Dolphin Tours Near Port St. Lucie: Best Months, Best Spots & What It Costs

Searching for dolphin tours near Port St. Lucie? You're in luck: one of the best places in Florida to see wild dolphins is a short drive away at the Fort Pierce Inlet on Hutchinson Island. Below we answer the questions people ask most, and show how Salty's Water Sports can take you right to the dolphins.

What is the best month to see dolphins in Florida?

On the Treasure Coast, the answer is October through May. Bottlenose dolphins live in the Indian River Lagoon all year, but fall through spring is when locals see mothers and calves gathering around the Fort Pierce Inlet. The water is calmer and cooler, the crowds are smaller, and sightings are frequent: Salty's guides see dolphins on about 95% of tours.

Summer tours still see dolphins often, but if you can pick your month, plan your trip for dolphin season.

Where can I see the best dolphin sightings in Florida?

Florida has plenty of dolphin spots, but the Fort Pierce Inlet is special. Here's why:

• It's a dolphin nursery. Mothers raise their calves in the calm, food-rich waters where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic.
• Scientists study them here. FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, based right on the lagoon in Fort Pierce, studies the lagoon's dolphins because there are so many of them.
• It's easy to reach. Salty's dolphin tours leave from 601 Seaway Drive on Hutchinson Island, minutes from the inlet. You're watching dolphins almost as soon as you leave the dock.

Other good spots include the rest of the Indian River Lagoon (one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America) and the Sebastian Inlet. But for the best odds with the least travel time from Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce is hard to beat.

How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Florida?

First, an important note: you can't swim with wild dolphins. NOAA says approaching, feeding or harassing wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it's stressful for the animals, especially mothers with calves. "Swim with dolphins" programs only happen at marine parks, and prices vary by park and program.

If you'd rather see dolphins wild, free and in their natural home, a guided tour is the way to go:

• Dolphin Jet Ski Tour: $249. Ride a new 2027 Sea-Doo behind a local guide to the dolphins' favorite spots. Fun, fast and up close (from a respectful distance).
• Dolphin Boat Tour: $299 for up to 6 people. A private captained boat for your family or group. Kids, grandparents and cameras all welcome.

That's less per person than many marine-park programs, and you see dolphins doing what wild dolphins really do.

Can I take a dolphin tour from Port St. Lucie?

Yes. Salty's dolphin tours leave from the Fort Pierce Inlet on Hutchinson Island, about a 20–30 minute drive from most of Port St. Lucie. Many guests make a morning of it: dolphins first, then lunch on the water in Fort Pierce.

What are some attractions for adults in Port St. Lucie?

Port St. Lucie has lots to do for grown-ups:

• A dolphin tour or sunset cruise with Salty's. The Sunset Cruise is $299 for up to 6 people.
• Jet ski rentals on the Indian River Lagoon.
• Mets spring training at Clover Park (February–March).
• Golf at PGA Golf Club.
• Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens for a slower afternoon.
• A resort day at Voco Sandpiper Bay, where Salty's also runs jet skis and captained nature cruises (and dolphins are seen regularly).

For more ideas, see our guide to the top attractions in Port St. Lucie.

Why book your dolphin tour with Salty's?

• The Treasure Coast's most trusted and longest-running water sports company.
• Newest equipment: 2027 Sea-Doos and well-kept boats.
• Local guides who know where the dolphins are, with a 95% sighting rate.
• 1,300+ five-star reviews.

Dolphin tour FAQs

What is the best month to see dolphins in Florida?

On the Treasure Coast, October through May is dolphin season. Bottlenose dolphins live in the Indian River Lagoon year-round, but from fall through spring mothers and calves gather around the Fort Pierce Inlet, and Salty's guides see dolphins on about 95% of tours.

Where can I see the best dolphin sightings in Florida?

The Fort Pierce Inlet on Hutchinson Island is one of the best spots in Florida. It is a known dolphin nursery on the Indian River Lagoon, and scientists at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute study the dolphins that live here. Salty's dolphin tours leave from 601 Seaway Drive, minutes from the inlet.

How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Florida?

Swimming with wild dolphins is not allowed. NOAA says approaching, feeding or harassing wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Swim programs only happen at marine parks, and prices vary by park. To see wild dolphins in their natural home, Salty's Dolphin Jet Ski Tour is $249 and the private Dolphin Boat Tour is $299 for up to 6 people.

Can I take a dolphin tour from Port St. Lucie?

Yes. Salty's dolphin tours leave from the Fort Pierce Inlet on Hutchinson Island, about a 20–30 minute drive from most of Port St. Lucie, so it's an easy half-day trip.

What are some attractions for adults in Port St. Lucie?

Popular picks include a sunset cruise or jet ski rental with Salty's, Mets spring training at Clover Park, golf at PGA Golf Club, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, and a day at the Voco Sandpiper Bay resort. A guided dolphin tour at the Fort Pierce Inlet is one of the most memorable adult outings on the Treasure Coast.

Ready to see them for yourself? Book online in about 60 seconds, or see all the options on our dolphin tours page.