on our cruise. We were shocked at how many sets of dolphins we saw on a two-hour dolphin tour.
The boat captain does a phenomenal job of sharing educational information about the bottlenose dolphins that reside in the Intracoastal Waterways and Wolf Bay without sounding like a teacher who is drilling you with info.
He had us laughing and learning while soaking in the epic dolphin cruise adventures. Since the dolphin cruise is focused on the intercoastal and Wolf Bay the water was pretty smooth. We had a few waves that we rode over from other boats but in general it was nice and calm.
My sister in law came with us and she gets horrible motion sickness and she did great on the dolphin tour. I will say that she took preventative motion sickness meds ahead of time to make sure that she could enjoy the excursion.
Book a Cetacean Cruise Dolphin Excursion Book online HERE
I lost count of the number of dolphins that we saw on our two hour excursion. We also saw a Loon which was a complete shock. We learned on the trip that Common Loons migrate to the Gulf for the winter.
It was such a surprise we didn’t even think to take a picture we were just sitting there in awe at seeing one near the boat. We also saw Osprey, quite a few Great Blue Herons, and tons of other birds.
If you are a birder you will enjoy being out on the quiet bay seeing the bird life.
The kids on the boat had an epic time pointing out the friendly dolphins and cheering when they saw them. The boat made sure the little ones had comfortable life jackets so they were safe and well taken care of.
Cetacean Cruises offers a bar and cocktail/drink menu when you board the boat. You can start a tab and enjoy blended drinks, bottles of water, soda, and more while looking for dolphins. They accept cash or credit card for drinks while on board.
One thing I loved was we were able to add a tip to our booking when we paid for the cruise. This was a great way of making sure the staff was taken care of and we didn’t have to bring cash onboard a moving boat and worry it might fall out of our pockets.
Don't worry you can also tip the crew anytime you are onboard The Explorer.
The crew was amazing! They had us laughing, dancing, and celebrating the relaxing dolphin cruise experience we were having.
On our way back to The Wharf Marina the crew had everyone dancing in their seats to fun throwback 80s music and Caribbean music. It was so much fun!
We had such a great experience we are already talking about when we can head out on another Orange Beach Dolphin Cruise.
It was the perfect relaxing dolphin cruise along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The entire family will enjoy this cruise through the surrounding waters of Orange Beach.
I still can't believe the number of dolphin sightings we had during this dolphin cruise.
Wildlife often seen:
- Seagulls
- Bald Eagles
- Osprey
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Red-Tailed Hawks
- Alligators - are a possibility
The marine life we saw on the dolphin cruise was amazing. I still can't believe how many dolphins we saw.
Things to bring with you on the Cetacean Cruise dolphin tour:
- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- A light jacket depending on the weather
- A great attitude ready for fun
- Camera with a great wildlife lens
- Cell phone harness or a way to make sure it is secure
- Valid ID if you plan to enjoy the onboard bar.
Please do not bring a cooler, outside food or drink, or wear high heels (they are not allowed on the boat).
Why you will love sailing with Cetacean Cruises
- One of the best Unique experiences in Orange Beach
- Fun for the whole family
- Lifelong memories
- Great crew members
- Fun entertainment on board while looking for dolphins
Things to know to plan your Cetacean Cruise Dolphin Cruise
There is covered and uncovered seating on the Cetacean Cruise Explorer boat so you can pick if you want to be out in the hot Orange Beach, Alabama sun or covered and looking out the sides.
There is an enclosed restroom on board but we highly suggest using the bathroom on the wharf so you don’t have to worry about the boat rocking while you are trying to relieve yourself.
Overall we were really impressed with the dolphin tour with Cetacean Cruises! We had a ton of fun and would happily book the tour again. My husband and I are already talking about needing to head out again and bring our DSLR Camera with us to get dolphin photos.
We had no idea we would see so many and wished we had come prepared for the dolphin tour. We did learn that about 70 dolphins call Wolf Bay home so they are seen all the time.
This dolphin cruise stays in the protected waters of the Intercoastal Waterway and does not go out into the Gulf of Mexico.
You can book a Cetacean Cruise Dolphin Excursion Book online HERE
We highly recommend making a reservation so you know you can enjoy an epic sailing tour on the day you want to.
The Cetacean Cruises team is top notch! They are there to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable dolphin cruise.
Tour Information
Cetacean Cruises offers a few different Dolphin Cruises in Orange Beach.
Dolphin Eco Tour - 90 minute tour
Dolphin and Nature Eco Tour - 2 hour tour
Sunset Dolphin and Nature Cruise - 2 hours
Boat information
40 foot catamaran with a bathroom, snack bar and drinks, half covered for sun and shade, open bow area for walking around, AND kids can help drive the boat.
We experienced a really smooth ride on a blue-sky day! The vessel was easy to board even my Mother in Law who uses a cane was able to step up onto the boarding ramp easily.
That being said the boat is not handicapped accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted on board. However, canes and walkers are welcome.
One cool thing about the Explorer boat is it only needs 16-18 inches of water underneath it. This allows the boat to offer up close views of wildlife and scenery.
Restrooms
There is a bathroom available onboard the Explorer but we highly suggest using the nearby restroom before boarding the boat so you can enjoy the cruise.
Minimum Weight Requirement
Each passenger must be a minimum of 18 pounds to board.
Weather
Trips do not run if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you feel like there may be poor weather during your trip make sure to call Cetacean Cruises to see if a different date is available for a dolphin cruise.
Sunset Cruise
We absolutely love the sunset sailboat catamaran tour with Cetacean Cruises. The sunset catamaran cruise also leaves from The Wharf Marina.
You can board a 52 foot catamaran and enjoy a sailing cruise on the open waters with hopefully an epic Orange Beach sunset and hopefully lots of dolphins.
Cetacean Cruises
Reservations - Reservations can be made online or by calling the number below. You can book your dolphin tour today to experience a great time on an epic nature cruise.
Location – The Wharf Marina (Near Springhill Suites)
Phone – (251) 550-8000
Address – 4673 Wharf Parkway W, Orange Beach, Al
This epic Orange Beach Dolphin Cruise is available 7 days a week!
There is a minimum number of travelers of 15 participants required for this trip to depart.
Arrival Time - It is always a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before your dolphin cruise so you can stop at the ticket booth to get your wrist band and confirm your cruise registration. There are benches and seating available nearby.
Make sure to look for dolphins and wildlife while waiting for your dolphin cruise! We saw multiple Bottlenose dolphins right off of The Wharf Marina.
Attractions and Restaurants near Cetacean Cruises
The Wharf - After your dolphin cruise head over to ride the Ferris wheel, check out the epic restaurants, and enjoy great shopping.
Mile Marker 158 Dockside - This great restaurant is located right next to where you board the dolphin cruise. It is the perfect place to relax before or after your tour.
GT's on the Bay Restaurant - This is a great casual Orange Beach restaurant just down the road. Kids will love the giant aquarium
Villaggio Grille - Epic restaurant located at the Wharf. Everything from pizza to the best fish my husband has had in the area.
Duck's Diner - Casual breakfast and lunch restaurant that is a local favorite.
Vinny's Pizzeria - Located right next door to the Ferris Wheel! They have great pizzas by the slice, whole pizzas, and my husbands favorite Pepperoni Log.
Ginny Lane Bar and Grill - Enjoy a great meal with a fun atmosphere.
Southern Grind Coffee House - Enjoy a delicious drink and shop their amazing coastal gifts.
Springhill Suites at The Wharf - Stay right at the Wharf at this great hotel. We really enjoyed our stay here
Additional Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Adventures
LuLu's Gulf Shores - Iconic restaurant in Gulf Shores located right on the Intracoastal Waterway
The Hangout - Located next to the Gulf Shores Public Beach this family friendly restaurant is so fun.
Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access - provides easy access to one of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.
Orange Beach restaurants with a view - Check out all of the great restaurants that have epic water views.
Breakfast restaurants in Orange Beach - The best places to grab breakfast and/or brunch.
Best Dolphin Cruises in Orange Beach
Top things to do in Orange Beach
We are working on a ton of great Orange Beach Restaurant guides to help you have the best Gulf Coast vacation possible!
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!
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