The Dolphin Tour we took with Salty Water Tours definitely ranks as a favorite in the Tampa area.

At the Gulfport Marina, we met up with our captain Rob; and our guide, Rob’s wife Emily. We boarded the comfortable speedboat for our 90-minute private Dolphin Tour in the Boca Ciega Bay.

We were given seats right atop the boat so we could get the best view. Right from the beginning we got to see some of the cute Floridian Pelicans looking for food.

All throughout the trip Emily explained to us what like is life the area we were in, about the wildlife living there, and the challenges they sometimes encounter. (Emily volunteers to rescue wildlife in the area). They answered our many questions patiently. Rob and Emily are passionate about the wildlife in the area. You’d never believe that they do this trip all the time. 

Speeding through the water on the boat was fun in it of itself. When at first we didn’t spot dolphins, Rob and Emily went out of the way to find some. They continued to another area and then another, all the while explaining to us what we were seeing all around us, until we hit pay dirt. We saw a nice amount of dolphins playing around in the water. One of them leaped out into the air twice and I got an epic picture! We watched the dolphins enjoying themselves until we turned around reluctantly since it was time to go back.

The Dolphin Tour is awesome! There is nothing like seeing those cute mammals in their own environment.

Posted: July 7, 2024