What Do Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours Actually Cost?

In short: Tours range from budget to premium, with conditions attached to some listings. A private charter adds a captain’s fee on arrival. Full breakdown below.

Cheapest tour$55 — manatee kayak

Boat tours$62–$75 per person

Paddleboard/kayak$60–$70 per person

Sandbar trip$79 per person

Private charter$430 + $60/hr captain

Minimum group sizeSix on sandbar trip

Before you bookTwo listings carry a condition the headline price does not show: the private charter adds a captain's fee on arrival, and the sandbar trip cancels if fewer than six people book. Open the listing and read it before you pay.

Check availability

The eight tours and their prices

All prices shown are per person unless marked "group". All include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Kayak tours (you get wet)

Guided manatee kayak tour, $55 — tandem kayaks, 2 hours, top-rated. See manatee tours.
Sunset kayak dolphin tour, $60 — tandem kayaks, 2 hours, excellent reviews. See sunset cruises.

Boat tours (you stay dry)

Daytime dolphin cruise, $62 — 2 hours, shade and bow seating included. See boat vs kayak.
Sunset dolphin cruise, $65 — 2 hours, most popular. Food and beverages not included. See reviews.
Sunset cruise with wildlife watching, $75 — 2 hours, max 6 guests, smallest group. Not included: food.
Private sunset boat tour, $430 (group price) + $60/hour captain — 90 minutes, up to 12 guests, BYOB. A 90-minute charter lands nearer $520 total.

Paddleboard/kayak hybrid (you get wet)

Happy hour dolphin & manatee tour, $70 — choose paddleboard, single kayak or tandem kayak. 2 hours, golden hour into sunset. No food included.

Sandbar trip (you swim at a shallow stop)

Sandbar excursion, $79 — 3 hours, swim stop at Jewfish Key, complimentary snorkel masks and dip nets. Requires minimum of six passengers to sail. If the minimum is not met, the trip is cancelled and fully refunded.

Two conditions that affect the real price

Captain's feePrivate charter ($430): The price shown is the boat. Captain’s fee ($60 per hour) is charged separately on arrival. A 90-minute charter therefore costs roughly $430 + $90 = $520.

Minimum group sizeSandbar trip ($79): Requires a minimum of six passengers to sail. Bookings from small parties can be cancelled if the minimum is not met — you get a full refund, but your spot is cancelled.

What is included in each tour

Kayak tours: Sit-on-top kayaks and gear, expert instruction, an eco-tour guide, and complimentary photos and videos taken by your guide. Food, drink and getting to the launch are yours.

Boat cruises (sunset and daytime): The boat and an expert captain, and that is the list. Meals and beverages are explicitly excluded on both, as is transport to the meeting point.

Wildlife cruise: Ice and water — the only refreshment provided anywhere on this site. Food is not included. The boat is capped at 6 participants.

Paddleboard/kayak tour: Coast Guard-approved vest and whistle (compulsory for under-13s). No food or drinks — bring your own, small cooler if needed.

Sandbar trip: Complimentary snorkel masks and dip nets, plus the snorkelling and shell collecting themselves. Snacks and drinks are excluded, and this is a three-hour trip — pack a cooler.

How to book and when to expect to pay

All tours offer reserve now, pay later through GetYourGuide. Book your spot, pay nothing today, confirm payment closer to your trip date. Prices are set at time of booking. Most tours carry free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so booking ahead locks in your rate with zero risk.

Compare all eight on the all tours page or narrow by type: kayak tours, sunset cruises, or sandbar trips.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

How much do dolphin tours cost on Anna Maria Island?

From $55 (manatee kayak) to $79 (sandbar) for shared tours. Boat cruises run $62–$75 per person. A private charter is $430 + $60/hour captain fee, landing nearer $520 for 90 minutes.

Is the captain's fee included in the private charter price?

No. The $430 price is for the boat. Captain's fee ($60 per hour) is charged separately and due on arrival. A 90-minute charter totals roughly $520.

Do you need a minimum group size?

The sandbar excursion requires a minimum of six passengers to sail. If the minimum is not met, the trip is cancelled and fully refunded. Other tours have no stated minimum.

What's included in the price?

Less than most people assume. Kayak tours include gear, instruction and the guide's photos. Boat cruises include the boat and the captain. Every listing on this site excludes food and drink except the $75 wildlife cruise, which provides ice and water, and none of them transports you to the meeting point. Budget for the drive and bring your own drinks.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the specific listing before booking.