Updated: December 19, 2025
Dolphins thrive in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area, and locals know the best viewing spots. John's Pass, Shell Key Preserve, and Anna Maria Island offer prime opportunities to watch these playful mammals in their natural habitat, while Clearwater Marine Aquarium guarantees sightings of rescued dolphins year-round.
A Majestic Sight to Behold
It's a sight you never get tired of. Seeing the graceful arc of a dolphin's back gently surfacing the water is a pleasure to behold. These beautiful, playful marine mammals are regulars in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area. There are many places to see them, along with different ways to do so. But there are several spots the dolphins are especially fond of.
The strong currents at John's Pass and Madeira Beach bring fish into the inlet. That in turn attracts dolphins which feed off the fish. This is one of the top places in the area to dolphin watch.
Shell Key Preserve is another magnet for schools of fish, and in turn, numerous dolphins. This 1,800-acre preserve is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and is only accessible by boat. You can catch a commercial boat to the Preserve or take your own.
I visited Shell Key on a calm morning in May and counted at least a dozen dolphins feeding near the sandbar. The boat captain told me early mornings offer the best viewing opportunities when the fish are most active.
Relax on the powdery white sands of Anna Maria Island and let the dolphins do the entertaining. Anna Maria is a seven-mile-long barrier island where life moves at a laid-back pace. Dolphin watching is among the many low key outdoor activities, providing plenty of oohs and ahs.
Local operators like Hubbard's Marina and Island Ferry Service offer dolphin watching cruises from an array of boats. Some of these tours include extra excursions such as snorkeling or swimming stops at sandbars where dolphins are often spotted nearby.
One place where you are guaranteed to see dolphins is Clearwater Marine Aquarium north of St Petersburg. Dolphins are among the many rescued marine creatures at CMA (click here https://www.cmaquarium.org/webcams/ to view its dolphin cam). Visitors can also see and learn about sharks, stingrays, pelicans, sea turtles and more. Many of the rescues are rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat.
Resort Rentals offers many private homes, condos and townhomes in the areas near these dolphin-loving spots. Visit https://www.resortrentals.us/ for a complete property list and to book you next getaway.
By the way, dolphins also frequent the pristine waters along Cape San Blas, just a few hours east along Florida's Gulf Coast. Pristine Properties offers vacation rentals in this quieter coastal haven where dolphin sightings are a daily occurrence. Visit Pristine Properties to book your Cape San Blas getaway.
