Southern Star Dolphin Cruise in Destin, Florida, is a fantastic family-friendly Destin Dolphin Tour that has a 98% success rate of seeing dolphins.
Southern Star Dolphin Cruise
We had so much fun on the Southern Star Dolphin Sunset Cruise. The views were amazing! We saw a ton of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and a gorgeous sunset over the Gulf.
The boat is really comfortable with bench seating along each side and seating on the upper deck so you can move around and find your favorite spot.
The crew does a fantastic job of spotting dolphins and sharing information about the area.
Cruise Options
Daytime Dolphin Cruise - A 1.5-hour fully narrated ecotour on the emerald green waters of Destin. Family-friendly for all ages. Featured on National Geographic Explorer and CNN Earthwatch. TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.
Book on Viator or GetYourGuide
Sunset Dolphin Cruise - The most popular option. A 1.5-hour cruise combining dolphin spotting with breathtaking sunset views over the Emerald Coast. Over 10,000 dolphin sightings. All ages. Book on Viator or GetYourGuide
Fireworks Cruise - Seasonal cruise for watching the Destin Harbor fireworks show from the water. Check the Southern Star website for dates and availability.
Groups and Private Charters - Group discounts for 20 or more guests. Private charter options available for corporate events, educational field trips, and celebration cruises.
Outdoor Seating
There are a couple of options for outdoor seating on the Southern Star. On the main deck there is a bench down the side of the boat or on the top level there are rows of benches.
Book your Southern Star dolphin cruise on Viator or Get Your Guide
Indoor Seating
There are a few tables inside near the snack area.
Why you will love Southern Star Dolphin Cruise
- Fully narrated marine ecotour covering Destin history and local wildlife
- Over 10,000 dolphin sightings and counting
- Daytime and Sunset cruise options - 1.5 hours each
- Seasonal Fireworks Cruise available
- Group discounts and private charter options available
- Snacks and refreshments available on board
- Departing from HarborWalk Village in Destin
Things to know when planning a visit
Book your Southern Star dolphin cruise on Viator or Get Your Guide
Address - 100 Harbor Blvd A, Destin, FL 32541
Located at HarborWalk Village in Destin
Hours - Tours are offered multiple times during the day
Accessibility - The main deck is accessible to manual wheelchairs only. Scooters and motorized wheelchairs are too large and too heavy to accommodate on the vessel.
Plus Size Seating - The outside seating is metal benches. The inside seating is attached to the boat and can't be moved.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual. Please be prepared for the Florida Gulf Coast sunshine and heat.
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the boat
Parking - There is parking at HarborWalk Village. Depending on the time of year you are visiting the parking is paid parking.
Destin Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Sea Blaster Destin - One of the best dolphin cruises on the Gulf Coast with beer and wine included, kids get to captain the boat, and stunning emerald water views. Also departing from HarborWalk Village.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise - A fantastic family-friendly pirate adventure cruise also departing from HarborWalk Village.
LuLu's Destin - A waterfront restaurant with great food, live music, and a fun Gulf Coast atmosphere.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill - A must-visit for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind under the sea bowling experience.
Fudpucker's Beachside Bar and Grill - A Destin classic with great food, live alligators, and a lively beachside atmosphere.
Gator Beach - See hundreds of alligators up close at this free Destin attraction right at Fudpucker's.
Henderson Beach State Park - Gorgeous white sand beach with easy access to the water and beautiful coastal dune lake trails.
East Pass Coffee Co. - Our favorite coffee stop in Destin with great drinks and a chill vibe.
The Back Porch - A Destin seafood institution right on the beach.
The Donut Hole - A Destin breakfast legend. Go early and expect a wait.
Capriccio Cafe - Specialty coffee, sweet and savory crepes, salads, and sandwiches in Destin.
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
Fairfield Inn and Suites Destin - Right across from Henderson Beach State Park with indoor and outdoor pools and easy access to Destin attractions.
Hotel Effie Sandestin - A stunning luxury hotel at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort just minutes from Destin.
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - A guide to the beautiful lighthouses along the Florida Gulf Coast.
RV Camping on the Gulf Coast - The best RV parks and campgrounds along the entire Gulf Coast including the Florida Panhandle.
Destin Tours and Attractions
Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE
Crab Island Tours - World-famous Crab Island is a must visit! Book a tour or private boat HERE.
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy the day out on the water in a fantastic pontoon boat. Check out Boat Rentals HERE
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penquins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE
Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE
Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top-rated tours and activities in Destin.
Destin Lodging and Hotels
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Fairfield Inn and Suites Destin - We stayed at this great hotel right across from the Henderson Beach State Park. They have an indoor and outdoor pool and easy access to Destin attractions. Book Here
The Henderson Beach Resort - Gorgeous resort with full servcice spa, outdoor pools, white sand beach, and all the amenities you love. Book Here
Hampton Inn & Suites Destin - Close to Henderson Beach Park and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. Book Here
Inn on Destin Harbor - Located near HarborWalk Village with an outdoor pool and free self parking. Book Here
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
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