Best Time for Dolphin tours in the Choctawatchee Bay

One of the most magical experiences along Florida’s Emerald Coast is spotting wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Whether you’re out on a paddleboard, riding a pontoon boat, or relaxing on a dolphin cruise, seeing dolphins in Choctawhatchee Bay is always a highlight. But when exactly is the best time to see dolphins? At Marine Adventures 30A, we’re out on the water every day and here’s what we’ve learned.

Best Time of Day to Spot Dolphins Dolphins are most active during early morning (around 7–10 AM) and again in the late afternoon (4 PM to sunset). These are prime feeding and socializing hours when you’re most likely to see them leaping, playing, or cruising near the surface. Tip: Early morning is often calmer and less crowded, giving you a better chance of an up-close dolphin encounter.

Best Time of Year While dolphins live in our waters year-round, the most active dolphin sightings happen from April through October. During these warmer months, baitfish are plentiful in the bay, attracting larger pods of dolphins to the shallow sand flats. Where the can easily corral and catch bait fish such as mullet.

Weather and Water Conditions Matter To boost your chances, plan your outing when:

• The water is calm (easier to spot dorsal fins).

• The tide is coming in, bringing fish into the bay.

• The wind is light, especially in the morning. Cloudy or overcast skies don’t bother dolphin but calmer conditions make it easier for us to see them!

Want a Guaranteed Spot? Book a Dolphin Cruise! While no wildlife encounter can ever be guaranteed, our experienced captain Ian Towne knows where to go and when to go to give you the best chance. At Marine Adventures 30A, our private dolphin tours offer front-row seats to some of nature’s most exciting marine moments. We keep our groups small, our captains local, and our experiences unforgettable. Ready to Spot Dolphins? Book your dolphin tour with Marine Adventures 30A today and experience the magic of the bay!