The Ultimate Guide to Dolphin Spotting in Northeast Florida
Image courtesy of Jonas Von Werne via Unsplash
Why Northeast Florida is One of the Best Places to See Dolphins
There is something unforgettable when seeing dolphins live their happy life in the ocean. Fortunately, Northeast Florida is home to plenty of places where visitors can see these cheerful marine mammals year-round. Keep reading to discover the best places to spot dolphins, helpful viewing tips, and the perfect place to refuel after your coastal adventure.
Why Northeast Florida Has the Best Waters for Dolphins
Before we get into the specific spots to visit on your dolphin journey, it is time for a science lesson. The University of North Florida has a wonderful dolphin research team that conducts studies and provides care for dolphins in the Northeast Florida area.
Since March 2011 they have identified over 520 individual dolphins in the St. Johns River. Lots of these dolphins come to visit Jacksonville during every summer season, but it also depends on how they interact with the environment.
The summer is prime mating and birthing season for dolphins. They travel to the Amelia River and St Johns River for the hot spots and nursing areas for the new calves. There is a chance if you visit along the river from Mayport to downtown Jacksonville you can spot some cute baby dolphins!
The Best Beaches to Play with Dolphins
Locals say that there are plenty of beaches in St. Augustine and Amelia Island to see wild dolphins while enjoying your beach activities. You can also experience dolphins swimming up to you in the ocean if you are lucky enough. Many people visit Butler Beach and Vilano Beach in St. Augustine in the morning to find pods of dolphins. One local found one of these playful creatures leaping out of the water on National Dolphin Day back in April.
About an hour and a half drive from St. Augustine is Fernandina Beach where you can spot bottlenose dolphins. While dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, these beaches offer some of the best chances to see them in their natural habitat.
Image courtesy of Sylvie Charron via Unsplash
The Dolphin Beach Walk
This summer, visitors and locals will have the opportunity to stroll on Vilano Beach at sunset to see and learn about the unbelievably fascinating marine life we have in Northeast Florida. The Dolphin Beach Walk is for every adult and kid to enjoy while looking out at the colorful skyline.
You will meet at the Vilano Beach Pavilion at 7:30 and walk across the coastline of Porpoise Point. The next available dates are June 20th, June 21st, and August 6th, and don’t you worry this event has free admission. Although, it is limited to only fifteen spots, so we highly recommend reserving your spot now so you can experience the best Florida dolphin sightseeing ever.
Amelia Island River Cruises
Lastly, the most fun way to sightsee dolphins is by taking a cruise around Amelia Island. Amelia River Cruises offers multiple river cruises through scenic waterways and fun facts from both the land and the sea. We highly recommend the Cumberland Island Tour that takes visitors around Amelia Island and Cumberland Island, where dolphins are frequently spotted swimming, feeding, and playing in the boat’s wake.
This tour is two and a half hours letting you relax on the water and learning lots of stories about the islands like the historic nuclear submarines and a real civil war era fort. With stunning views, fascinating local history, and regular dolphin sightings, this cruise is a memorable way to experience Northeast Florida's natural beauty from the water.
Tips for Spotting Wild Dolphins
Nothing is more upsetting than forgetting your binoculars while dolphin sightseeing. Before interacting with dolphins, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to visit, and bringing binoculars can help you spot dolphins farther from shore. Look for movement on the water’s surface and keep your patience.
While spotting dolphins is exciting, it’s just as important to know simple guidelines to help protect them. Remember to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet from them so people don’t disrupt their natural behavior.
It is also illegal to feed or harass dolphins because once people feed dolphins, they will do dangerous things to beg for more. This supports the “Flipper myth” where Flipper was a trained, captive dolphin who was trained not to bite the hand that fed him, but wild dolphins will bite since they are not comfortable with being around humans. If you follow safety instructions you will help the dolphins' environment.
Refuel at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
After a day spent exploring Northeast Florida’s waterways for dolphins, visit our restaurant for a fresh seafood meal with a little taste of the coast. From wild-caught shrimp baskets to flavorful fish tacos, our menu perfectly complements a day on the water. You might even see a dolphin on the way here.