Question 1

What is the best time of day to go on a dolphin tour

Accepted Answer

The optimal time for a Dolphin tour varies, but generally, there is little difference throughout the day as dolphins are observed consistently; the timing often depends on participants' scheduled activities and proximity to their next engagement, with hardcore photographers favoring early and late tours.

Question 2

Are dolphin tours safe for dolphins

Accepted Answer

Engaging in trips that involve swimming with wild dolphins should be avoided due to the potential disturbance to the animals and the associated risk of disease transmission.

Question 3

What is the best time to see dolphins in Clearwater Florida

Accepted Answer

In Florida, where warm climates and waters prevail throughout the year in the Gulf of Mexico, dolphins can be observed consistently, with the optimal time for spotting them being from sunrise until mid-morning when they are most active in their search for food.

Question 4

What kind of boat is the sea screamer

Accepted Answer

Embark on the Sea Screamer, the world's largest speedboat, featuring dual twin-turbocharged diesel engines and a 72' long deep-V hull that propels you at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, providing an unforgettable thrill ride with comfort as it zips through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Question 5

Do you tip on a dolphin tour

Accepted Answer

Tipping your crew is customary and highly appreciated; regarding the best time to see dolphins, they are observed throughout the day on all our cruises.

Question 6

What do you wear to a dolphin encounter

Accepted Answer

Prepare for your boat trip by bringing essentials such as a swimsuit, towel, warm clothing like a jacket and hat, and a small bag for your belongings onboard; don't forget to pack sunblock and a sunhat for added comfort.

Question 7

What not to do around dolphins

Accepted Answer

Similarly, refrain from harassing dolphins through loud noises, attempting to call them over, or any form of disturbance, including avoiding forceful attempts to touch them or seek their attention, as they are wild animals in their natural habitat.

Question 8

What should you not do while swimming with dolphins

Accepted Answer

Follow these Dolphin Encounter Guidelines: avoid jumping noisily into the water, refrain from touching the dolphins, adopt a dolphin-like swimming style, make eye contact, and use appropriate methods to attract their attention.

Question 9

Do dolphins swim by cruise ships

Accepted Answer

Spotting dolphins and porpoises from the ship is a thrilling experience; observe them racing, jumping, playing in the wake, or trailing fishing boats in search of food, especially in smooth waters—keep an eye out for any disturbances.

Question 10

What beach in Florida has the most dolphins

Accepted Answer

Panama City Beach, with its abundance of wild dolphins and marine parks housing equally enthusiastic dolphins, is the ideal destination in Florida for swimming with these captivating marine creatures.

Question 11

Is it better to see dolphins in the morning or afternoon

Accepted Answer

Dolphins exhibit heightened activity during morning and evening hours, with reduced activity at night, particularly in cloudy or rainy conditions; they are inclined to hunt and play during low tide when there is less water, displaying less activity when surrounded by more water.

Question 12

What month are dolphins most active in Florida

Accepted Answer

Dolphin watching tours operate throughout the year, providing a favorable opportunity for out-of-season visitors to embark on Gulf of Mexico excursions to observe wildlife, while in the north of Florida, at Destin, female dolphins gather during the mating season, spanning from the end of May to August.

Question 13

How long is the Sea Screamer ride

Accepted Answer

The Sea Screamer Dolphin/Thrill Boat Ride offers hour-long cruises year-round, with four daily departures at 10 AM, 12 Noon, 2 PM, and 4 PM.

Question 14

How much did the Sea Screamer boat cost

Accepted Answer

Constructed by Wetumpka-based boat builder Sentinel Boat Company and acquired by Sea Screamer, a tour company in Panama City, Florida, the 73-foot tour boat, a bright yellow vessel with twin diesel power and a value of $1 million, is a rare sight docked at Lock 31 in Wetumpka.

Question 15

What is the weight limit to ride a dolphin

Accepted Answer

Participants must meet specific criteria: a minimum height requirement of 52 inches (4'4" or 132 centimeters), children aged 9 years or younger and within the height range must be accompanied by a paid adult participant aged 18 or older, and the weight limit for all participants is 250 pounds (114 kilograms).

Question 16

Should I touch a dolphin

Accepted Answer

While adorned with a massive smile and a seemingly enduring harmonious disposition, it's crucial to recognize that dolphins and whales, being wild animals, should not be touched; physical contact should only occur if initiated by the dolphins themselves.

Question 17

Why can't you wear jewelry with dolphins

Accepted Answer

In lagoon areas, refrain from wearing sunscreen, oils, perfumes, or lotions, and leave electronic devices, jewelry, watches, and hats on dry land, as dolphins have highly sensitive skin and these items pose a risk to their well-being.

Question 18

Why do dolphins swim with you

Accepted Answer

Dolphins engage in activities like swimming with people, "kissing," and towing individuals through the water not out of preference but out of necessity, as these are trained behaviors in captivity, essential for their sustenance, as failure to perform them may result in a lack of food.

Question 19

What is the natural enemy of dolphins

Accepted Answer

In Sarasota Bay, Florida, dolphins face natural predators such as tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), and great white sharks (Carcharhinus carcharias), with approximately 31% of dolphins in the area exhibiting shark bite scars.

Question 20

What scares dolphins away

Accepted Answer

Typically, if there is no activity, dolphins tend to leave an area, and actions such as getting out of your boat or kayak can quickly scare them off; alternatively, creating noise and vibration by rigging up a topwater, casting it out, or smacking the lure down on the water may also help deter dolphins in the vicinity.

Question 21

Are dolphins friendly to humans

Accepted Answer

While dolphins are often perceived as friendly, it's important to recognize them as wild animals deserving caution and respect, as interactions with people can negatively impact their behavior by diminishing their natural wariness and making them vulnerable to vandalism and shark attacks.

Question 22

How do you play with dolphins

Accepted Answer

When interacting with dolphins, follow these guidelines: enter the water calmly without splashing, touch the dolphins only as instructed by the guide, avoid contact with the blowhole, snout, eyes, or top of the head (melon), and refrain from using your fingernails, as their skin is highly sensitive.

Question 23

Why shouldn't you touch dolphins

Accepted Answer

Although the majority of dolphins in the US are bred in captivity, it is essential to recognize that they are not domesticated animals, and incidents such as pushing people into deeper water, head-jerking, and biting—resulting in broken bones, skin abrasions, and other injuries—have been reported in direct contact interactions with dolphins.

Question 24

How do you interact with dolphins

Accepted Answer

In the event that a dolphin approaches you while swimming, refrain from reaching out to touch it, as these are wild animals that rarely tolerate physical contact from humans; attempting to touch or grab a dolphin is illegal and is likely to scare them away.

Question 25

Why do dolphins like humans

Accepted Answer

The undeniable fact supported by scientific evidence is that certain species of wild dolphins exhibit a tendency to actively seek social encounters with humans, as extensively documented in the scientific literature, especially in the phenomenon of lone sociable dolphins, where human contact seems to substitute for the company of their own kind.

Historic Dolphin Tours

Dolphin Swim Xel-ha

History of Dolphin Tours