dolphin tours corpus

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin watch & sightseeing tour.

Come witness the marvel of dolphins in their natural habitat. Each dolphin-watching cruise presents a unique experience determined by the behaviors of these remarkable creatures on any given day. Whether feeding, socializing, traveling, or at play, dolphins showcase their intelligence and adaptability as they navigate the waters.

Get ready for potential dolphin sightings right off the boat, as these curious animals often approach to investigate. You may find yourself connecting with a dolphin as your eyes meet, appreciating their captivating presence. Dolphins can be identified individually by their distinctive dorsal fins, shaped as uniquely as a human fingerprint

• 1.5 hour cruise daily 5:30-7 pm
• Adults $30 per person
• Children 6-12 $15 per person
• 5 and under free
• concessions aboard for purchase

Embark on a 90-minute narrated cruise into the Corpus Christi shipping channel, offered at various times during the afternoon, evening and sunset. Allow knowledgeable guides to impart fascinating facts while you revel in nature at its finest, observing one of Earth’s most beloved marine mammals.

What You’ll See

Our specialized catamaran tour takes you into the Corpus Christi ship channel, an area teeming with wild dolphins. Get ready to spot bottlenose dolphins as they playfully leap in and out of the wake of passing ships. Our marine naturalists will identify behaviors and educate you on these remarkable mammals.

Corpus Christi Ship Channel

As we search for dolphins, you’ll get an up-close view of massive cargo and oil tanker ships navigating the narrow ship channel. Our guides will point out these behemoth vessels and explain the critical role the port plays in international trade.

Pre-Civil War Lighthouse

We’ll cruise past the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, a 156-year-old lighthouse that still stands sentinel over the ship channel just as it did before the Civil War. Our guides will delve into the history of this iconic lighthouse and its importance in marking the harbor entrance.

San Jose Island

Our tour includes a cruise along San Jose Island, a pristine undeveloped barrier island rich in native wildlife. Watch for herons, egrets, spoonbills, and other coastal birds gathering to feed in the shallow waters. If luck is on our side, we may even spot the endangered whooping crane.

With our Dolphin Watch & Sightseeing Tours , you’ll enjoy the region’s marine life and immerse yourself in the deep maritime history of Corpus Christi Bay. Join us for a memorable ecotourism experience for the whole family.

Recent Fishing Trip Reviews

I just got back from doing my last 2023 fishing trip from the Dolphin Docks. I may say these guys surely don't disappoint at all. This time was the 1st ... read more time I got on the flipper w Capt Clay & his mate Hue. It was somewhat rough, but this crew was awesome and took us to a great spot. I got a big surprise on this trip and got back to shore with a beautiful bull red. Just look at the golden color it has. Awesome job, Captain Clay & Hue!!! I shall return.

Great time on a 36 hour trip a year ago

Great Staff and Crew

Me and my son went on the captain Paul and enjoyed it a lot. Caught sand trout and undersized red snapper. Returned to water. Definitely going again

This is our second 36 hour trip with La Pesca this year. Both times were a blast! The captains are friendly and knowledgeable, if you aren’t catching they move to ... read more where they are. We’ve never went away empty handed! The deck hands are also quick and ready to help as well. I recommend using dolphin docks for any of your fishing trips!

Always have a good experience here rain or shine. This time was able to bring my kids out.

Great crew. They are very helpful and will take care of anyone regardless of their skill level fishing deep sea.

Dolphin express best tuna trip in the gulf

Excellent.. crew is amazing

Booked a 4hr. Staff was excellent and helpful. The boat was a great experience.

Great folks at reasonable prices. Will definitely be coming back next trip. We took a 4 hr trip and had a blast.

Had fun it was a little rough but I enjoyed it.

Great time fishing. Capt. and deck hands were top notch

This is the second trip my granddaughter and I have chartered with this group, and I highly recommend taking a fishing trip with them. Their crews work hard to get ... read more you on fish and to keep you fishing. The first trip we limited out on Snapper, on the second trip we limited out on shark, and a had a few other fish as well... at the end of the trip the crew will pass a bucket for tips. On other outfitters I have tipped 20% of the cost of the trip. It's not required but I highly recommend that you budget for it. The crew works very hard and I would say they deserve it.

I had a great time I took the 8hr trip I caught 4 fish wod definitely recommend

Best deep sea fishing god service there is I promise you won't regret going fishing with those guys

13402 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Contact Us Today! 361-252-1510

Padre Boat Tours

Ride Beside the Dolphins on Our Boat Tours

 This 1.5 hour expedition focuses on our native dolphins in their natural habitat. Our 35' open pontoon allows you to easily see 360 degrees around the boat and only 36 inches off the water gives you an up close and personal view as they play and frolic in the water. Our knowledgeable captains will sure facts about our beautiful island and it's wonderous wildlife.

Dolphin Expedition Information

• Dolphin Expedition are 2-hour trips.
• The vessel carries 17 people max.
• Adults and children are $29; Infants to 2 years old $5
• Please arrive to check in half an hour before the launch time.
• Small coolers are permitted with your favorite beverages including alcohol.
• Life Jackets are provided (not required to wear during tour) and the boat is kid safe

Dolphin Watch Tour Information

• Dolphin Watch Tours are 2-hour trips.
• $39 per person
• Small coolers are permitted.
• Life Jackets are provided and the boat is kid safe

Tickets Perfect for Any Occasion

Are you shopping for a great deal? Or perhaps you are looking for a unique and special gift for someone? If so, Padre Boat Tours has season passes and ticket packages that are great for you or perfect gifts for friends and families.

Season Passes – A Great Value! This perfect for our local customers. It’s good for 20 rides per calendar year. $250

Gift Passes – These are perfect to give as gifts or keep for yourself. It includes 16 tickets that never expire, so if you want to use them immediately or give them to friends and family to use at their convenience. $450

 Season Passes – A Great Value! This perfect for our local customers. It’s good for 20 rides per calendar year. $250

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 361-252-1510

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Follow a pod of dolphins

Playful dolphins can be spotted in Corpus Christi along the bayfront, on the ferries, or along the beaches. Courtesy photo

The best way to catch a glimpse of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins is to get on a boat. Dolphins love the speed boost they get from the waves off of a boat or ferry and are often spotted playing in the surf alongside the watercraft.  The Corpus Christi region is chock full of commercial dolphin-watching tour boats, but one of the most famous vantage points for a clear view of these beautiful creatures is on the free ferry ride between Port Aransas and Aransas Pass. You can also spot them on the ferry to San Jose Island  or a ride in Corpus Christi Bay with the Japonica . More than 1,800 dolphins have been spotted in the Coastal Bend region during the cooler months. When the waters heat up, they head out to the cooler depths of the Gulf of Mexico. The ones left behind can be found feeding in the Port Aransas channels. Individual dolphins can be identified by the shapes of their dorsal fins. They are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Humans are not allowed to get any closer than 50 feet, so stay back!  And by the way, there are no porpoises in Corpus Christi, only the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, which are thinner and more talkative than porpoises. Or, at least that's what some people think. Porpoises actually make sounds inaudible to the human ear! Also, dolphins live in large groups, while porpoises usually live in pods of only two to four. Porpoises are mostly found in Pacific waters. In Corpus Christi, you can see dolphins practicing their jumps while you are relaxing on the bayfront, touring the USS Lexington , or lounging on the beach.  For those wanting a dolphin-dedicated boat tour, here are few of the most well-known dolphin tours in the Coastal Bend: 

The Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventure

Leaves twice a day from Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas, cruising the waters for wild dolphins, sea birds, and natural landmarks. The Dolphin Adventure Tour is 90 minutes. A Sunset Dolphin Adventure Tour is also available. 440 W. Cotter Port Aransas, TX  361-749-5597

Dolphin Connection

Meet dolphins up close and personal. This hour-long cruise takes you where the dolphins play. The boat, which holds only six passengers, sits low in the water so you get as close as you can without getting wet. 84 Bayshore Drive Ingleside, TX 361-776-2887

Neptune's Charters

Climb aboard the Mustang in Port Aransas for sunset cruises or dolphin tours. Experience a shrimp trawl catch of live crabs, fish shrimp, and stingrays as well as a live touch tank.  154 W. Cotter St. Port Aransas, TX 361-749-6969

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Kohootz Dolphin Encounters

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Kohootz Dolphin Encounters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.36 mi) Cozy Lighthouse Lodge- 5 minutes to Port Aransas Ferry
• (0.63 mi) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Aransas Pass/Corpus Christi
• (0.61 mi) Candlewood Suites Aransas Pass, an IHG Hotel
• (0.60 mi) Quite Vacation Home, close to Conn Brown Harbor, Rockport, and Port A beaches.
• (6.89 mi) Best Western Port Aransas
• (0.76 mi) Bakery Cafe
• (0.60 mi) The Cove
• (4.35 mi) SteerBurger Grill & Grub
• (0.58 mi) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• (0.68 mi) Hook & Ladder Brewpub

dolphin bay

Dolphin bay.

Get an up-close and personal look at our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from two different locations in this 400,000-gallon, 12 foot-deep saltwater pool.

At our top-level, witness the airborne acrobatics from Shadow, Liko, Merlin, and Schooner during our DOLPHINS! presentation . Below, in the Underwater Observation Area, enjoy a tranquil view of these marine mammals from a 70-foot acrylic window.

All of our dolphins were born in a protective environment and are unable to be released into the wild. Learn how we go the extra mile every day to give these dolphins the best possible care. Dive into the details of our enrichment program, where we use the environment and Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs), many custom-designed by our Dolphin Bay trainers, to encourage the dolphin’s natural behaviors and improve their social, cognitive, and psychological well-being.

These dolphins are amazing ambassadors to their cousins in the wild, helping us raise awareness of the threats faced by marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. In Dolphin Bay, you can learn how fishing line entanglement, pollution, disease, and other harmful human activity endangers dolphins, and what we all can do to help them survive.

Buy Tickets!

Meet Our Dolphins

Shadow was born july 23, 1992, and is the oldest dolphin in dolphin bay. he is easily recognizable by the small hole in his dorsal fin, a feature he was born with., liko is our second youngest dolphin, born on june 26, 2007. he is recognizable from his distinct countershading, which means he is dark on the dorsal side; light on the ventral side., schooner was born on march 7, 2007. he can be recognized by his light coloring, and his trainers consider him perhaps the smartest dolphin in dolphin bay., merlin is our youngest dolphin, born on october 16, 2013, and he can be recognized by his pink-colored belly., animals in this exhibit, bottlenose dolphin.

The bottlenose's torpedo-like body and powerful tails allow them to speed through the water at more than 20 miles per hour.

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Dolphin Adventure Tours in Port Aransas

The Scarlet Lady is one of the most exciting Dolphin Watching Adventure Tours in Port Aransas, and is setting sail from Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters!

4th of July aboard the Scarlet Lady

Welcome aboard the Scarlet Lady™!

The Scarlet Lady™ is one of the most exciting Dolphin Watching Adventure Tours in Port Aransas. Cruise along the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel in search of wild dolphins, flocks of sea birds, and enjoy viewing the iconic Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Tours depart out of Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters conveniently located right next to the ferry landing in Port Aransas. Don’t miss out on one of Port Aransas’ Must-Do’s, the Scarlet Lady™ Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour, and book today !

Dolphin Adventure Tour

Sunset Dolphin Adventure Tour

Private Charters

The Scarlet Lady™ is also available for private charters for groups up to 48 people. Enjoy being on the water with your friends and family while having the whole boat to yourselves! Go search for dolphins or just enjoy cruising the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel with a cold drink in your hand aboard the beautiful Scarlet Lady™. Don’t forget to ask about catering from the chefs next door at Fins Grill and Icehouse!

Rave Review

Deep Sea Headquarter and The Scarlet Lady™ recently received a glowing recommendation from the Palmilla Beach Resort. You can read the full article here .

Book your tour online today!

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The 3 Best Dolphin Tours in Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas, Texas, is full of aquatic surprises. You don’t need to travel all the way to SeaWorld to meet a pod of friendly, curious, and deniably beautiful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Approximately 60 dolphins reside in Port Aransas Bay’s teal water, primarily near the Lydia Ann Channel. Contrary to popular belief, most dolphin tours in Port Aransas run throughout the year. These slippery, giggly pods never swim south, as these waters remain at idyllic temperatures, even in the heart of “winter.”

The Top Dolphin Tours in Port Aransas

When you choose Port A Escapes , you’ll always be steps from the Gulf of Mexico and a short bicycle ride from an aquatic adventure, such as a dolphin-viewing escapade. Most dolphin tours in Port Aransas operate out of Dennis Dryer Municipal Harbor along Cotter Avenue, where vessels enjoy swift access to Lydia Ann Channel, Aransas Pass, and Aransas Bay.

The Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventure

Let’s start this dolphin party with a trip aboard The Scarlet Lady. The Scarlet Lady remains the premier dolphin tour in Port Aransas—no questions asked. She’s a new build—only five years old. But she’s already ushered thousands of eager travelers into the bay in hopes of observing pods of startingly-graceful bottlenose dolphins. The classic, 90-minute Dolphin Adventure Tour costs a mere $33 per passenger. Tours typically launch at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., as these are the best times to spot these majestic mammals. But The Scarlet Lady also proudly provides sunset tours that are more focused on romance than dolphins.

Dolphin Watch Nature Tours

Dolphin Watch is a reliable backup if The Scarlet Lady is fully booked during your desired time slot. We appreciate this local establishment because their tours don’t “just” focus on dolphins. You’ll also learn about Mustang Island’s history, cruise past Lydia Ann Lighthouse , and experience a live shrimp trawl, which typically nets anything from crabs to stingrays and, you guessed it, shrimp. Unfortunately, Dolphin Watch cannot match The Scarlet Lady’s online booking system. Thus, phone calls are required to make reservations.

Captain Kirk’s Tiki Cruises

Admittedly, Captain Kirk (not James Tiberius, to our knowledge) doesn’t wield a prototypical dolphin tour in Port Aransas. No, Captain Kirk is your Party Captain ! The $50, two-hour “booze cruise” is a BYOB dolphin-viewing experience that’s geared toward bachelorette (and bachelor) parties, work retreats, large family gatherings, and just about any other type of celebration. With three tours daily, including a 10 a.m. family tour, you’ll no doubt find a time slot that best fits your group.

Quintessential Mustang Island Rentals

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Welcome to Buccaneer Cruises

Sight Seeing and Dolphin Watch Cruises Aboard the Buccaneer! Bay Fishing Aboard the Bay King Coming Soon!

361-742-3195

Discover the Magic of the Laguna Madre with Buccaneer Cruises!

  Welcome to Buccaneer Cruises - your premier boat tour company in North Padre Island, Texas! We offer Bay Fishing and Dolphin Watch tours. 

Buccaneer - After setting sail from Snoopy's Pier, our expert crew will take you on a journey to see the wonders of the Upper Laguna Madre. During your cruise there is a good chance of getting up close and personal with the local dolphins in their natural habitat. More than 380 different species of birds have been sighted in the area as well! Book your tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime with Buccaneer Cruises!

Bay King – We offer Bay Fishing tours aboard the Bay King! All rod, reel, bait, and tackle are included. Once aboard you will set off on a 3.5hr fishing trip targeting Sand Trout, Whiting, Gafftopsail Catfish, Red Drum, Black Drum, and any other species of fish in the Upper Laguna Madre, and Corpus Christi Bay that happens to take the bait!

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All ages welcome, we are a family friendly operation.

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About the Boats

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Tour days are Thursday through Monday, the boat does not go out on Tuesday and Wednesday.  

Buccaneer Cruises

Snoopy's Pier, 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418, United States

361-742-3195 [email protected]

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DOLPHIN CONNECTION INGLESIDE

Dog Friendly Yes, you can bring your dog! With their life vest on, we accept 1-2 medium fur babies. Charter the whole boat for privacy. Charter Cost: 2  ppl @ $195, 4 ppl@ $295, and 6 ppl @ $395.   Life jackets for your dogs are required.