3 ethical dolphin experiences in Florida

Florida is home to countless dolphin experiences, but the following adventures allow the ocean dwelling mammal to stay out of captivity, in their natural environment. Dolphin excursions are an incredible way to spend part of your day in the Sunshine State; tours are often educational and provide an up close look at a variety of sea life and the beauty of Florida. The Tropics Boat Tours, Clearwater Situated in a small harbor across the street from Clearwater’s sugary white beaches, is a two story boat that ushers tourist out into dolphin inhabited waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The cruise is very relaxed with a covered bar that offers wine, beer and a small variation of cocktails. Kids can join in on educational activities, where they will receive a dolphin education certificate at the end of the cruise. Dolphin sightings are completely guaranteed when sailing with Tropics Boat Tours, and no baiting or unnatural practices are used to attract the animals. The dolphins have developed a trusting relationship with the boats and will put on quite a playful performance by splashing and jumping in the boat’s wake. Before the tour ends, the captain will take you by a number of notable landmarks in the area while narrating over the loud speaker. You’ll also see the homes of Hulk Hogan and the Crayola founders. Everglades Area Tours, Chokoloskee Island Chokoloskee Island is located within the Everglades, slightly south of Marco Island and Naples. Wildlife is highly abundant in this subtropical wilderness; it’s a fascinating place that should be approached with great respect and caution. Everglades Area Tours is a family operated business with highly educated employees that know exactly how to guide you through the rugged landscape. Certified by the Florida Society for Ethical Tourism, Everglades Area Tours gently navigate groups via kayak through waters heavily populated with manatees, sea turtles, birds, and of course, bottlenose dolphin. When courting, dolphin in this area can be seen splashing or leaping. Kayakers have fantastic views of all the activity, while guides keep groups at a safe distance. The area is unique in itself, with a patchy, unusual landscape filled with small islands, fish and plants. Kayaking may be one of the best ways to experience the Everglades. Southern Star Tours, Destin Southern Star has two ships that charter dolphin enthusiasts out to sea, the Southern Star and the Buccaneer. The Southern star is a spectacular 149 passenger vessel with a glass bottom, gift shop, restrooms and climate controlled area. It’s ideal when traveling with little ones or the elderly. Their newest boat, the Buccaneer, resembles an authentic pirate ship. If you have kids, the tour can be a magical experience where they can feed birds and dig through pirate treasure chests. The captain will even allow your young one to take the wheel for a bit while you snap a few photos. Southern Star’s route is densely populated with dolphin, meaning you may see dozens throughout your tour. You can choose to take a cruise at sunset, which is a particularly majestic way to experience these magnificent animals; a golden backdrop against the emerald water is difficult to top.