Recommendation for Dolphin sightseeing in Clearwater/St Petes area

[Rincelex]

We are back a week and have a little recommendation for anyone wanting to do Dolphin watching on the Gulf side.

It was on the plan but I had no idea who we were going to use, had the usual Sea Screamer and Little Toot noted down. We were staying on Treasure Island and quite close to John's Pass Boardwalk so on our first day thought we would check things out here. There were several trips for Dolphin Watching and they were all the same price so in the end we looked for a boat we liked the look of.

Some were clearly more speedboat type which I am not suited to as I get seasick quite easily and you didn't look as though you could get out of your seat once on there and no shade, some more pleasure cruising things, some seated 40/50 and some smaller. In the end we went for Dolphin Quest which is the same people that do the Pirate boat trip (you'll know what I mean if you see it). It cost $85.60 including tax for 2 adults and 2 children and the boat only seated I would say maximum 25 people and there were 15 on our trip, they go at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm every day and the thing that swung it for me was that there was a fixed cover over the top of the boat with open sides, back and front so you were under the shade for the whole trip, wherever you were sat or standing on the boat. We went in at 11.30 and they had room on the next trip at 12 so wasn't that busy and he commented that the day before had been even quieter, this was a Thursday.

We were able to walk about the boat whilst it was going and the two guys who took us out were not only knowledgeable about the animals but funny as well.

First they took us out to the Gulf to spot Dolphins which they found immediately then they took us back under the bridge, past John's Pass Boardwalk and into the Boca Ciega Bay. We spotted more dolphins here and then a group of five Manatee and we even spotted a turtle. They take you round the bay and you get to see how the other half live. The whole trip was 90 mins and we were more than happy with what we saw.

They sell beer on the boat for $5 and water, soda and chips (crisps) for $1 each and there is also a toilet onboard and there is also one right next to where you board as well.

They did put out a Perspex box onboard shortly after we left for tips and I think most people put in anywhere from $1 to $10 tips.

Just in case anyone is looking for this type of thing. Enjoy your holiday - we did.

[ERICSMUM]

I love that sort of trip - see a lot in a short time & without having to walk for miles !