Unforgettable Galveston DOLPHIN TOURS
Galveston Dolphin Tours: Where Family Adventures Begin
Big smiles, unforgettable moments, and wild dolphins await!
Bring the whole family aboard Island Jules for a dolphin-watching adventure through Galveston Harbor. Watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, enjoy the sights of the island from the water, and make memories your family will talk about long after your vacation ends.
Whether you’re visiting Galveston for the first time or looking for something the whole family can enjoy, this is the kind of adventure that turns into a favorite vacation memory.
45-Minute Tours | All Ages Welcome | Departing from Pier 19
Galveston DOLPHIN TOURS
Choose Your Galveston Dolphin Tour Adventure
Want a daytime dolphin cruise, an adults-only sunset on the bay, or the whole boat for your own group? We’ve got a way to get you on the water.
OUR CLASSIC GALVESTON DOLPHIN TOURS
45 Minutes · Daily Departures · Up to 49 Guests · All Ages
What you see is what you pay, applicable port and processing fees are already included in the advertised ticket price.
Our signature Galveston dolphin tour takes you out onto Galveston Bay in search of the wild bottlenose dolphins that live and play around the harbor. Along the way, take in the sights of Galveston’s working waterfront, passing vessels, wildlife, and views of the island you simply can’t get from land.
The dolphins are wild, which means every trip is different. Some days they cruise through the water beside us. Other days we’re watching closely for a fin breaking the surface in the distance. That’s part of the adventure.
- 45-minute Galveston Bay cruise
- Dolphin watching & harbor sightseeing
- Captain and crew onboard
- USCG-approved life jackets for adults and children
- Transparent pricing — port & processing fees included
★★★★★
What Guests Are Saying
Sunset Cruise: Galveston at Golden Hour
45 Minutes · Seasonal Departures · Ages 18+
Trade the busy island for the breeze of Galveston Bay as the sun begins to disappear over the water. Our adults-only sunset cruise is made for slowing down, enjoying the harbor, and seeing Galveston during one of the most beautiful times of day.
Bring your partner, your friends, or simply yourself and enjoy 45 minutes on the water with a front-row seat to the evening sky. Because sunset changes throughout the year, departure times vary seasonally.
- 45 minutes on Galveston Bay
- Sunset views from the water
- Harbor sightseeing
- Captain and crew onboard
- USCG-approved life jackets available
Private Dolphin Charters
1–3 Hours · By Reservation
Want the experience all to yourselves? Reserve Island Jules for a private charter and enjoy Galveston Bay with your own group. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll help you determine the best charter option for your group.
Pricing is customized to your group — contact us for a quote.
ISLAND DOLPHIN TOURS MEMBERSHIP
Join the Pod!
Love the dolphins as much as we do? Become a member and make Galveston Bay part of your year, not just your vacation.
Memberships Include:
- Unlimited standard Dolphin Tours for a year
- One complimentary guest ticket annually
- 20% off additional guest tickets
- Exclusive member-only sunset cruise each year
Adult, Children, and Family passes available. Family passes cover 2 adults + 2 children, with additional children just $25 each.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Dolphin Tour Adventure Starts at Pier 19
Your dolphin tour departs from Pier 19 in Galveston Harbor. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure so you have enough time to park, find our check-in area, and prepare for boarding.
Once you arrive at Pier 19, look for the Island Tours of Galveston kiosk, canopy, flags, and crew displaying our logo. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.
Once aboard, your Captain and crew will provide any necessary safety instructions before you head onto Galveston Bay. Then it’s time to start looking, watch the surface for fins, splashes, and movement as we cruise through the harbor searching for the wild bottlenose dolphins that call these waters home.
Because these are wild animals in their natural environment, their location and behavior can change from trip to trip. That’s what makes every dolphin tour a little different. Bring your camera, you never know when one might surface.
WHY CHOOSE ISLAND DOLPHIN TOURS?
A Galveston Experience Made for Memories
Family-Friendly
Our daytime dolphin tours welcome guests of all ages — easy for families with little ones, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Transparent Pricing
Nobody likes discovering extra fees halfway through checkout. Our advertised prices already include port and processing fees.
Safety Comes First
USCG-approved life jackets for adults and children are readily available. Passenger limits strictly follow our Coast Guard COI.
Local Galveston Experience
Depart from Pier 19 and experience Galveston’s harbor, wildlife, vessels, and waterfront from an entirely different perspective.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Galveston Dolphin Tour FAQs
Do you guarantee dolphin sightings?
No. The bottlenose dolphins we see in Galveston Bay are wild animals living in their natural environment, so we never want to promise something nature controls. Their location, activity, and behavior can vary from tour to tour — that’s part of what makes spotting one so exciting.
Can babies and small children come on the dolphin tour?
Absolutely. Our public dolphin cruises welcome all ages. Children under age 2 must still be included on the passenger manifest.
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes. USCG-approved life jackets suitable for adults and children are readily available onboard. Guests may also bring their own personal USCG-approved life jacket if preferred.
How long is the dolphin tour?
Our public dolphin cruise is approximately 45 minutes. Please plan additional time for parking and check-in, as guests should arrive at Pier 19 at least 30 minutes before departure.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding closes 15 minutes prior to departure. Arriving early gives you enough time to park, find our check-in area, and get everyone ready to board without rushing.
Where do we check in?
Tours depart from Pier 19 in Galveston Harbor. Look for the Island Tours of Galveston kiosk, canopy, flags, and crew displaying our logo. Your confirmation will include the most current arrival instructions.
What should I bring?
We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera or phone, weather-appropriate clothing, an extra layer if it’s breezy, and comfortable footwear suitable for boarding a boat. Space is limited, so please pack light.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Outside food is permitted in small snack amounts — it’s only a 45-minute ride, so we don’t allow full meals onboard. Guests of legal drinking age may bring a limited quantity of beer, wine, or canned alcoholic beverages, subject to the Captain’s discretion.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may operate during light rain; the Captain makes the final decision on weather, water conditions, and passenger safety. If we cancel a tour because conditions are unsafe, guests may choose a full refund or a free reschedule.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
What if we're late?
Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals are not eligible for a refund. When availability allows, guests may be offered the option to rebook for a later departure, subject to availability and any applicable rebooking fee.
What about seasickness?
Our tours stay in the protected bay, not open ocean, and the water is typically calm. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine 30 minutes before departure.
Do you allow dogs on board?
Yes! We love having our furry friends on board. We even have special blankets for them to use, so just ask!
Come Back After Dark
Love the bay by day? Experience it by night. Galveston’s haunted maritime history told under the stars.