Top Clearwater Nature and Wildlife Tours

Established in 1999, Encounters With Dolphins has been safely providing guests the opportunity to view dolphins, learn about Clearwater and enjoy the sand and sun on Compass Island and maybe even take a dip on the island! We are a veteran owned and operated small business founded on the principal of wanting our guests to have the same experiences we would want to have on our vacation! All of us work tirelessly to ensure that all of our customers have an enjoyable, relaxing time with us!

Adults and children of all ages love the Little Toot because of our “tug boat” shape and power, we create a huge wake that Dolphins love to jump and play in. The Little Toot offers closer dolphin sightings because the boat is lower to the waters edge. We provide a narrated sightseeing tour of Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico.

We will embark on an 8 mile loop of the Clearwater Beach & Boardwalk area. We will go over the Causeway Bridge, go to the old fishing pier and what is considered "Old Clearwater," possibly see some dolphins and take in the panoramic views of CWB then head back to our starting point as we cross Pier 60.

Spice up any Florida vacation with a cruise on Tampa Bay. Beginning in Clearwater, enjoy a beautiful sunset (depending upon the time of year) and listen to live music on board the elegant 'StarLite Majesty' yacht. Choose from one of the open-air observation decks or the climate-controlled dining cabin inside. For dinner (at own expense), choose from several delicious gourmet meal entrees along with salad, dessert, and coffee or tea. Then dance the night away or take a romantic stroll along the deck.

THE PRICE IS FOR A 4-HOUR BOAT CHARTER AND INCLUDES UP TO 8 PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP. A Boat Day offers private, customized half-day and full-day boat charters for small groups of up to 8 passengers. Sit back and relax on the very comfortable, 25 foot double-decker Funship with a slide, as you cruise the waterways with a Captain as your guide. Your boating adventure will get you up close to wild dolphins and take you to secluded barrier islands so you can go shelling on pristine beaches or swim in the Gulf of Mexico.  Our private boat tours are perfect for family outings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, bachelor(ette) parties, marriage proposals, romantic getaways, reunions, spreading ashes, or any other reason!

Take a daytime or evening cruise around Clearwater, Florida aboard the Calypso Queen. A lunch or dinner buffet, as well as an open bar featuring rum punch, wine, and beer, is included. The evening cruise includes a DJ and dancing.

Embark on a scenic journey to find bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise near Clearwater in Florida. From Clearwater Bay to the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the incredible views along the Intracoastal Waterway. See and hear about the celebrity mansions on the coast, and listen as the captain shares interesting facts about the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast region. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this exciting tour.

Enjoy a refreshing Ice cream on-board our brand new 50 passenger catamaran. This tour is a great way of exploring the beautiful Clearwater Beach for the whole family. The boat is fully shaded to protect customers from the sun.

Watch as day turns into night off the coast of Florida on this sunset cruise from Clearwater. Enjoy the scenery and peaceful calm of a late-afternoon cruise on board a double-decker catamaran vessel with plenty of space to stretch out and soak up the breathtaking view. Watch a beautiful Florida sunset as the sun glows and gently settles into the Gulf of Mexico. Toast the new evening with a glass of Champagne.

Enjoy the exclusivity of a private boat trip for you and your party during this half- or full-day excursion. Your captain guides you through waterways for up-close views of wild dolphins and stops at secluded islands where you have time to relax on pristine beaches and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Feel free to customize the itinerary with your captain to suit your group's interests. Price is per boat.

Take to the skies on a helicopter tour of Clearwater Beach and its surroundings. You'll have bird's-eye views of the white sands, turquoise water, Pier 60, golf courses, and the barrier islands. This is a great way to escape the crowds and gain another perspective on this popular vacation destination. Booking in advance means you won't risk a sold-out tour.

THE PRICE IS FOR A 4-HOUR BOAT CHARTER AND INCLUDES UP TO 10 PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP. A Boat Day offers private, customized half-day and full-day boat charters for small groups of up to 10 passengers. Sit back and relax on the very comfortable, 27 foot double-decker Platinum Funship with a slide, as you cruise the waterways with a Captain as your guide. Your boating adventure will get you up close to wild dolphins and take you to secluded barrier islands so you can go shelling on pristine beaches or swim in the Gulf of Mexico.  Our private boat tours are perfect for family outings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, bachelor(ette) parties, marriage proposals, romantic getaways, reunions, spreading ashes, or any other reason!

50 foot Shark themed vessel. The only shark that dolphins love. Covered vessel with sun area. Padded seats and restroom.

Whether you're in the mood for a sandbar party, dolphin watching, or just relaxing, your trip is completely custom. An experienced Captain will be provided, enabling you to sit back and enjoy a safe and relaxing day on the water. Clearwater is home to Bottlenose Dolphins who love to play behind the boats. You may also see Manatees, Sting Rays, and more! The barrier islands, such as Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Island, can only be accessed by boat. This means less crowds, social distancing to the max, and blissful tranquility.

Offering fun on the water with private charters for up to six people. Whether your looking for a fun day at the beach, fishing, watching the sunset, or just going for a stroll on the water...you adventure awaits.

Get out on the water with a fishing charter from Clearwater. You'll have the chance to try your luck at fishing in the Gulf of Mexico while admiring the coastal scenery, including Caladesi Island State Park, which is only accessible by boat. Species you might catch include redfish, black drum, trout, cobia, and jack crevalle. Even on windy days, there are many spots to fish.

Bring your favorite food beverages and enjoy the Gulf breeze while on the lookout for our Dolphins and manatees that love to welcome our guests. Your Captain will intrigue you with the history of our local area and his many stories of travel making you feel like an old friend....

Spend some time on the water with a fishing charter from Holiday, a town just a little north of Clearwater. You'll have the chance to fish in the Gulf of Mexico while admiring the coastal scenery, including Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Species you might catch include snook, tarpon, trout, and redfish, depending on the time of year. Even on windy days, there are many spots to fish.